The Mankralo of Ada, Nene Agudey Obitchere III, has called on Ghanaians to utilise the celebration of festivals to promote tourism which will serve as huge economic boost for the country.

Speaking on behalf of the Ada Traditional Area, Nene Abram Kabu Akuaku II at the launch of the 2024 Ada Asafotufiami festival (for the people of Ada in the Greater Accra Region), he said, there were many tourism attractions within the country that could be highlighted and promoted during such celebrations.

“Aside the fact that festival serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by forefathers to secure the Ada state, with thousands of Ghanaians especially Ada natives, home and abroad expected to grace the festival, it would serve as a huge tourist attraction for the country at large,” he stated.

“Let us also be worthy ambassadors to the rest of the world. At least, we can tell people of the Estuary where the Volta River joins the sea and the beautiful islands created by the huge volumes of water washing its way right from Burkina Faso and entering Ghana from the north, all the way here to the lowest point in the South of Ghana,” he stated.

He said there were abundant spread of tourism and hospitality facilities in the area, with some offering horse-riding, jet skiing, kayaking canoeing, cycling and whale watching.

“Asafotufiami resonates with most Ghanaian communities, especially the Ga-Dangmes and it reminds us of the heroic traits of our forebears in fighting for self-preservation and fending off domination,” he stated.

He added that, it was important to celebrate, reunite and remind the younger generation of Ghanaian culture and identity.

The Mankrola who doubles as the Chairman of the 2024 Asafotufiami Planning Committee, added that, the festival would be a time to reunite, mend fences and work together towards development of Ada and the country at large.

“The euphoria that engulfs the celebrations lives beyond the few days that are spent here. Ada has benefitted greatly therefrom, and surely would keep the festival flame burning always,” he stated.

He called on the youth within and without to come on board to make the celebrations a memorable one for visitors and tourists.

This year’s festival, the 87th edition would be held under the theme, “Upholding the Discipline of Our Forebears as a Tool for Sustainable Development and Unity of Ada,” and scheduled for August 1-8.

The launch was held by the Ada Traditional Council in collaboration with the Asafotu Planning Committee with support from Electrochem Ghana Limited and other sponsors.

Consequently, Electrochem Ghana Limited,operators of the Songhor Salt Lagoon donated GHC200,000 to support the festival.

The launch was held amidst firing of musketry (a symbolic feature of the festival), performance by Awa Group (a traditional singing and dance group) as well as a display by the Ada Youth Organisation.

Aside the chiefs and traditional leaders, the occasion was also graced by dignitaries including the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ada, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah and the District Chief Executives of Ada West and East, Mr Sampson Tetteh Kpankpah and Ms Sarah Dugbaki Pobee respectively.

By Michael D. Abayateye