Issac Ashai Odamtten, Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, has appealed to Ghanaians to jealously guard their peaceful environment because without it the pursuit of individual and national aspirations would be very difficult.

According to him, the cost of peace can only be appreciated in moments of strife when it is too late to have any meaningful discussion for the return of the lost peace.

Mr Odantten was speaking at Tema’s cultural festival dubbed, “2015 Merifest” which was organized by the Tema Metropolitan Assembly in conjunction with the Tema Traditional Council.

According to him, Tema is a cosmopolitan area where various races and ethnic groupings congregate and live for various reasons including harbour and industrial dealings.

He called on the residents to live communally and pursue oneness since that is the only way anyone would appreciate the values of the Metropolis.

Nii Adjei Kraku, Tema Mantse, advised politicians and residents not to inflame passions during campaigning and voting.

Various ethnic groups displayed their rich cultural heritage through songs and dance to the admiration of spectators.