"Govt is committed to supporting community‑initiated self‑help projects" — Dafeamekpor

The Majority Chief Whip of Ghana's Parliament, Hon. Rockson‑Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor, who is also the Member of Parliament for the South Dayi Constituency in the Volta Region, has stated that the government is committed to supporting community‑initiated self‑help projects to facilitate infrastructure development in the country.

Addressing a durbar organized by the chiefs and people of Agona Duakwa in the Agona East District of the Central Region to climax their annual Akwambo Festival last Saturday, the Majority Chief Whip lauded Nana Kojo Amuakwa V, Chief of the community, for spearheading development to supplement the government's efforts.

He called for unity and cooperation, adding that a community without peace and stability cannot develop as expected.

The Member of Parliament for South Dayi, who is also a lawyer by profession, encouraged the youth to build themselves academically for a brighter future rather than engaging in anti‑social activities that could ruin their dreams.

Hon. Rockson‑Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpo, on behalf of the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, donated 300 bags of cement and an undisclosed amount of money towards the completion of the community durbar grounds.

The Member of Parliament for Agona East, Hon. Queenster Mame Pokua Sawyer, recounted the numerous supports the Agona Duakwa community has benefited from under His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama’s NDC Government, including school blocks, potable drinking water, job opportunities, among others. She called on the people to rally fully behind the Government to achieve the Reset Ghana Agenda.

The Chief of Agona Duakwa, Nana Kojo Amuakwa V, stated that the Akwambo Festival is held annually to remember ancestors who sacrificed to sustain the peace and harmony that have existed in the community.

He commended Hon. Maame Pokua Sawyer for reshaping roads linking communities in the area, which has improved the local economy. He once again called for unity of purpose to help Agona Duakwa regain its lost glory.

The Chairman of the Agona Duakwa Akwambo Planning Committee, Mr. Robert Baah, said the Akwambo Festival is not just merry‑making; it commemorates the historical journey and arrival of the ancestors from the old settlement of Kokoben to the present settlement.

“What was done during the Akwambo Festival in those days was a symbol of hard work, unity, vigilance and readiness.

"The Ritual Path Cleaning during the Akwambo Festival reminds us that we must clear the path for progress.

"This year’s celebration, under the theme ‘Unity: The Foundation of Sustainable Development Through Akwambo Festival’, was carefully chosen and speaks to our present reality.

"A united community is certainly bound to succeed. We must clear the way for education, health and development of our beloved Agona Duakwa,” Mr. Robert Baah noted.

The Planning Committee Chairman urged the youth to embrace the culture of respect for traditional leadership, be patient, and commit themselves to hard work to continue the legacy of their forefathers.