As part of activities to celebrate this year’s International Peace Day in the Eastern Region, the Eastern Regional Peace Council, has organised a durbar at Akwamufie to mark the day on Wednesday.
The celebration which brought together traditional authorities, the clergy, diaspora, indigenes and people from all walks of life, was purposed to promote sustainable peace and educate the public to avoid violence, misunderstandings in all forms, and to promote development in the country.
With the theme: “End Racism, Build Peace” the event was also used to celebrate the Paramount Queen Mother of Akwamu Traditional Area, Nana Afrakoma II and other prominent individuals for their selfless dedication and significant contribution to ensuring peace and stability in the area.
Speaking at the durbar, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Seth Kwame Acheampong, said the International Peace Day which was celebrated globally provided the platform for all humanity to commit to peace above all differences, and contribute to building a culture of peace.
He stated the need to end all hostilities and building peace among people of diverse religions, groups, tribes or cultures, adding that it was only in the atmosphere of peace that development and progress of the country could be achieved.
He cited the Ukraine-Russia war as an example of misunderstandings that had affected nations and “have caused prices of food, water and transportation to see an upward trend.”
“Who would have thought that a war in Europe would have anything to do with Africa,” he said, adding that the world had become global village, hence the need for everyone to put measures in place to ensure peaceful co-existence.
Mr Acheampong called on leaders in the country, including traditional, religious leaders, politicians to be visionaries and ensure development for Ghanaians through peace building processes.
For his part, the Chairman for the Eastern Region Peace Council, Very Reverend Father Andrew Dunyo, stated the need for all citizenry to play vital roles by fostering peace in the region, and the country as a whole.
“All over the world, we witness acts of violence leading to loss of life and property and insecurity, adding that the nation has witnessed different forms of conflict degenerating into violence and insecurity in some countries,” he noted.
For his part, the Paramount Chief of Akwamu, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, advised the citizenry to stop all forms of misunderstandings and to be united to ensure the development of the country.
He congratulated the queen mother for standing firm in 30 years of litigation in the area, and thanked her and other individuals for supporting him to ensure peace.
FROM AMA TEKYIWAA AMPADU AGYEMAN, AKWAMUFIE
