The two-hour round-trip walk began around 8:00 a.m. and ended at about 10:00 a.m.
Correspondence from the Eastern Region
The Member of Parliament for Okere in the Eastern Region, Daniel Nana Addo-Kenneth, has launched the maiden edition of the “Walk Okere” initiative, a community exercise programme aimed at promoting healthy living, strengthening unity and showcasing the tourism potential of the constituency.
The event, held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, attracted hundreds of participants from across the constituency and beyond. Men, women, youth, students, political figures and traditional leaders joined the 7-kilometre walk through the mountainous terrain of Okere, moving from Adukrom to Aseseeso and back to Adukrom.
The two-hour round-trip walk began around 8:00 a.m. and ended at about 10:00 a.m., marking what organisers described as the first of many community walks intended to bring residents together while promoting local tourism, physical fitness and local economic activity.
Among the dignitaries who participated in the walk were the District Chief Executive for Okere, Daniel Kenneth Addo Kenneth, District Chief Executive for the area, William Eric Kofi Ayettey, former Okere MP, Daniel Botwe, and media personality Countryman Songo of Adom TV.
Speaking after the walk, MP for the area, Daniel Nana Addo-Kenneth, explained that the primary objective of the initiative is to encourage regular exercise among residents, particularly young people.
According to him, lifestyle-related health conditions are increasingly affecting the youth due to inadequate physical activity.
“You can always take part in the walk to exercise. A walk a day keeps the doctor away,” he said.
The MP noted that the Okere constituency provides a unique environment suitable for outdoor exercise because of its scenic landscape and natural attractions.
He highlighted several tourist sites within the constituency, including the Abonse Slave Market, the birthplace of Okomfo Anokye, the Abiriw Waterfalls and Forest Reserve, Apirede Waterfalls, Awukugua Waterfalls, Akaa Waterfalls, the Umbrella Rock and Asenema Waterfalls.
According to the legislator, the walk is also intended to promote tourism in the area and stimulate economic opportunities for local residents.
“Our local economy will also develop because tourism creates a whole value chain. Investors will be drawn to undertake development here,” he said.
Addo added that his role as a legislator includes creating opportunities and enabling conditions that will lead to employment for the youth.
He therefore urged young people in the constituency to take advantage of the opportunities that could arise from the initiative.
The MP also announced plans to sustain the programme by organising similar walks regularly, encouraging residents not to wait for weekends before engaging in physical exercise.
Chief of Adukrom and Nifahene of Akuapem Traditional Area, Osuodumgya Nana Otutu Ababio V, called on residents of the constituency to unite in order to harness the area’s natural resources for development.
He noted that Okere possesses significant tourism potential, including waterfalls and other natural attractions that could be developed to boost the local economy if stakeholders work together.
“Okere must unite so that our resources can be used to enhance our development. When we support our leaders and work together, we can bring the youth together and help them realise their potential,” he said.
The chief added that the walk also served as an opportunity to draw attention to the constituency’s tourism sites, which he said could attract visitors and investment if properly promoted.
Similarly, the Asonahene of Aseseeso, Nana Kusi Addo expressed excitement about the large turnout and described the initiative as a unique and commendable programme.
“I am really impressed by the massive crowd gathered here this morning. This is the first time such a programme is being organised here and it is truly a novelty,” he said.
He commended the MP and other stakeholders for initiating the programme, noting that activities of this nature promote economic activity, improve physical wellbeing and strengthen social cohesion within communities.
The chief emphasised the importance of sustaining the initiative, adding that traditional leaders and community members would work together to ensure the programme continues.
“Sustainability is key. We must unite and put ourselves together to ensure that this programme continues and grows,” he stated.
The maiden Walk Okere concluded with participants heading to the Asenema Waterfalls for recreation, further highlighting the constituency’s tourism potential.
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