By Gloria Anderson
Rich tradition, unity, and cultural pride were on full display in Gomoa Assin as the Chiefs and people marked the grand Aho Baa Kɛse Festival, chaired by Vanuatu’s Trade Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Amb. Prof. Hugh Keku Aryee.
The Commissioner was warmly received in a celebration filled with colorful rites and vibrant cultural displays. As part of the festivities, he joined traditional authorities to cut the sod for the construction of a new police station, symbolizing his commitment to community development.
The festival, which was scheduled to host President John Dramani Mahama as Guest of Honour, had the Central Regional Minister represent him due to the President’s official travels abroad. In his remarks, the Minister appealed to chiefs and traditional leaders to allocate land for cemeteries and cautioned the youth against the abuse of the drug “RED,” assuring the gathering of mechanisms in place to curb its circulation.
Several dignitaries graced the occasion, including Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, Deputy Minister for Energy and MP for Gomoa West; Hon. Margaret Naana Ackon, District Chief Executive (DCE) for Gomoa East; Hon. Alhaji Mohammed Kassim, DCE for Gomoa West; Senior Paramount Chief Steven Thomas, Technical Advisor to the African Diaspora Central Bank (ECO-6); and HRM Rex Timothy Elisha McPherson, President of the African Diaspora Central Bank and Chairman of the ECO-6 Secretariat, who flew in from the USA and Canada respectively.
In his role as Chairman, Ambassador Aryee underscored the cultural bond between Vanuatu and Ghana, noting that festivals are not only a celebration of heritage but also an opportunity to strengthen unity, build resilience, and chart a shared path to progress. He paid homage to the Omanhene and the people of Gomoa Assin, presenting his official greetings in a gesture of respect for tradition.
He commended the chiefs, dignitaries, and people for organizing a successful celebration and reaffirmed the Vanuatu Trade Commission’s commitment to partnering with both local and international stakeholders to drive initiatives that enhance livelihoods and promote sustainable growth.
The Aho Baa Kɛse Festival concluded with a renewed sense of pride, unity, and determination to advance the development agenda of Gomoa Assin and the wider Central Region.
