The 2025 Oguaa Fetu Afahye has been launched in a colourful ceremony to mark the commencement of the annual celebration which will culminate in a grand durbar in September, 2025.
This year’s celebration marks the 61st edition on the theme, “Innovate to Elevate: Harnessing the creative economy for sustainable growth.”
The Oguaa Fetu Afahye festival is one of the biggest celebrations in the Central Region that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Fante people and a time to show gratitude to the 77 gods of Oguaa.
The Oguaamanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarimaba Dr. Kwesi Atta II, stated that this year’s edition of the festival would be beneficial to all, not to a limited number of people.
He also used the opportunity to congratulate Mrs. Charlotte Osei Esquire on her appointment to serve on the Constitutional Review Committee. He expressed utmost belief that she would serve diligently on the Committee.
Shedding light on the theme, the Chairperson of the 61st Fetu Afahye Planning Committee, Nana Ama Kesson, Nkum Safohen and Chairperson of the 61st Fetu Afahye Planning Committee, Mrs. Charlotte Osei Esquire emphasized the importance of innovation in elevating Oguaa, highlighting the talent within the creative sector (artists, musicians, designers, among others).
She posed critical questions about scaling these creative sectors to compete globally and positioning them as drivers of sustainable development.
To her, Oguaa’s development depends on leveraging local talents and resources internationally.
“How can we position the industry players as key drivers of sustainable development in Oguaa? Oguaa is only going to develop when we use what we have and scale it up and send it international. That’s how we make money to develop our city,” she said.
Nana Ama Kesson therefore invited all creatives, stakeholders, and industry players to join hands in building strong networks, scaling up businesses, making international connections, and laying the necessary structures to transform the creative sector into a powerful economic force for Cape Coast.
On his part, the guest speaker at the launch, Professor Kobby Mensah, the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited, stated that efforts must be made to modernize the tourism experience in Cape Coast.
He clarified that these efforts must not lose touch with the cultural traditions of Oguaa. Emphasizing that “We must not only preserve our history, but also create modern tourism and hospitality experiences that blend tradition and technology with culture, commerce, heritage, and hospitality.”
To him, the world is changing and the future of work and leisure is digital, knowledge-based, and technology-driven.
He believes the youth must be trained accordingly to prepare them for the future of work.
“We must see the emergence of new businesses. Digital storytelling of our history, virtual heritage tours, local branded products for global visionaries of Ghana and Africa came from Cape Coast’ he stressed.
Prof. Kobby Mensah added that homes, neighbourhood and communities of the visionaries must be curated into tourism assets in order to distribute the value to drive local economic growth.
Nana Kodwo Kra, the Chief of Staff of Oguaa Traditional Council also in his address acknowledged Planning Committee’s work during the 2024 celebrations which he said led to their reappointment for the 61st anniversary.
He urged the committee to maintain high standards that have benefited the community.
“It is our utmost plea that the standards set by you be maintained as the people have enjoyed them…. I say to you, Aiko, and Aiko to your committee once again, supporting us and all the people for showing up in your numbers to make another historic path.” he said.
As part of the ceremony, the Oguaa Project under the Osabarima Foundation was launched.
The foundation envisions a thriving community where individuals are equipped with knowledge, skills and resources to drive innovation, well-being and environmental responsibility ensuring a prosperous and self-sufficient future for generations to come.
Read also: Central Regional Minister Debunks Poverty Claims, Highlights Region’s Wealth and Opportunities
Source: Afote Asomdwoe Laryea/ATLFMNEWS
