By Raymond Rex Awiagah
Background
The Rotary Club of Accra Airport City has partnered with sister Rotary Clubs, in a community engagement and stakeholders forum in the Odododiodo constituency in Accra. With the primary focus on peace-building ahead of the 2024 general election, the collaborative initiative by some Rotary clubs in Accra seeks to address potential tensions and prevent any risks of unrest before, during, and after the 2024 national exercise.
Participating Clubs
The Rotary Peace Campaign held under the auspices of the Rotary Club of Accra Airport City in collaboration with Rotary Clubs of Accra Legon East, Accra-Tesano, Accra-Adjiringanor, Accra-North Kaneshie, Akosombo Dam-City, and supported by the Rotaract Club of Accra-East, convened a good gathering of influential community leaders, government representatives, civil society organizations, political parties representatives and students.
Impact of initiative
The peace forum served as a platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and the formulation of strategic initiatives designed to uphold democratic principles and protect societal cohesion.
Point of view by President of Rotary Club of Accra Airport City
Speaking at the event, the president of the Rotary Club of Accra Airport, Rotarian Sylvia-Clare Serwaah Fordjour highlighted the critical importance of proactive engagement and collaboration among diverse stakeholders for a peaceful electoral environment.
“In a world often marred by discord, it is inspiring to see individuals come together for a common cause. Let us unite our efforts toward fostering understanding, empathy, and harmony. May this campaign serve as a beacon of hope reminding us that collective actions can pave the way for a more peaceful tomorrow”- she said.
Remarks by District Governor Elect of Rotary District 9104
The District Governor Elect of Rotary District 9104, Rotarian Maame Florence Hagan highlighted Rotary's commitment to a peaceful world.
She said "Peace is a fundamental value and a key principle in the ideals of Rotary International. The organization believes that promoting peace is essential for creating a better world and improving the quality of lives for all".
The District Governor Elect, Rotarian Maame Florence Hagan added that Rotary’s quest for peacebuilding serves to bring together individuals dedicated to the ideals of service, fellowship, and fostering peace and understanding.
The District Governor Elect, concluded her remarks by calling on all to carry forth the spirit of peace-building in our daily lives embodying the principles of tolerance and cooperation.
MP for Odododiodo pledges peace
For his part, the Member of Parliament for the Odododiodo constituency, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye committed to ensure peaceful elections and pledged for peace in the upcoming 2024 general election. He lauded the initiative by the Rotary clubs.
"This is a constituency that has suffered a lot of violence. Since the days of Nkrumah, this constituency has been in the political landscape for various reasons, some good, some positive, and some negative. But we thank God that we continue to live as a group of people with a determined effort to achieve the best for our people. Peace is a very valuable asset, it is the ingredient for companionship and no society or group of people can develop without living in peace with one another”.
Conclusion
As Ghana prepares to embark on another pivotal chapter in its democratic journey, initiatives like the Community Engagement and Stakeholders Forum serve as a beacon of hope, reaffirming the nation's commitment to peaceful coexistence and collective progress. With unwavering dedication and concerted action, stakeholders remain steadfast in their resolve to ensure that the 2024 general election are characterized by transparency, inclusivity, and peace.