Need for peaceful co-existence in Volta Region - Dzamesi

Likpe Mate(V/R), March 24, 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.