The residents of Nkwanta South of the Oti Region have taken this year’s Valentine’s Day as an occasion for peace, using the occasion to renew calls for lasting calm after years of insecurity that has stalled development and disrupted daily life.
For nearly four years, intermittent tensions in the Municipality have weakened social cohesion, slowed economic activities, and affected the overall peace of progress.
The Municipal Assembly in its quest to change the narrative with the support of other government officials, security agencies, traditional leaders, private organisations have organised a peace walk through the principal streets of Nkwanta to demonstrate unity and collective resolve.
The peace walk attracted high profile participation, Including the Oti Regional Minister, Mr John Kwadwo Gyapong, the Member of Parliament of Nkwanta South, Mr Geoffrey Kini, the Nkwanta South Municipal Chief Executive, Joseph Antwi Awal, Mr Prosper Addo, MCE for Krachi West, and Mr Sarfo Nketia, MCE of Krachi East.
Their presence highlighted a unified leadership stance towards restoring peace and positioning the municipality for sustainable growth.
Mr John Kwadwo Gyapong, the Oti Regional Minister addressing participants, stressed that peace remains the bedrock of development, describing the municipality as a strategic driver of progress whose stability directly influences economic and social wellbeing across the region.
He urged chiefs and residents to embrace dialogue, tolerance, and responsible leadership as the surest path to harmony.
The Minister also appealed for review of the current curfew, proposing an adjustment from the existing 2200hours, start time to a new window of 0000 to 0500 hours, citing improving conditions and the need to revive economic and social activities, while maintaining public safety as a priority.
Mr Geoffrey Kini, the Member of Parliament, also reinforced the call, urging all factions to give peace a chance and emphasizing that the constituency’s future depends on unity and cooperation.
Mr Prosper Addo, Dean of MMDCEs in the Oti Region, noted that recent disturbances have significantly derailed development projects, insisting that only collective efforts and togetherness can return the municipality to its development path.
The traditional leaders from Adele, Akyode, Challa, and other ethnic groups publicly pledged their commitment to peace and unity, affirming dialogue as the primary means of resolving disputes.
Some residents also called on their fellow citizens to remain united and actively support reconciliation and security initiatives because the insecurity has lingering impact, such as disrupted livelihoods and strained relationships.
The Valentine’s Day peace walk, participants said, symbolises not just love between individuals but a shared love for the municipality and a common determination to build a peaceful and prosperous future.
GNA
