Chief of Ekumfi-Eyisem Traditional Area (R), Founder and President of WUPI (2nd R) and others unveiling the WUPI Charter
World Unity and Peace International (WUPI), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to promoting peace, unity, human rights and human dignity, has been launched in Accra.
The organisation envisions a world united in peace, justice and harmony, where every person enjoys dignity, opportunity and security, and nations work together for the common good.
The launch, held last Monday, also featured the unveiling of the WUPI Charter, the organisation’s supreme instrument that defines its identity, purpose, principles as well as framework for global operations.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Ekumfi-Eyisem Traditional Area, Nana Impraim VIII, expressed concern over intolerance and hate speech, which he said often lead to civil wars in Africa and other parts of the world.
He noted that individuals from different religious and political backgrounds who disagreed with others sometimes resorted to violence, undermining national peace and unity. He cautioned such individuals to desist from such acts.
Nana Impraim VIII further urged Ghanaians to embrace truth, love, freedom and justice, describing them as the four pillars of peace needed to promote national development. He also encouraged citizens to tolerate one another regardless of their religious or political affiliations.
The Founder and President of WUPI, Okronkronyi Nyami Somafo Yawoh (The Faith Healer), lamented the derogatory comments made by some young people on social media about government officials and the elderly.
He said such behaviour was contrary to Ghanaian cultural values and could negatively affect the country’s peace and unity. He, therefore, advised the youth to refrain from such conduct and accord respect to the elderly and public officials.
Dr. Akwesi Agyeman, Editor at the Multimedia Group and Lecturer at the University of Media, Arts and Communication, called on the media to use their platforms to promote peace and unity.
According to him, the media’s core mandate goes beyond educating, entertaining and informing audiences to transform society.
”I will encourage all of us that if the policy makers, traditional rulers and politicians want us to do that dirty work to plunge this country into chaos, we should be able to stand firm, look straight into their eyes and say no,” Dr. Agyeman stressed.
Chairman of the event, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Dr. Nana Freduah Agyemang Budu II, Paramount Chief of Dormaa Traditional Area, commended the founder of WUPI for initiating the organisation to promote peace and unity in Ghana and across the world.
He noted that without peace and unity, the country could be deprived of the development it needed, and urged all stakeholders to support WUPI’s vision and mission.
The organisation is expected to hold the WUPI Summit in September this year.
By Janet Odei Amponsah