The Abola Mantse, Nii Ahene Nunoo, has called for a conscious effort to deepen the unity in the Ga state.
“We must actively seek to understand one another, embrace the rich tapestry of cultures, history and perspectives within our communities to make it happen,” he said.
“Each of us brings something unique to the table, and it is through sharing these distinct voices that we can build a more harmonious and cohesive Ga state,” he added.
In his goodwill message to the chiefs and people of Abola and the Ga state as a whole, as part of this year’s Homowo celebrations in Accra, he said, “Our strength as a community lies in our ability to come together, to rise above our differences, and to foster an environment where every voice is valued.”
Nii Ahene Nunoo III said unity was not merely a concept but a lived experience which “binds us together as brothers and sisters, irrespective of our individual backgrounds, beliefs or interests.”
Support
The Abola Mantse, who is also the Atofotse (Advisor) to the Ga state, called for support for the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, to lead and steer the affairs of the Ga state.
He described King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II as a peaceful and development-oriented traditional leader, and said with the full support of the chiefs and people, he (the Ga Mantse) would lead to re-position the Ga state.
In that regard, Nii Ahene Nunoo III stressed the need to create platforms for open dialogue so communities could share their stories and concerns.
He, therefore, proposed the institution of regular town hall meetings, community forums and cultural exchanges, which he said could serve as invaluable spaces for building empathy and understanding.
Nii Ahene Nunoo III further urged the people of the Ga state to encourage participation in community activities such as festivals and other collaborative projects and said those shared experiences would foster bonds and create a sense of belonging among residents.
Abola development
On Abola, he urged his people to welcome and celebrate the Homowo in diversity, saying: “Every individual, regardless of age, gender or background, should feel empowered to contribute to our community’s narrative.”
“As we move forward, let us approach one another with kindness, respect and the willingness to listen. Together, we can create a foundation of unity that will not only strengthen our present but also inspire future generations,” he advised.
Flanked by the Abola Many3, Naa Okaitso IV, and elders of the Abola Traditional Area, Nii Ahene Nunoo III further called for investment in the youth and emerging leaders in the community by providing them with mentorship opportunities, education and resources that would empower them to play active roles.
“The future of Abola depends on the next generation, and we must equip them to lead with integrity,” he said.
To that end, Nii Ahene Nunoo III said he was working closely with local NGOs, businesses and community groups to develop programmes aimed at fostering social cohesion and conflict resolution, as well as enhanced communal development.
Together, he said, “we can harness the collective resources to make a lasting impact.”
Job opportunities
Sharing his opinion on some national issues, Nii Ahene Nunoo III expressed serious concern about the lack of opportunities for the youth, particularly in Abola and the entire Ga Mashie, and said teenage pregnancies were also another subject of serious concern.
He, therefore, called for collaborative efforts between the government, its agencies and traditional authorities to change the narrative.
The Abola Mantse also used the occasion to commiserate with the government, families of the eight patriots who perished in the recent helicopter crash and stressed the need for a renewed approach to halt illegal mining (Galamsey) in the country.
