Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called on Ghanaians to embrace innovation as a tool for elevating cultural heritage and driving national development.
Delivering a goodwill message to the Chiefs and people of the Oguaa Traditional Area during the 61st Fetu Afahye in Cape Coast, the Vice President through her Policy Advisor on Political Affairs, Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo praised the festival as a shining example of Ghana’s cultural resilience.
She described the Afahye as more than a yearly ritual, calling it “an affirmation of identity, a homecoming and a living legacy of wisdom from our forebears.” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said its unifying spirit continues to attract Ghanaians from across the globe as well as international visitors to Cape Coast.
Linking this year’s theme, “Innovate to Elevate,” to government’s agenda, the Vice President highlighted the Black Star Experience Initiative, launched to showcase Ghana’s artistic heritage while opening fresh economic pathways. She also outlined ongoing investments through the Creative Arts Agency, the Tourism Ministry and the Tourism Development Fund, noting that more than GHS 30 million has already been channelled into supporting cultural festivals nationwide.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang further stressed government’s commitment to the youth, pointing to interventions under the Youth Employment Agency and other skill programmes that are equipping young Ghanaians to contribute in areas such as tourism, creative arts and innovation.
“Innovation does not discard tradition,” she emphasized. “It gives our traditions new life, keeps them relevant and enables us to project them proudly on the world stage.”
The Vice President also commended the Chiefs, Queen Mothers and people of Oguaaman for preserving Ghana’s heritage and extended a warm Akwaaba to visitors who joined the festivities.
She concluded with a prayer for prosperity, unity and joy for the Oguaa State, while urging Ghanaians everywhere to embrace the festival’s call to innovate to elevate as part of the broader national renewal agenda being championed by President John Dramani Mahama.
Story By: Nancy Obimpeh
