Agona nkwanta: The Deputy Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, has emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage as a catalyst for unity, tourism, investment, and sustainable community development in Ahanta. She highlighted that societies neglecting their history risk losing identity and direction, while those embracing their past can transform heritage into progress.
According to Ghana Web, the Deputy Minister addressed attendees at the grand durbar marking the climax of the Ahanta Heritage Month celebration in Agona Nkwanta, Ahanta West Municipality. The event drew paramount chiefs, queen mothers, Members of Parliament, diplomats, opinion leaders, and numerous residents and visitors who gathered to celebrate the Ahanta Kingdom's rich traditions and cultural identity.
Madam Sowah stressed the ministry's vested interest in initiatives like Ahanta Heritage Month due to the close link between traditional leadership, culture, and local governance. She emphasized that traditional authorities play key roles in governance, peacebuilding, social cohesion, and community development, adding that communities thrive when traditional institutions are peaceful, united, and development-oriented.
The Deputy Minister urged cultural heritage should be viewed as a strategic national asset capable of job creation and local economic strengthening. She noted that promoting cultural heritage boosts tourism, instills pride among the youth, and attracts community investment. Madam Sowah commended the event organizers for merging cultural celebration with economic and educational opportunities, citing activities like the Business and Investment Summit and Schools Heritage Competition as examples of heritage-driven national development.
She called for greater investment in preserving indigenous languages, traditional festivals, and historical records to ensure future generations remain connected to their roots. Madam Sowah urged parents, schools, and community leaders to encourage young people to learn their local history and view culture as a foundation for creativity and innovation.
Addressing the youth, she encouraged them to embrace their heritage and use it to create opportunities, emphasizing that heritage is a strength. She also appealed to traditional leaders to promote peace, unity, and inclusive development, highlighting chieftaincy's role as a source of stability and service.
Madam Sowah praised Ahanta West Member of Parliament, Mavis Kuukua Bissue, for spearheading the Ahanta Heritage Month initiative, repositioning the municipality as a cultural tourism hub. She concluded by emphasizing that preserving Ghana's diverse cultures enriches and strengthens the nation, urging continued support for the initiative to make it a lasting pillar of cultural renewal and community pride.
This year's Ahanta Heritage Month showcased activities promoting the Ahanta Kingdom's history, culture, and tourism potential, aimed at strengthening unity and attracting investment to the area.