By Hannah Dadzie
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in collaboration with the United Nations Office in Ghana has embarked on a peace walk to emphasize the importance of maintaining peace during the upcoming general election.
This is part of activities to mark the 79th United Nations Day celebrations in the country. The walk was a call to action to all citizens to prioritize peace and unity as the country approaches the elections. Organizers urged Ghanaians to ensure the nation remains a model of stability for present and future generations.
In a show of solidarity and commitment to a peaceful nation, hundreds of Ghanaians including security personnel, government officials, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, and UN Agencies, participated in the six-kilometre peace walk. The walk which started from the forecourt of the State House through some principal streets in Accra was aimed to promote peace and unity ahead of the upcoming general election.
The PledgeForPeace campaign, led by the UN and the National Peace Council, was also highlighted, urging Ghanaians to engage in conversations that foster understanding and reconciliation. Chief Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ambassador Ramses Cleland, said the event is not merely a health walk but a crucial step in reinforcing the connection between peace and sustainable development.
“Our theme for this anniversary was chosen not only to highlight and reinforce the nexus between peace and sustainability but to deliberately emphasize the vital importance of ensuring that peace would prevail before, during, and after the upcoming general election,” Ambassador Cleland said.
Ambassador Cleland also called on all Ghanaians to carry forward the spirit of the Peace Walk in their daily lives, urging them to place the nation above all and to promote unity, love, and understanding in their interactions.
The UN through its representatives, reminded Ghanaians of the importance of peace as a cornerstone of democracy. Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, Dr. Wilfred Ochan, who spoke on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator to Ghana, Charles Abani commended participants for their dedication and urged them to continue to promote peace in their daily lives. He reiterated that the Peace Walk was a powerful reminder that peace is a shared responsibility.
“This peace walk is not just a symbolic gesture; it’s a powerful reminder that peace is a shared responsibility. Each step we took together reinforces our dedication to building a more harmonious society. it was a call to action and we all play a role in safeguarding it.” Dr. Ochan said
As part of peace efforts, a flag-raising ceremony will be held on October 24 to commemorate UN Day, in deepening the strong ties between Ghana and the UN.
