The Member of Parliament for Effutu, Mr. Alexander Ato Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has called on the area's residents to prioritise the state's interests.
This appeal was made during the 2024 edition of the Masquerading competition in Winneba, where Mr Afenyo-Markin emphasized that politics should be viewed as a competition of ideas rather than a war.
As the Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament, Mr Afenyo-Markin reminded Ghanaians that despite heated debates on the parliamentary floor, politicians are not enemies but friends who socialize.
He urged citizens to avoid battles with family members or friends over political differences, emphasizing the importance of unity.
“If you are fighting your brother or a sister who does not share the same political views, know that you are fighting a lost battle,” cautioned Mr Afenyo-Markin. He urged Ghanaians to unite and prevent partisan politics from causing harm to the nation.
Mr Afenyo-Markin highlighted the successful development of advanced countries, attributing it to prioritizing their countries before any political ideology.
He commended the women in development in the constituency for their positive contributions to the local economy, urging for continuous improvement.
Expressing concern about indiscipline among youth who have served in security agencies, he called on them to uphold discipline and avoid actions that could lead to interdiction or dismissal.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin emphasized the need for reconciliation among the people to contribute collectively to Effutu and Ghana's growth and development.
The Effutu Masquerading Competition Committee for 2024 received commendation from Mr Afenyo-Markin for organizing a peaceful competition.
Five masquerade groups, namely Nobles No. One, Egya No. Two, Tumus No. Three, Red Cross No. Four, and Royals No. Five participated in disciplines such as costume inspection, march pass, slow dancing, and adaha (speed or hot dancing).
Nobles No. One emerged as the overall best-performing group for 2024, securing the first position and receiving a trophy. Red Cross No. Four and Royals No. Five claimed the second position, Tumus No. Three secured the third position and Egya No. Two attained the fourth position, with each group receiving a trophy.
The Effutu Municipal Chief Executive, Alhaji Zubairu Kassim, urged participants to embrace peace, emphasizing that development could only be realized through unity.
Various dignitaries attended the event, including Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, Vice Chancellor of the University of Education Winneba, Dr. Alex Bonney, a Trade Unionist who chaired the event, service commanders and personnel, a representative of the Traditional Council, and Members of the Local Council of Churches.
