The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has reaffirmed his commitment to uniting the Ashanti Region through cultural celebration and entertainment as a means of promoting trade, tourism, and development free from partisan politics.
Speaking at the Ashanti Festival’s cultural and traditional food exhibition at the Kumasi Centre for National Culture, Dr. Amoakohene pledged to institutionalize the festival as an annual event to sustain regional unity and showcase Ashanti heritage.
The month-long Ashanti Festival, initiated by Dr. Frank Amoakohene, is in full swing and aims to spotlight the region’s cultural richness while addressing key development areas.
The festival focuses on health, education, sanitation, sports, tourism, and inclusive governance. It is designed to foster peace and position the Ashanti Region as a cultural and development hub.
Dr. Amoakohene emphasized that the festival also seeks to promote inclusive participation in governance by ensurit no group is left out of the national development agenda.
“Asante is unique in its diversity, particularly in the areas of trade, commerce, and infrastructure. Over the years, it has become clear that politics has divided us rather than promoting the collective interest of the Asante people to drive development. As politicians, we have failed to involve all the people in our work to push the developmental agenda of the region,” he said.
He added, “After my appointment, during our swearing-in, President John Dramani Mahama told us to practice inclusive governance by engaging the residents in our respective regions. This means we will always be with you, to listen to you and for you to also hear from us. Therefore, it will not be like you only see us during election campaign activities. So, the Ashanti Festival is part of the government’s broader agenda of engagement,” he explained.
He disclosed, “During the March 6, 2025, sanitation exercise in Kumasi, some people approached me and asked what I had planned for the region during Easter. Because many people usually travel outside the region for entertainment, that question gave birth to the Ashanti Festival—also known as Ashanti-Fest which is promoting every sector of our local economy,” he said.
On Monday, April 14, a Science and Technology Fair was held at the Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi. Students showcased their tech innovations and spelling abilities, underscoring the importance of STEM education.
On April 15, students from selected schools gathered at the Kumasi Centre for National Culture to display various aspects of Ashanti culture and re-enact the historic combat techniques of Asante warriors.
According to Dr. Amoakohene, the initiative is aimed at instilling a sense of pride in local content and heritage among the youth.
The Minister commended the Ashanti Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service for its smooth collaboration in organizing the festival’s educational components.
“With the activities we are undertaking during Ashanti-Fest, our key focus is to promote healthcare, the creative industry, education, and Kumawood in particular by integrating them to support each other. Those of you who attended the fashion night, I’m sure you saw the beautiful designs on display. Now, we want designers to partner with Kumawood so they can create costumes for acting, while Kumawood, in turn, promotes their products,” he stressed.
The minister further explained that plans are far advanced for Kumawood stars to entertain students, particularly those in Senior High Schools (SHS), during entertainment hours.
He said, “During your entertainment hours, we are in talks with Kumawood stars and musicians based in Kumasi to come entertain you. So, for those of you who want to see Kwadwo Nkansah Lil Win, His Excellency, Kwaku Manu, Dr. Likee, among others this is your chance. The whole concept is to ensure that you, the future leaders, accept and patronize local content. It will help us promote economic growth,” he explained.
The event was attended by renowned personalities including celebrated Kumawood actress and TV host Nana Ama McBrown and Louis Lamire of “Kejtia vs Makola” fame.
The participated schools were award for their excellent performance as means of encouragement. Dr. Amoakohene also announced upcoming activities, including a fundraising campaign to support the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Heal Komfo Anokye Project a flagship initiative aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure in the region among others.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
