MCE encourages celebration of festivals

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ga South, Mr. Stephen Owusu-Afriyie, has urged the celebration of more festivals, because they serve as occasions for bringing people together, to reflect on their experiences, challenges and the way to chart a path of progress for themselves.

According to him, our communities seem to be losing the importance of such occasions, which are now characterized by disputes, conflicts and violence among families, from and the issues often involving titles, chieftaincy disputes and land ownership.

He made this comment at the formal closing of the 3rd Annual Homowo School, over the weekend, at the Environmental Protection Agency Training School, in Amasaman.

He stated that the Homowo Network organisation, which was in its third successful year of organizing this school, has clearly signaled that its agenda was to deepen democratic governance in the country, and as well, help promote effective participation in decision-making, and its implementation in the Ghanaian district, municipalities, and metropolitan areas.

He said the institution of the Annual Homowo School, was to create a platform to bring traditional rulers and their subjects together, to appreciate one another, and strengthen their capacity base to meet the demands of the times.

He emphasized that the first and second schools, were on how traditional leaders could be more pro-active in the local government system, in order that development programmes and projects could be more sustainable.

He pointed out that there had been benefits from the training programmes, organized over the years, and this should continue to reflect on the mark of distinction, in their contribution to local governance in other communities.

“We would particularly count on our traditional leaders, who have benefited from the programme, to be in the forefront of the struggle for peace and stability in our communities, villages and towns,” he added.

He stressed that the communities depended on their religious leaders, to intensify the crusade for moral uprightness and discipline, in the Ghanaian society.

He further stressed to traditional rulers from the Ga East, Ga West and Ga South that the creation and recreation of political boundaries at the local level, was not to create boundaries for traditional authorities.

He said that what was imperative was for traditional leaders to unite even more than before, in order to meet any challenges that would be inherent in the future system, and strategise for the good of the community, and the leaders as well.

He cited that the Ga Municipal Development Fund had been set up, and an account opened with Fidelity Bank, - Account Number 1050004513598.

He entreated all communities in the Ga Municipal areas, to participate and be members of the fund, so there would be good improvement in the communities.

Mr. Owusu-Afriyie further urged the youth of the communities, to strengthen themselves to take on the new challenges of socio-economic development, which the leaders have overcome, to ensure our nation's progress.

He said that this year's Homowo celebrations would serve as a reflection of the activities of the Annual Homowo School program.