Our Heritage Must Be the Foundation for Our Children’s Future — Kwamankese Omanhen

The Paramount Chief (Omanhen) of the Kwamankese Traditional Area in the Central Region, Okakaben Idun Andoh X, has called on traditional leaders to safeguard the cultural heritage of their communities and make it a strong foundation for building a prosperous future for the next generation.

Speaking on behalf of the Paramount Chief, the Gyaasehen of the Kwamankese Traditional Area, Nana Kwesi Baata Abekah VIII, said the preservation of cultural values and traditions must go hand in hand with sustainable development.

He made the call during the grand durbar of this year’s Akwambo-Kese Festival, celebrated under the theme, “Our Heritage, Our Future.”

Nana Kwesi Baata Abekah VIII stressed that traditional authorities have an important role to play in preserving the history, customs and values of their people while championing initiatives that improve living conditions in their communities.

He identified good road networks, quality education and reliable electricity supply as some of the key development priorities of the Kwamankese Traditional Area.

According to him, these priorities form part of the broader vision behind the annual Akwambo-Kese Festival, which provides an opportunity for the people to celebrate their heritage, strengthen unity and mobilise support for the development of the area.

He urged traditional leaders to continue working closely with government, development partners and community members to address the challenges confronting their communities.

Central Region’s Cultural Contribution

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Hon. Daniel Mensah Wardy, who represented the Central Regional Minister, Hon. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, called on the people to draw wisdom and inspiration from their cultural heritage and pass those values on to future generations.

He noted that the Central Region has made significant contributions to the socio-cultural development of Ghana and stressed the need for communities to protect and promote their cultural identity.

Hon. Mensah Wardy said the spirit of Akwambo serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility of citizens to contribute to the development of their communities.

He assured residents that the government remains committed to supporting development initiatives that will improve the living conditions of people across the district and the region.

Chiefs Must Empower Their People

The Omanhen of the Sefwi Chirano Traditional Area and Vice President of the Western North Regional House of Chiefs, Okogyeman Kwaku Gyamprah III, urged traditional leaders to redefine chieftaincy as a platform for empowering their people and protecting their interests.

According to him, being a chief goes beyond wearing traditional regalia and participating in festivals.

“Being a chief is not about dressing and celebrating festivals; it is about empowering our people.”

Okogyeman Kwaku Gyamprah III said traditional leaders must regard the challenges confronting their people as their own challenges and work actively to find solutions.

He also stressed the responsibility of chiefs to protect traditional lands and ensure that the interests of their communities are safeguarded.

He called on residents to have confidence in their traditional leaders and seek their intervention when disputes and other community-related matters arise.

The Omanhen further advised the youth and other members of the community to avoid the excessive pursuit of quick wealth and instead embrace hard work, discipline and productive livelihoods.

He said sustainable progress could only be achieved when individuals and communities commit themselves to hard work and responsible leadership.

The Akwambo-Kese Festival brought together traditional leaders, government representatives, residents and other stakeholders to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Kwamankese Traditional Area while reflecting on development priorities and the collective responsibility of the people to build a better future.