FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS ARE NOT ABOUT RITUALS – ABLEKUMA ASAFOATSE

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The Asafoatse of Ablekuma, Asafoatse Otubour Ɔnsurogya, has urged parents to encourage their children to actively participate in cultural and traditional activities during festival celebrations. According to him, festivals are not about rituals or idol worship but rather an opportunity to learn, preserve and promote the rich heritage of the people.


He lamented that Ghana’s cultural values are gradually fading as many young people continue to embrace foreign lifestyles, while some parents also discourage their children from engaging in festivals with the belief that such events are satanic. Asafoatse Otubour stressed that this perception distances the youth from their roots and weakens their sense of identity.


He made the remarks during the Homowo celebration of the Sempe Mensah Royal Family of Ablekuma, where he called on the youth to embrace their culture and traditions as a way of preserving their lineage.



The Chief of the Ablekuma Sempe Mensah Royal Family, Nii Larbi Mensah, also advised the youth to eschew bad behaviour, avoid violence and be disciplined in their conduct. He encouraged them to be tolerant, show love towards one another and promote peace and unity in the community.


In addition, the Ablekuma Mankralo, Nii Okasa II, and the Ablekuma Wolomo, Nuumo Ojobi, appealed to natives of Ablekuma to bring their children back home during festivals. They explained that involving the younger generation in cultural celebrations would prepare them to take up leadership roles in the future.



Credit: Janet Kwakye 


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