The Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation, Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe, has called on Ghanaians to embrace peace, unity, tolerance and mutual respect, stressing that despite differences in background, beliefs, opinions and places of origin, humanity remains one family.
Mr. Evortepe made the appeal during the Duamenefa Social Intervention Programme on Fafaa 100.3 FM, where he urged the public to make peaceful coexistence a priority in their daily lives.
According to him, differences in background, religion, culture or place of origin should never become reasons for people to hate, discriminate against or attack one another. He said such differences are natural in every society and should instead be managed through understanding, tolerance and respect.
The Executive President encouraged individuals to resolve disagreements through dialogue and other peaceful means rather than resorting to insults, threats, confrontation or violence.
He noted that conflicts often affect more than the individuals directly involved, with families and entire communities sometimes suffering the consequences. He therefore urged the public to consider the impact of their actions before engaging in activities that could disrupt peace.
Mr. Evortepe also called on people to learn to forgive one another and settle misunderstandings amicably, noting that disagreements are inevitable but the manner in which people handle them determines whether they will lead to peace or conflict.
He emphasised the importance of respecting people regardless of their social status, beliefs, background or position in society, saying mutual respect creates an environment where disagreements can be addressed without hostility.
The Executive President reaffirmed the Duamenefa Foundation’s commitment to promoting peace and peaceful coexistence in communities. He said peace remains essential to the development of individuals, families and the country as a whole.
He appealed to parents to teach their children values such as love, tolerance, kindness, forgiveness and peaceful living, noting that children raised in peaceful environments are more likely to become responsible citizens.
Mr. Evortepe also urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, opinion leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders to intensify public education on peace and conflict prevention. He stressed that maintaining peace should be treated as a collective responsibility.
He particularly cautioned the youth against allowing anger, peer pressure, misinformation and disputes on social media to influence them into actions that could create conflict. He encouraged them to use their energy positively and serve as ambassadors of peace in their communities.
According to him, meaningful development cannot take place without peace, as businesses, education, families and communities all require a stable and peaceful environment to thrive.
He further urged the public to focus on what unites them rather than what divides them, stressing that the strength of every community lies in the ability of its members to live and work together.
Mr. Evortepe also cautioned against the quick spread of unverified information, particularly information capable of creating tension between individuals or communities. He encouraged the public to verify information and seek clarification before reacting to issues.
He reiterated that peace begins with the individual and urged everyone to contribute to peace by controlling their emotions, respecting others, forgiving those who offend them and choosing dialogue whenever disagreements arise.
The Duamenefa Foundation Executive President therefore appealed to Ghanaians to see themselves as brothers and sisters and work together to build a society where everyone’s life, dignity and rights are respected.
He concluded by reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to peace and peaceful coexistence, reminding the public that “we are one family.” He urged everyone to reject violence, embrace dialogue and make peace a priority for the benefit of present and future generations.
By Hutor Dziwornu
Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze
Edited by Isabella Evortepe