Residents of Nkwanta South in the Oti Region have used this year’s Valentine’s Day to amplify a renewed call for lasting peace in the municipality, following years of insecurity and unrest that have slowed development and disrupted everyday life.
For the past four years, the area has experienced persistent tensions that have affected social cohesion, local commerce, and the pace of progress.
Against this backdrop, community members, youth groups, traditional leaders, and government officials participated in a peace walk to reinforce unity and reaffirm their shared commitment to stability.
The walk through the principal streets of Nkwanta brought together key personalities, including the Member of Parliament for Nkwanta South, Geoffrey Kini; the Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong; the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Nkwanta South, Joseph Antwi Awal; Prosper Addo, MCE for Krachi West; and Sarfo Nketia, MCE for Krachi East.
Their participation underscored the collective leadership’s focus on restoring calm and ensuring the area returns to a path of sustained growth.
Speaking at the event, Oti Regional Minister John Kwadwo Gyapong emphasized that peace remains a crucial foundation for development.
He described Nkwanta South as a critical driver of progress in the Oti Region, noting that the municipality’s stability has wider implications for economic activity and social harmony across the region.
The minister called on chiefs and community members to remain committed to dialogue, tolerance, and responsible local leadership.
The Regional Minister also appealed for a review of the current curfew arrangement, urging the Interior Ministry to consider adjusting the hours to better reflect improving conditions and support normal economic and social life.
He proposed a revised curfew window of 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., instead of the existing 10:00 p.m. start time, while emphasizing that any adjustments must continue to prioritize public safety.
The Member of Parliament, Geoffrey Kini, echoed these sentiments, making a passionate appeal to all factions involved in the unrest to “give peace a chance”.
He emphasized that the future of the constituency depends on the ability of its people to coexist and work toward common goals.
Prosper Addo, MCE for Krachi West and Dean of MDCES in the Oti Region, remarked that the recent disturbances have significantly derailed development projects and that only unity can get the municipality back on track.
Traditional leaders from Adele, Akyode, Challa, and other ethnic groups used the platform to publicly pledge their commitment to maintaining peace, unity, and cooperation for development.
They reiterated that the municipality’s future depends on a collective willingness to reject violence and embrace dialogue as the primary tool for resolving disagreements.
Community members, while hopeful, also expressed concerns about the lingering effects of the conflict, including disrupted livelihoods and strained relationships.
Many urged residents to remain united and to support efforts that promote reconciliation, security, and a return to normal life.
