The Abese La Adonten community in Ghana’s La Dadekotopong Municipality recently celebrated their annual Afrimi Yele Yeli (Yam Festival), a vibrant cultural event preceding the Homowo celebrations. This year’s festival carried the poignant theme, “Empowering Ghanaian Youth: Breaking the Chains of Drug Abuse through Cultural Heritage and Community Support,” reflecting a concerted effort to address the growing issue of substance abuse amongst the youth while reinforcing communal unity and pride in their heritage. The festival, a rich tapestry of tradition, brought together diverse clans, schoolchildren, and prominent figures, including government officials and community leaders, all united in their commitment to the well-being of their community and the preservation of their cultural legacy.
The festival served as a powerful platform to address the critical issue of drug abuse among the youth. Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, lauded the festival as a vital tool for societal renewal and education. She emphasized the importance of leveraging Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, with its inherent values of respect, discipline, and community, to combat the challenges posed by substance abuse. The festival, she argued, acts as a “living classroom,” instilling a sense of identity and purpose in the youth, empowering them to resist negative influences and embrace their cultural roots.
The Minister’s message resonated with the core message of the festival, emphasizing the crucial role of collective responsibility in tackling drug abuse. Traditional authorities, faith leaders, educators, parents, and peers all have a part to play in creating supportive environments that empower young people. She advocated for community-led initiatives, mentoring programs, skills training, and youth-friendly networks as crucial strategies for effectively addressing the root causes of substance abuse and fostering a sense of belonging and purpose among the youth.
His Royal Highness, Nii Kwade Okropong I, the Abese La Adonten Mantse, echoed the call for unity and communal harmony, highlighting the importance of internal solutions to the challenges facing the La community. He lamented the divisive forces within the community, such as the “pull him down” mentality and malicious gossip, which hinder progress and tarnish the reputation of the Abese people. His address underscored the belief that true development and prosperity can only be achieved through collective effort and a shared commitment to the well-being of the community.
The chief’s call for unity served as a poignant reminder of the importance of collaboration and mutual respect in achieving common goals. He stressed the need for the people of La to take ownership of their challenges and work together to find solutions, rather than relying on external interventions. This message of self-reliance and community empowerment resonated deeply with the festival’s overall theme of cultural preservation as a means of social upliftment.
The Afrimi Yele Yeli festival culminated in a grand durbar, a vibrant display of cultural pride and communal solidarity. The occasion also served as a platform for recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the Abese La Adonten Division and the larger GaDangbe community. Several dignitaries were honored with citations and plaques, acknowledging their dedication and hard work in promoting the well-being and development of their community. The awards served as a testament to the community’s appreciation for those who embody the spirit of service and contribute to the collective good. The festival, in its entirety, served as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural heritage, unity, and community engagement in addressing societal challenges and building a stronger, more resilient future.
