“Your Smiles Show Mahama Is Working” – Ato Forson Tells Enyan Abaasa Chiefs and People

The Member of Parliament for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam and Minister for Finance, Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has linked the joyful atmosphere at this year’s Enyan Abaasa Akwanbo Festival to what he described as the positive impact of the John Dramani Mahama-led government’s policies and programmes.

Dr Ato Forson made the remarks when he joined the chiefs, elders, youth and people of the Enyan Abaasa Traditional Area to celebrate this year’s Akwanbo Festival.

Speaking as a special guest at the celebration, the Finance Minister said the government had introduced a number of measures aimed at easing the economic difficulties confronting Ghanaians, restoring economic stability and improving living conditions.

He said the visible happiness and improved appearance of residents were indications that the government’s efforts were gradually yielding results.

“Nananom, I can see that my oldies are looking good, and my young men and women are also doing well. The smiles on your faces reflect the good work President John Dramani Mahama is doing.”

Dr Ato Forson expressed optimism that Ghana was steadily returning to economic stability, adding that the government remained committed to implementing policies that would create opportunities and improve the quality of life of citizens.

The Finance Minister also used the occasion to highlight the developmental needs of the Enyan Abaasa Traditional Area.

He appealed to the chiefs and elders to hand over the proposed construction of a community centre to him, assuring them of his readiness to support efforts towards its completion.

He stressed the importance of providing the people with modern community infrastructure that could serve as a venue for social, cultural and developmental activities.

The Omanhen of Enyan Abaasa Traditional Area and Vice President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, Okoamankra Kwame Akwonu X, expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for appointing Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to serve as a Cabinet Minister.

According to the Omanhen, the appointment marked a significant milestone for the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam area and represented an important recognition of the capabilities of people from the traditional area.

He noted that in his 35 years on the throne, he had not witnessed anyone from Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam being appointed to serve as a Cabinet Minister until Dr Ato Forson’s appointment.

“Since my 35 years as a chief, there hasn’t been anyone from Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam appointed as a Cabinet Minister. But today, because of Ato Forson, we have a Cabinet Minister from Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam.”

Okoamankra Kwame Akwonu X said Dr Ato Forson’s appointment should inspire the youth and other residents of the area to aspire to greater heights and contribute to the development of the district and the country.

Chiefs Urge Youth to Preserve Culture

The Omanhen further urged the youth to take an active role in preserving, promoting and transmitting the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Enyan people to future generations.

He emphasised that traditional festivals such as Akwanbo provide an important platform for the younger generation to reconnect with their history, values and customs.

He also called on the youth to embrace discipline, describing it as an essential quality for personal development and community progress.

According to him, discipline would enable the youth to fully harness the opportunities presented by their cultural heritage while positioning them to make meaningful contributions to the development of the Enyan Abaasa Traditional Area.

The annual Akwanbo Festival brought together chiefs, elders, government officials, community leaders, youth and residents to celebrate the culture and traditions of the Enyan Abaasa Traditional Area while reflecting on development priorities for the community.