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By: Samuel Asamoah
The Member of Parliament for Shai-Osudoku and Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, together with the Shai-Osudoku District Chief Executive (DCE), has supported this year’s festival celebrations in the constituency with a total financial contribution of GH¢200,000.
The support, which also included bags of rice and bottled water, was presented on behalf of the two officials as part of efforts to promote cultural preservation, youth participation and community development.
According to the Regional Minister, GH¢100,000 of the financial contribution was allocated directly to youth groups within the area to support the organisation of their respective festival programmes and activities.
The remaining GH¢100,000 was presented to the Traditional Council and received by its Registrar on behalf of the Council.
Madam Ocloo said although her official responsibilities prevented her from attending the celebrations in person, she considered it important to support the festival because traditional celebrations serve as important platforms for preserving the history, customs and cultural identity of communities.
She said festivals also provide opportunities for different generations to connect and pass cultural values and traditions to younger generations.
“Support for our traditional institutions and empowerment of our youth is an investment in the continuity, unity and progress of Shai-Osudoku,” she said.
The MP described traditional authorities as custodians of the area’s history, customs and cultural identity, while noting that young people remained important participants in the development and future leadership of their communities.
She further assured constituents that her responsibilities as MP extended beyond Parliament and the Regional Coordinating Council to community institutions, youth groups, families and other stakeholders.
“Shai-Osudoku is home, and I will always regard its progress, development and unity as a personal responsibility,” she said.
Madam Ocloo expressed appreciation to the DCE for jointly supporting this year’s celebrations and commended the Traditional Council, festival committees, youth groups, community leaders, organisers and other stakeholders for their role in sustaining the area’s cultural traditions.
She also urged young people to participate in the celebrations with pride, creativity and responsibility, stressing that festivals should serve not only as occasions for merrymaking but also as platforms for cultural preservation, youth empowerment, community development and social cohesion.
She wished residents a peaceful, successful and memorable festival celebration and called for continued cooperation towards a united and progressive Shai-Osudoku.
