Opening Ceremony of Dialogue on Peaceful Coexistence through Inclusive Society held at the GNAT Hall, Ho.
On Tuesday, July 06, 2021, The Regional Minister, Ho Dr Letsa participated in the Opening Ceremony of Dialogue on Peaceful Coexistence through Inclusive Society held at the GNAT Hall, Ho. The dialogue was being organised by the National Peace Council and would be held at seventeen (17) communities in the Volta and Oti Regions.
The dialogue is in response to media reportage and discussions on claims of stereotyping, discrimination, and marginalisation against the Ewe ethnic group in the country, in recent times, which the National Peace Council considered a risk to social cohesion and peaceful coexistence in multiethnic societies such as Ghana.
Addressing, the gathering, the Minister underscored the importance of the dialogue stating that issues of ethnicity if not properly handled could destabilize the peace of a society which is a precondition for progress and development.
Hon Dr Letsa stated that our ethnic diversity must be appreciated, and it should enable us to work together towards our common development.
Furthermore, he stated that naturally, any ethnic group which is discriminated against, stereotyped and marginalised would be unhappy and that would bring about conflict. Therefore, it was necessary for us to work together as a people against the above.
Hon Dr Letsa was emphatic that there would never be a peaceful society and coexistence as long as there is ethnic discrimination, marginalisation and stereotyping. Therefore, Government under the directive of H.E. the President of the Republic, Nana Akufo-Addo, had taken the initiative to hold discussions with stakeholders especially traditional authority and the clergy in the region to find solutions to the various claims and reports of the Ewe ethnic group being stereotyped, discriminated against and marginalized.
He indicated that Government appreciates ethnic diversity and sees the beauty therein for progress and development. Thus, Government would never discriminate or marginalise any ethnic group in the country.
The Regional Minister concluded by requesting that the dialogue be used (to) share ideas in order that we could better understand the origin, nature, ramifications and importance of claims of ethnic discrimination and marginalisation for the appropriate recommendations to be made for consideration and implementation.