By Patience Tawiah
Nkwanta (O/R), May 15, GNA – Mr Joseph Awal Antwi, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Nkwanta South in the Oti Region, has appealed to traditional authorities and residents to embrace peace and unity as a foundation for accelerated development in the Municipality.
He said sustained calm and cooperation were critical for attracting investment and ensuring the smooth implementation of government projects.
Mr Antwi noted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, remained committed to the welfare of the people of Nkwanta South, as demonstrated through ongoing development and infrastructure interventions.
The MCE made the appeal during the handover of documents and the project site for the construction of a proposed 24-hour economy market in Nkwanta.
He explained that the market formed part of the President’s 24-hour economy programme, an initiative aimed at improving livelihoods, modernising market infrastructure, and creating sustainable employment through round-the-clock commercial activities.
Mr Antwi, however, expressed concern that recurring tribal conflicts and disturbances in parts of the Municipality continued to undermine government efforts and delay the Assembly’s development agenda.
He stressed that no meaningful development could be sustained in an environment characterised by tension and insecurity, urging residents to consider peace as a shared responsibility.
The MCE further indicated that the 24-hour market project was expected to expand trading opportunities, stimulate local enterprise, and create employment, particularly for the youth.
He, therefore, called on chiefs, opinion leaders, and community members to support contractors and implementing agencies to ensure the smooth execution and timely completion of the project.
Traditional rulers from the Akyode, Adele, and Challa communities, who also spoke at the event, echoed the call for unity and peaceful coexistence.
They emphasised that development could not thrive amid division and conflict, and expressed concern over recent disturbances, which they said had slowed progress in the Municipality.
The chiefs urged residents to promote cooperation, reconciliation, and mutual respect to strengthen social cohesion and create an enabling environment for economic growth.
They also pledged their readiness to collaborate with the Municipal Assembly and other stakeholders to support development initiatives, including the 24-hour economy market project.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah