Make festivals tools for youth empowerment —Neenyi Ghartey VII

THE Paramount Chief of the Effutu Traditional Area, Neenyi Ghartey VII, has urged traditional rulers and community leaders to use festival celebrations as platforms for youth grooming and empowerment for a brighter future.

He explained that traditional festivals which held a significant place in the hearts of Ghanaians represented a rich atmosphere of culture which could be more than just joyful occasions.

Speaking in an interview with Graphic Showbiz, Neenyi Ghartey VII emphasised the need to transform these festivals into learning opportunities and platforms for the youth resulting in positive change within the communities.

“Our youth are the backbone of our communities and our nation. It is our duty to nurture their talents, instill values and provide them with skills that will not only preserve our cultural heritage, but also equip them for a prosperous future.

Efforts to blend tradition with modernity are gaining momentum across Africa, and as leaders, we must recognise the importance of preserving our cultural heritage while also equipping the younger generation with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.

“Our traditional festivals have always been a symbol of our heritage and unity. However, we must adapt to the changing times and recognise the pressing need to equip our youth with the skills and values necessary to navigate the modern world. Our festivals can be a platform for education, mentorship and youth development," he told Graphic Showbiz.

Away from using festivals as a tool for empowerment, Neenyi Ghartey VII also called for a proactive approach in resolving chieftaincy disputes that have plagued numerous communities across the country.

He said the disputes had proven to be significant roadblocks to development and required swift and decisive action in addressing them.

“The adverse effects chieftaincy disputes can have on the socio-economic growth of our communities are many. These conflicts do not only disrupt the peace, but also divert valuable resources and attention away from crucial development initiatives.

“For us as a people, it is incumbent upon us to prioritise the resolution of these disputes efficiently to foster sustainable progress. We must come together to find equitable and lasting solutions to these disputes.

“By doing so, we can pave the way for harmonious coexistence and facilitate the conditions necessary for growth and prosperity in our communities,” he added.