Kyebi: The Okyehene, HRM Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has issued a passionate call to all sons and daughters of Akyem Abuakwa, urging them to return home and lead the development of their communities.
According to Ghana Web, the appeal was made during a grand durbar of the 2026 Ohum Festival held in Kyebi. The Overlord of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area challenged wealthy and influential citizens to look beyond personal success and embrace their responsibility to their roots. 'It is time to come back home and help your town, your village, and your people,' the Okyehene declared, underscoring the importance of acknowledging those who contributed to their success.
The Okyehene emphasized that divine blessings are not meant solely for personal gain but for social transformation. He highlighted that true success is measured by the impact one has on the less privileged in society. 'If God has blessed you and you cannot help even one poor child in your community, then you are not paying back what you owe,' he stated, stressing that success is meaningless if those who share one's heritage are left struggling.
Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin also pointed to the poor state of infrastructure in parts of the traditional area, citing issues such as dilapidated school buildings, abandoned community centers, and deteriorating roads. He urged citizens both at home and in the diaspora not to rely solely on government for solutions, encouraging them to contribute in any way they can, regardless of the scale.
The Ohum Festival, which celebrates harvest and heritage, served as the platform for the Okyehene's message. His address was both a critique of brain drain and a call to reverse the trend of successful individuals disconnecting from their hometowns after achieving status. The message resonated with chiefs and residents, many of whom have expressed concern about the slow pace of development in rural areas. By framing development as a shared responsibility, the Okyehene aims to spark a renewed wave of communal philanthropy.
As the festivities concluded, the Okyehene left a lasting impression on attendees, emphasizing that a person's true legacy lies not in their accumulated wealth, but in the lives they touch and the communities they help build. 'Go home,' he concluded. 'Your people are waiting, and your community needs your hands to build the future.'