The Edina Traditional Council, together with the planning committee on Tuesday, the 25th of February, officially launched the Edina Bakatue 2025
The event, themed “Sustaining Our Heritage to Promote Community and National Development,” featured colorful processions, a durbar, and a keynote address by Nana Oworaba Obentsen, Royal Tourism Ambassador in the Central Region.
Nana Oworaba Obentsen, a renowned figure in Ghana’s tourism industry and Royal Tourism Ambassador in the Central Region, delivered a keynote address on “Repurposing Our Cultural Heritage for Relevance Preservation, Youth Engagement, and Economic Emancipation.
As an indigene of Elmina and the Amansrafohen of the Gomoa Assin Traditional Council, Nana Oworaba Obentsen emphasized the importance of leveraging Ghana’s rich cultural heritage to drive economic growth and development.
He highlighted the potential of Elmina to become a world-class tourist destination, rivaling the best in Africa and globally.
To achieve this vision, Nana Oworaba Obentsen stressed the need for collaboration between the government, private sector, and local communities.
He also underscored the significance of preserving Ghana’s cultural traditions and customs, which are essential to the nation’s identity.
Nana Oworaba Obentsen noted that Ghana’s cultural diversity is a valuable resource that remains largely untapped.
He cited the Edina Bakatue Festival celebration, which predates the arrival of European colonizers in 1471, as an example of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
He urged Ghanaians to cherish and promote their cultural traditions, warning that Western influences can lead to the erosion of these values.
The renowned tourism ambassador also acknowledged the contributions of Ghanaian music legends, such as the E.T. Mensah Band and Osibisa, who paved the way for Afrobeat and other genres to gain global recognition.
Through his address, Nana Oworaba Obentsen inspired the audience to harness Ghana’s cultural heritage for sustainable development and economic growth.
The Edina Bakatue Festival had a big boost from the Ghana Tourism Authority. The Deputy CEO, Benjamin Anane Nsiah, representing the CEO, Mrs. Maame Efua Huadjeto, expressed gratitude to the Edena Traditional Council for the invitation and pledged the authority’s commitment to making this year’s celebration a success.
This festival is a significant event in Ghana’s cultural calendar, celebrating the founding of Elmina and the opening of the Benya Lagoon. It’s a time for the community to come together, honor their ancestors, and promote unity and cultural heritage.
The Ghana Tourism Authority’s support is crucial in promoting tourism in the area and showcasing the rich cultural diversity of Ghana. With their backing, the festival is likely to attract more visitors and provide a significant economic boost to the local community.
The festival itself is a fascinating experience, featuring traditional drumming, dancing, and rituals. The celebration is steeped in history and tradition, making it an unforgettable experience for tourists and locals alike.
The paramount chief of the Edina Traditional Council, Nana Kodwo Kondua VI, has emphasized the significance of the Bakatue Festival celebration, highlighting its benefits to the community and the nation as a whole.
However, he also pointed out that Elmina, despite being a key player in the festival, lags behind in terms of economic and infrastructural development.
To address this, Nana Kodwo Kondua VI appealed to stakeholders to support the festival, particularly in activities such as rituals and cleanup exercises.
He also called on the government to share royalties from promoting the Elmina Castle with the local community.
Furthermore, the paramount chief cautioned religious leaders who denigrate African
Indigenous religious beliefs, urging them to promote peace and national cohesion instead.
The Bakatue Festival, celebrated annually on the first Tuesday of July, marks the beginning of the fishing season, honors the founder of Elmina, and gives thanks to the gods for a good fishing year. The festival has been celebrated since at least 1847 and is a significant part of Ghanaian culture and history.
