Traditional Authorities urged to use festivals for development

Big Ada, July 31, GNA - Asafoatsengua Gaduga Osrama IV, the most Senior Divisional Warlord of Dangmebiawer Clan in Ada, has stressed the need for traditional rulers to use festive occasions to initiate development programmes to better the lot of their people.

He said even though festivals were meant for merry-making, it also aimed at taking stock of activities of the previous year, and to chart new courses that would improve the standards of living of people.

Asafoatsengua Osrama made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at his palace at Luhuese, near Big Ada on Saturday.

He urged the Ada Traditional Council under the leadership of Dzetse Nene Abram Kabu Akuaku III, to endeavour to use the forthcoming Ada Okor Asafotufiami Festival as a tool for initiating development-oriented projects in the Dangme East District.

The Senior Divisional Warlord regretted that the festival had in recent times lost its developmental and social importance.

Rather, he said, the celebrants had used the occasion as a period for relaxation and merry-making, without embarking on any meaningful development programme.

Explaining the significance of the Asafotufiam Festival, Asafoatsengua Osrama said, it was instituted to crown brave warlords and to repair the ravages of wars in the Ada Traditional Area.