The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration's Chief Director, Ramses Joseph Cleland, says citizens and leaders must prioritize peace as Ghana nears the 2024 elections on December 7.

During an address after a peace walk to sensitise the public on the need to preserve peace before, during and after elections, Mr Cleland stressed the need for the country to resolve above everything else, to protect lives, property, and progress.

The Chief Director said this could be done by making a concerted effort to promote peace. “We recognise that peace is a non-negotiable commodity that we ought to collectively prioritise in these crucial times,” he said.

The six-kilometre walk through some principal streets of Accra saw the participation of personnel drawn from the various security services, such as the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Prisons Service, some government ministries and international agencies.

The event, held on the theme: “Working together towards Peace and Sustainable Development in Ghana for present and Future generations” also marked the 79th anniversary of the United Nations (UN).

The Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), a participant in the peace walk, Dr Wilfred Ochan, speaking on behalf of Mr Charles Abani, the UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, said the walk will go beyond boosting the health of participants to remind Ghanaians of how ensuring a peaceful country was a collective responsibility.

“Today’s walk was a powerful reminder that peace is a shared responsibility. Each step we took together echoed our dedication to building a more harmonious society,” he said.

The UN‘s day will be marked worldwide. In Ghana, there will be a flag-raising ceremony on the 24th of October as a sign of deepened ties and work commitment between Ghana and the UN.