By Emmanuel Gamson
Takoradi, July 21, GNA – Mr Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, has stated that the development and progress of the region requires a collective effort and unity of the people to drive change.
He was speaking at the inaugural “Walk with the Regional Minister” health walk, held on the theme: “Healthy People, Wealthy Region.”
The walk, held in collaboration with the Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC), and the Western Regional Office of the National Sports Authority (NSA), was to promote a healthy living and shared vision for regional development among the people.
The 10.3-kilometer walk commenced at the Takoradi Mall, traversed major streets in Sekondi-Takoradi, and concluded at the Sekondi Gyandu Park, and attended by the 14 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), some parliamentarians, citizenry, and other dignitaries from the region.
Mr Nelson explained that the initiative was aimed at providing a platform for the entire region to unite and collectively strive for a better future, and promote unity to develop the region.
He said: “We are doing this to demonstrate that Western Region’s development is our collective responsibility, and this is not a partisan initiative; it is a Western Region programme uniting us all.
“Unity is key, and we must work together, hand in hand, every step of the way, and by doing so, we will shift focus from complaining about what is lacking and instead drive progress.”
Some dignitaries who joined the walk shared their views on the initiative, and encouraged community members to participate in future health activities.
Mr Dickson Kuah, Nzema East Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), said: “I could not recall the last time I engaged in such exercise, so the Regional Minister’s initiative brought us together, fostering unity among us, and participating in this activity has been beneficial for all of us.”
Mr Philip Fiifi Buckman, Member of Parliament for Kwesimintsim, reiterated the need to come together and collectively drive the development of the region.
“The key takeaway is that we must put aside partisan differences and unite as one people to drive development in our region,” he added.
GNA
Edited Justina Paaga/Christian Akorlie