The people of Gomoa mark Ahobaakese festival

Gomoa Assin (Central Region) 31 Aug. '99

Vice-President John Evans Atta Mills has called on Ghanaians to emulate illustrious sons and daughters who sacrificed to make the nation what it is today.

They must, therefore, die a little to improve conditions for present and future generations, Professor Mills said in a speech read for him by Mrs Victoria Addy, a member of the Council of State at a durbar to mark Ahobaakese festival of the people of Gomoa at Gomoa Assin at the weekend.

Prof. Mills said societal problems that people complain about exist 'because most of us are not prepared to die a little for the betterment of the state'.

The two traditional areas in Gomoa District, Akyempim and Ajumako for the first time jointly celebrated the festival.

It was to commemorate the sacrifice made by a son of the area, Kofi Ahor, who offered himself to be killed to purge an epidemic that had killed thousands

of his people.

Prof. Mills said people are so much pre-occupied with problems of the

moment such as what to eat, what to wear and school fees that they hardly spare a thought for the welfare of their neighbours, let alone their communities and the nation.

He urged the people to let the sacrifice of Ahor rekindle their self-help spirit to enable them to improve the lot of the people.

He commended leaders of the two traditional areas for coming together to celebrate the festival and urged them to sustain this bond of co-operation and unity.

The Omanhene of Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Area, Okukutan Ahunaku Acquah, expressed concern about chieftaincy disputes that are soiling the reputation of the institution and retarding development of the communities.

He appealed to chiefs engaged in litigation to withdraw them from the law courts for an amicable settlement.

The Omanhene commended the government for providing rural communities with roads, water, schools and electricity and called for a district hospital for the area.

Mr Kow Anyanful, Gomoa District Chief Executive, asked non-resident citizens to contribute meaningfully to the development of the area.

GRi../