The chiefs and people of Asebu in the Central Region climaxed their annual Apayemkese Festival at Asebu with a call on communities to safeguard their lands against wanton destroyers.
The Omanhen of Asebu Okatakyi, Prof. Amanfi VII, and the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori-Panin, the guest of honour, who made the call, said there was a need for a renewed commitment to protecting the lands against illegal miners, in particular, for posterity.
Festival
The festival, which also marked the silver jubilee celebration of the Omanhen of Asebu, witnessed a colourful procession as chiefs and queenmothers were carried in palanquins through the town to the durbar grounds.
It was also used to unveil a street named after Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori-Panin to strengthen the ties between Asebu and Akyem Abuakwa, as well as a statue in honour of Okatakyi Amanfi I.
Moral duty, future
Osagyefo Ofori-Panin said Ghana was blessed with peace, fertile land and abundant natural resources, yet the country risked losing these blessings if indiscipline and divisions continued to undermine development efforts.
He therefore urged communities to unite to safeguard their lands and natural resources against destructive persons and habits, especially illegal mining, emphasising that protecting the environment was a moral duty owed to both present and unborn generations.
The Okyenhene also urged the youth to prioritise their education and guard their future, warning them against teenage pregnancy and negative social influences.
He said the future of Ghana was anchored on an educated and disciplined generation capable of driving innovation, protecting cultural heritage, and sustaining the country’s development.
Respect for leaders
Osagyefo Ofori-Panin further cautioned the public to refrain from using social media to insult national leaders, stressing that disrespect has a ripple effect on national cohesion.
Instead, he encouraged citizens to engage constructively and offer ideas that could move the nation forward.
He congratulated Okatakyi Prof. Amanfi VII on his silver jubilee, and prayed for continued wisdom and strength for the Omanhen in leading Asebu into greater development.
He also reminded traditional leaders of their sacred responsibility to serve with integrity, explaining that leadership was not about occupying a stool but about demonstrating selflessness, courage, and the willingness to confront wrongdoing.
Leadership, he noted, was a covenant with the people; one that required honesty, accountability, and the determination to leave a legacy future generations could build upon.
Let’s play our part
Okatakyi Amanfi called on traditional authorities to play their part in protecting lands and resisting illegal mining activities.
He also urged the government to ban all forms of surface mining, warning that galamsey posed a serious existential threat to Ghana.
The Asebu Omanhen reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Asebu and thanked the public for supporting his reign for the past 25 years.
MP
The Member of Parliament for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese (AAK), Felix Kwakye Ofosu , said festivals reminded communities of their roots and strengthened cultural bonds.
He announced that the 12km Putubiw-Apewosika-Asebu road would be awarded on contract by the end of the year under the National Infrastructure Programme, promising completion next year.
He also donated 40 streetlights and GH¢20,000 to support the festival.
