Chief says celebration of festivals not fetishism

Komenda (C/R), Sept 13, GNA - Nana Kojo Kru II, the Omanhene of the Komenda Traditional Area, has called on people, especially Christians, to refrain from regarding the celebration of festivals as fetish. ''Festivals are occasions used to remember the roles played by the forefathers in the development of their communities as well as for remembering the dead,'' he said.

The Omanhene made the call at a grand durbar at Komenda to climax the annual 'Nyeyi' festival and to launch a 200-million cedis education fund.

On the December elections, Nana Kru added his voice to calls on all Ghanaians to ensure that only persons who have the nation's interest at heart are voted into power and to remain resolute in their choices. Touching on the national issue of brain drain, the Omanhene appealed to the government to strive to put in place the requisite measures to motivate the nation's human resources "to stay and work at home".

Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, the Minister of Energy, reiterated the government's determination to accelerate socio-economic development in all rural communities through the extension of electricity. He also announced the government's plans to construct a breakwater at Komenda to replace the landing beach that is unsafe and has resulted in the loss of lives and fishing gear.

An appeal for funds for the education fund yielded 9.5 million cedis, with the 'nkosohene of the traditional area, Nana Beyeeman Kodwo Andoh, donating three million cedis. Dr Nduom and the Presidential candidate of the Convention People's Party (CPP), Mr George Aguddey, each donated one million cedis.