Source: Adwoa Safowa Katinpo
The Mangoase Traditional Area in Ghana’s Eastern Region recently came alive with vibrant celebrations as the community hosted its annual Sankofa Odwira Festival. The theme for this year’s festival, “Sankofa Odwira, Unity is Strength,” resonated deeply with residents, leaders, and visitors alike.
Situated in the Akuapem North Constituency, Mangoase has a rich cultural heritage that its people are determined to preserve while striving for future development.
This year’s festival celebrated more than cultural heritage; it was a call for unity and strength among the people of Mangoase. With “Sankofa,” a concept in Akan culture that symbolizes learning from the past to inform the future, Mangoase is using this opportunity to look back on its traditions, strengthen its community ties, and chart a path toward progress. Ohemaa Akosua Agyarko, the Mankrado Hemaa of Mangoase, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective effort in achieving shared goals.
Ohemaa Akosua passionately articulated the need for Mangoase to retain its cultural values while striving for development. She stated that culture forms the backbone of any community, and preserving Mangoase’s unique heritage is crucial for future generations. With this in mind, she encouraged the community to not only honor their roots but also to embrace progress as a form of safeguarding their legacy.
Highlighting the pressing needs of the Mangoase community, Ohemaa Akosua called for significant development efforts. She pointed out that, despite Mangoase’s cultural vibrancy, the area requires substantial infrastructure improvements to truly flourish. One of the primary needs is an improved market, which would boost local commerce, create jobs, and enable residents to sell their products conveniently. Improved market facilities would also attract neighboring communities and increase Mangoase’s reputation as a hub for trade and culture.
Additionally, the poor state of roads in Mangoase remains a major obstacle to economic progress. Ohemaa Akosua stressed the necessity of better road networks, which would not only enhance transportation and ease of travel but also attract investors and businesses. Quality roads are essential for connecting Mangoase to surrounding towns and cities, allowing for the free movement of goods and people, and fostering economic growth.
Access to clean water was another critical area she addressed. Reliable and accessible water supply is essential for health, sanitation, and economic productivity. Ohemaa Akosua urged government authorities to prioritize this issue, noting that a consistent water supply would vastly improve the quality of life for residents. She also highlighted the need for job opportunities, particularly for the youth, to reduce unemployment and promote economic stability in the community.
Security was another major concern brought up during the festival. Ohemaa Akosua stressed the importance of establishing a local police station to tackle crime and ensure the safety of residents. With increasing incidents of crime in various parts of Ghana, she believes that a police station in Mangoase would serve as a deterrent to criminal activities and help maintain law and order. By addressing security, she hopes to create a safe environment where residents and businesses can thrive.
Calling on the government, stakeholders, and philanthropists, she invited all who have Mangoase’s interest at heart to join in supporting the town’s growth and development. She emphasized that this collective approach aligns with the festival’s theme, as unity is essential for achieving lasting change. Community members were also urged to play active roles in Mangoase’s progress by supporting local initiatives and collaborating with leaders to bring about positive change.
As the nation prepares for the December 2024 elections, Ohemaa Akosua also used the occasion to advocate for peace and political stability. She encouraged the youth of Mangoase and beyond to reject violence and embrace constructive engagement during the election period. Stressing the importance of peaceful, free, and fair elections, she urged young people to remember that their actions have lasting impacts on their communities and country. She reminded them that Ghana’s strength lies in its peace and unity, and that electoral violence undermines these values.
In addition to her call for peace, Ohemaa Akosua underscored the need for love and unity in daily interactions. She believes that these values not only strengthen the community but also foster an environment where everyone can thrive. The Mankrado Hemaa advocated for mutual respect, compassion, and cooperation, urging the community to work together in harmony. She highlighted the importance of instilling these values in the younger generation, as they are the future custodians of Mangoase’s heritage.
The 2024 Sankofa Odwira Festival was a testament to Mangoase’s vibrant culture, community spirit, and ambition for a brighter future. Traditional drumming, dancing, and colorful attire brought the streets alive as residents and visitors celebrated together. The festival provided a platform for storytelling, where elders shared tales of the past, recounting the origins of Mangoase and its journey through the years. These stories are not only entertaining but also serve as valuable lessons, reinforcing the importance of unity and resilience.
This year’s celebrations were a blend of tradition and modernity, showcasing Mangoase’s determination to honor its heritage while embracing progress. By combining cultural pride with a vision for development, the Sankofa Odwira Festival reinforced the idea that tradition and progress can go hand in hand. The community is hopeful that the calls made by Ohemaa Akosua and other leaders during the festival will resonate beyond the celebrations and lead to concrete actions.
The festival concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment among the people of Mangoase. As they look toward the future, the people of Mangoase are united in their resolve to build a stronger, more prosperous community that honors its past while embracing the future.
