Festivals are very important in Ghanaian culture. As such they are held in various communities annually or biennially to celebrate the rich heritage of the people. Festivals also provide the opportunity for the chiefs and elders to settle intra-communal disputes and disputes between families or loved ones.
One of such is the biennial Apomasu Yam Festival, celebrated by the people of Ntotroso, one of Newmont Ghana’s Ahafo Mine host communities. It is celebrated in honour of the Apomasu deity who is believed to hold the key to the community’s wellbeing. Some oral accounts attribute the gold deposits discovered in the area to the presence of the deity.
In line with Newmont’s Integrity value which enjoins the company to respect the customs, culture and laws of its host communities, the Ahafo mine through its development foundation, has supported festivals and other cultural initiatives to help sustain the heritage of the people. 12% of the company’s contribution to Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation is dedicated to a cultural heritage fund for the ten host communities in Ahafo.
This year, the people of Ntotoroso celebrated the Apomasu Yam Festival under the theme; “Promoting, Empowering and Sustaining the Girl-Child Education, the role of Traditional Authorities.” For decades, the Apomasu Yam festival has been the rallying point for developmental initiatives for the people of Ntotoroso although it a religious festival.
The occasion was characterized by rich display of culture, indigenous to the area. It was also an opportunity for the Chiefs and people to showcase Ghana’s rich and beautifully woven Kente cloth, traditional attires and handmade accessories.
Present at the durbar was the Vice President of Ghana and other government officials, Ahafo Mine and Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF) officials, well-wishers from surrounding towns and villages and tourists from within and outside Ghana. The Ahafo mine donated cash and presented Newmont branded school bags and exercise books to support an inter-school quiz competition organized as part of activities to mark the celebration
The Vice-President of Ghana, Paa Kwasi Amissah-Authur who was the Guest of Honour, promised to support the Ntotroso College of Nursing, a flagship development project funded by NADeF, with a bus. The College, established in 2014 has a student population of over 500 and is the first and only nursing training college within the Asutifi North district of the Brong Ahafo Region.
We’ll no longer tolerate your empty, unwarranted attacks – TUC blasts Prof Adei
Bawumia donates GHc200,000 to support Madina fire victims
IMF to disburse US$360million third tranche to Ghana without creditors MoU
Truck owner share insights into train collision incident
Paramount chief of Bassare Traditional Area passes on
Two teachers in court over alleged illegal possession of BECE papers
Sunyani: Victim allegedly shot by traditional warriors appeals for justice
Mahama vows to scrap teacher licensure exams, review Free SHS policy
Government will replace burnt Madina shops with a new three-story, 120-store fac...
