|
Need for peaceful co-existence in
Volta Region – Dzamesi
Likpe Mate(V/R), March 24, Ghanadot/GNA—Mr Kofi Dzamesi
Volta Regional Minister has stressed the need for peaceful
co-existence, tolerance and good neighbourliness among
ethnic groups in the Volta Region.
He noted that no nation could develop without a congenial
environment for progress and socio-economic development.
"This underscores the need for all and sundry to uphold the
principles of peaceful co-existence, tolerance and good
neighbourliness".
Mr Dzamesi made the call when addressing a durbar of chiefs
and people of Likpe Traditional Area at the weekend to
climax their Lekoryi (Peace) Festival at Likpe Mate.
The festival was in remembrance of their ancestors formerly
known as Bakpeles who united after several wars and
hostilities and settled at their present location in the
Hohoe District.
The last celebration of the festival under the theme: Peace,
Unity and Development was about 20 years ago.
Mr Dzamesi said efforts by the Government to enhance quality
of life could only succeed and achieve the desired results
when there was peace and tranquillity in the home,
communities and institutions.
He commended the chiefs and people of the area for
organizing the festival, because many communities in the
country could not organize festivals because of strife and
conflicts due to chieftaincy and land disputes that denied
the people peace and tranquillity needed for effective
socio-economic development.
Mr Dzamesi said government had initiated and implemented
many policies and programmes to improve the living standards
of the people, these include infrastructural development in
education, health and the transport sector.
Others are; School Feeding Programme, Capitation Grant,
National Youth Employment Programme, Micro-Credit Programme
and National Health Insurance Scheme.
On the December elections, Mr Dzamesi urged the people to
exhibit maturity and tolerance during the campaigns, adding:
"Let us focus on issues not on personalities, political
opponents are not enemies, politics is about development,
avoid provocative language and condemn violence in all
forms".
He advised the youth to eschew anti-social activities and
use their efforts towards the country’s development.
Togbe Afede XIV, Agbobomefia of Asogli Traditional Area,
urged the people to continue to live in peace and contribute
towards development of the area.
Nana Soglo Alloh IV, Paramount Chief of Likpe Traditional
Area recounted how their ancestors had to abandon several
settlements from Atebubu, Nchumuru and Krachi to their
present location.
He said the festival was celebrated to remember how they
moved in batches during wars and hostilities and finally
settled peacefully as a united people.
Four citizens including Dr Obed Yao Asamoah, Leader of
Democratic Freedom Party, Most Reverend Nubuasah, Bishop of
Francistown, Botswana, late Major General Edward Utuka (Rtd)
and late Opanin John Kosi Ekudi were honoured for their
contribution towards development of the traditional area.
GNA
|
