Residents of Tabora, Chantan and adjoining communities on Saturday, July 25, 2026, embarked on a three-hour health walk dubbed “Afro Kɛ Dread Natural Walk” as part of activities marking this year’s Homowo Festival celebration.
The exercise, which began at 7:00 a.m. from the chief’s palace at Israel, took participants through major streets in Israel, Tabora, Alhaji, Okaiman and Lomnava before climaxing at the Chantan Market.
The health walk was organised to promote healthy living, encourage regular physical exercise, and prepare the youth physically and mentally for the Homowo festivities.
It also sought to foster community unity, advocate for peace, strengthen cultural identity, and bring together families, youth, elders and traditional leaders ahead of the annual celebration.
The event attracted hundreds of participants from all walks of life, including traditional rulers from the Asere Kotopon Stool of the Ga State, youth groups, market women and residents, who marched through the principal streets while singing songs that preached peace, unity and togetherness.
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Addressing participants after the walk, the Tabora Mantse, Nii Klortia Ayikwei Tutu Alanmle I, expressed delight at the peaceful and orderly conduct of the event, describing it as a clear demonstration of the unity that exists among the people.
He said he was encouraged by the large turnout, noting that it reflected the willingness of residents from diverse backgrounds to support initiatives that promote healthy living and peaceful coexistence.
The chief stated that since his installation, he and his traditional leaders had initiated several development projects aimed at improving livelihoods within the Chantan Market and the wider traditional area.
According to him, essential social amenities have already been provided at the market as part of efforts to improve conditions for traders and residents.
He disclosed that plans were far advanced to construct a community clinic to serve residents of Tabora, Chantan, Israel and neighbouring communities, while a kindergarten would also be established within the Chantan Market to provide a safe learning environment for children of market women.
Nii Klortia Ayikwei Tutu Alanmle I, explained that the proposed daycare centre would allow nursing mothers and traders to conduct their businesses with peace of mind, knowing their children were in a secure environment.
He further revealed that his administration had embarked on a facelift of the Chantan Market to improve sanitation and enhance the trading environment.
As part of the 2026 Homowo celebrations, he announced that he and his council members would organise a free hairdressing exercise and would also donate relief items to more than 150 widows and elderly persons aged 60 years and above.
The Asere Division Asafoatse Onukpa (War Captain Elder), Asafoatse Ayikuma II, used the occasion to advise the youth against allowing themselves to be manipulated by traditional leaders or politicians to foment trouble.
He observed that young people had often been exploited by individuals pursuing personal interests, urging them to reject any attempt to involve them in acts that could undermine peace and stability.
He reminded the youth that law enforcement agencies were rigorously enforcing the laws of the country, warning that anyone found engaging in criminal activities or possessing offensive weapons would face arrest and prosecution.
Asafoatse Ayikuma II, stressed that the youth remain the backbone of every thriving community and called on them to channel their energy into community development rather than conflict.
He urged young people in the Ga State to take ownership of the development of their communities by tackling unemployment, supporting local initiatives and working together to build a prosperous future instead of depending solely on government intervention.
The health walk ended at the Chantan Market with participants reaffirming their commitment to maintaining peace, unity and good health as the communities prepare to celebrate this year’s Homowo Festival.
