By Elorm Yao Aryee
Thousands of residents in the Volta Region have embarked on a peace walk on the streets of Aflao, in the Ketu South Municipality to promote unity during and after the December 7 general elections.
Dubbed, the “Duamenefa Peace Walk”, the event sought to create awareness of the need for Ghanaians to maintain peaceful coexistence in the country regardless of which political party wins the elections.
“Duamenefa” literally means let us coexist in peace in the Ewe language.
The “Duamenefa Peace Walk” is a non-partisan quadrennial event organized by a social group with over 40 thousand members, Duamenefa Foundation with support from a non-profit organization, Tanko Foundation.
This year’s peace walk marks the third time after it was previously held in 2016 and 2020 prior to the general elections.
Thousands of residents from the Anlo District, Keta, Ketu North and South Municipalities participated in the walk holding placards that sought to promote peace and harmony regardless of one’s political affiliations.
The walk began at the Aflao Border and ended at Swanzy Beach in Denu, where political and religious leaders, heads of department, and representatives of security agencies among others addressed the crowd with their messages for peace.
The Chief Executive Officer of Tanko Foundation, Gabriel Kwamigah-Atople entreated the youths to eschew violence and crimes during and after the December 7 elections.
He also encouraged them not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to perpetuate violence for their parochial interests.
The Executive President of Duamenefa Foundation, Emmanuel Ketaman Evortepe urged politicians to put the interest of the country first in their actions in order to avoid chaos.
He was optimistic that Ghanaians would peacefully coexist in their communities regardless of whoever wins the elections.
The crowd engaged in aerobics and other exercises to keep fit.
They also prayed for God’s protection and mercies for peace to prevail after the general elections.
