Strong chieftaincy and culture are keys to community development - Deputy Minister

The Deputy Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, has called on the people of Ahanta to preserve their rich cultural heritage and harness it as a catalyst for unity, tourism, investment and sustainable community development.

She said a society that neglects its history risks losing its identity and direction, stressing that communities that embrace their past with wisdom, humility and purpose are better positioned to transform their heritage into a force for progress.

Speaking at the grand durbar marking the climax of the Ahanta Heritage Month celebration at Agona Nkwanta in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region, Hon. Sowah, who is also the Member of Parliament for La Dade-Kotopon, underscored the vital role of culture and chieftaincy in Ghana’s development agenda.

The colourful ceremony attracted paramount chiefs, divisional chiefs, queen mothers, Members of Parliament, ministers of state, members of the diplomatic corps, opinion leaders, and hundreds of residents and visitors who gathered to celebrate the history, traditions and cultural identity of the Ahanta Kingdom.

According to Madam Sowah, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has a direct interest in initiatives such as Ahanta Heritage Month because traditional leadership, culture and local governance are closely intertwined.

“Our traditional authorities are not only custodians of stools, skins, customs and sacred traditions, but also key partners in governance, peacebuilding, social cohesion and community development,” she said.

She noted that communities flourish when traditional institutions are peaceful, united, accountable and development oriented.

“When chieftaincy is strong, accountable, peaceful and united, communities prosper,” she stated.

The Deputy Minister stressed that culture should not merely be viewed as a symbol of the past but as a strategic national asset capable of creating jobs and strengthening local economies.

She explained that preserving and promoting cultural heritage boosts tourism, instils pride among the youth and attracts investment into local communities.

“It is for this reason that Ahanta Heritage Month must not only be seen as a celebration but also as a platform for development,” she said.

Madam Sowah praised the organisers for designing activities that combine cultural celebration with economic and educational opportunities.

She highlighted programmes such as the Business and Investment Summit, Schools Heritage Competition and Quiz, Heritage Tours, Street Carnival, Chiefs’ Durbar and the unveiling of the statue of King Badu Bonsu II as clear examples of how heritage can be leveraged to drive national development.

“Heritage is an asset. It is an asset for education. It is an asset for tourism. It is an asset for investment. It is an asset for youth empowerment, and it is an asset for national development,” she emphasised.

She called for greater investment in preserving indigenous languages, traditional festivals, sacred sites, historical records and customary institutions to ensure that future generations remain connected to their roots.

The Deputy Minister urged parents, schools and community leaders to encourage young people to speak their local languages with pride, learn the history of their communities and appreciate culture not as something outdated but as a foundation for creativity, innovation and development.

She said Ahanta Heritage Month should evolve beyond an annual celebration into a permanent platform for historical education, cultural restoration, dialogue, investment promotion and community unity.

Addressing the youth directly, Madam Sowah encouraged them to embrace their heritage and use it to create opportunities for themselves.

“Your heritage is not a burden. It is your strength. Learn it. Protect it. Reimagine it. Use it to build businesses, create art, promote tourism, tell stories and serve your communities,” she urged.

She also appealed to traditional leaders to continue promoting peace, unity and inclusive development within their communities.

According to her, chieftaincy must always serve as a source of stability, wisdom and service rather than division or conflict.

Madam Sowah further encouraged the people of Ahanta to continue supporting the initiative beyond the annual celebration to make it a lasting pillar of cultural renewal, tourism promotion, investment attraction and community pride.

She stressed that preserving the unique cultures of Ghana’s diverse ethnic groups ultimately strengthens the nation as a whole.

“From Ahanta to Asante, from Dagbon to Ga, from Ewe to Fante, from Bono to Kusasi, and across all our peoples whose cultures together form the soul of this republic, when our culture is preserved, Ghana is enriched. When one language is protected, Ghana is strengthened. When one community rises in unity, Ghana moves forward,” she said.

The Deputy Minister also commended the Member of Parliament for Ahanta West, Mavis Kuukua Bissue, for spearheading the Ahanta Heritage Month initiative and helping to reposition the municipality as a centre for cultural tourism and historical remembrance.

“As we celebrate, let us remember that heritage is not only about where we come from; it is also about what we choose to carry forward. Let us carry forward justice. Let us carry forward healing,” she concluded.

This year’s Ahanta Heritage Month featured a series of activities aimed at promoting the history, culture and tourism potential of the Ahanta Kingdom while strengthening unity among its people and attracting investment into the area.