UW/R: Health Directorate Launches Keep fit Club to promote Peace & Unity ahead of electionsThe Upper West Regional Health Directorate, in collaboration with local community groups and security agencies, has launched a Keep Fit Club aimed at fostering peace and unity before, during, and after the upcoming elections.The launch, held at the forecourt of the Regional Health Directorate in Wa, on Saturday, October 26, 2024, drew hundreds of participants from all walks of life across the region, started with a float through some principal streets, with participants wielding placards with peace messages.The Keep Fit Club, themed "Fostering Peace and Unity through Keep Fit Activities," seeks to promote physical fitness, social cohesion, and community engagement.According to the Regional Health Director, Dr Damien Punguyire, the Keep Fit Club is an innovative approach to promoting peace and unity during this critical period, as it brings people together through physical activity. "We know this is not the same in other regions; as the campaigns heat up, you can hear gunshots and people beating each other at radio stations in other regions.
But so far, so good for our region", Dr Damien stated.He also charged residents to take their health issues seriously and reduce their intake of salt as that will also improve their health.The Keep Fit club is expected to organize regular keep-fit sessions, including aerobics, jogging, and yoga, as well as health education and civic awareness programs.Participants will also engage in discussions on peaceful coexistence, conflict resolution, and democratic values.The initiative has received endorsement from local leaders and stakeholders, who praised the innovative approach to promoting peace and unity.The Wa Central Constituency Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Naa Osman Hamid, flanged by his Constituency secretary, lauded the initiative, adding it will complement their party's efforts to ensure peaceful elections. "The NPP is committed to peaceful election and we are always committed to free, fair, and transparent election.
We urge our counterparts to abide by the rules and regulations of the electoral process", he mentioned.Abu Salifu Tamaah, Wa Central Constituency Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), supported by his members, urged the director ate to promote justice.He added that "I represent peace here, my party represent peace.
And we just don't represent peace, we advocate for justice."The launch event saw both NPP and NDC parties pledge their commitment to peace, demonstrating a united front in promoting harmony during the electoral period.