The 2025 celebration of the Meko Bono festival has generated GH¢4.65 million in seed capital during a fundraising rally to support the holistic development of the Bono and Bono East Regions.
The annual festival is celebrated to highlight, showcase, and promote the rich cultural heritage of the chiefs and people of the Bono area.
Held at Odomase in the Sunyani West Municipality of the Bono Region, mostly natives of the area contributed in cash and pledges to the fund, which will be used to improve physical infrastructure.
Osagyefo Oseadeyo Dr Agyeman Badu II, the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area, who led the GH¢10 million fundraising rally, noted that the government alone could not shoulder the responsibility of ensuring sustainable national development.
He said traditional authorities also had a vital role to play in advancing national progress and pledged his commitment to support and promote sustainable growth.
The week-long celebration, themed “From Unity and Heritage to Prosperity”, was climaxed with a durbar of chiefs and people from both regions.
Oseadeyo Agyeman Badu II said contributions from everyone were necessary for the fund to generate the resources needed for development. He urged the people to contribute their quota, adding that the fund would be used judiciously to promote viable projects and create jobs.
He stressed that the festival should evolve beyond cultural exhibitions to become a platform for resource mobilisation to accelerate regional growth.
Nana Ama Kwaakyewaa, Chief Executive Officer of Bonofie, organisers of the Meko Bono festival, said the celebration reflected a shared aspiration to strengthen unity and social cohesion.
“What we have witnessed today is exactly what we envisioned, a festival that goes beyond celebration and channels its energy into progressive development,” she said.
Nana Kwaakyewaa expressed hope that the festival would evolve into an international tourism event, showcasing the region’s unique traditions while boosting cultural tourism and economic activities.
“The festival doesn’t only celebrate the region’s cultural heritage but also educates the younger generation about the customs and values of the Bonos,” she added.
Source: GNA
