The Paramount Chief of Akwamu in the Eastern Region, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, has described the first commemoration of the United Nations (UN) International Day for People of African Descent held in Costa Rica, as successful and impactful.
He said apart from the main objective of celebrating the enormous contributions of the African diaspora to the diverse facet of human endeavour, it offered Ghana an opportunity to promote her unique cultural heritage to the world.
The Akwamuhene who was part of the Ghanaian delegation to the five-day event, begun on August 31, 2021, said this in an interview with the Ghanaian Times upon his arrival at the Kotoka International Airport, yesterday.
Costa Rica, with support from the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) and other UN agencies, hosted the celebration, an initiative to promote the recognition, justice and development of People of African Descent around the world.
It was five days of high-level forums and conferences to discuss topics such as the rights of people of African descent and combating racism and discrimination as well as artistic and cultural activities.
Ghana’s delegation included Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, Member of Parliament for Abura –Asebu-Kwamankese Constituency, Elvis Morris Donkoh and Ghanaian Reggae artiste, Rocky Dawuni.
Others were founder of GUBA Enterprise, Dentaa Amoateng, Officer for Communication and Partnerships at UNFPA Ghana, Dr Doris Aglobitse and Chief Executive of Bridge Zone, Anthony Bart; co-ordinators of the event.
Odeneho Kwafo Akoto said the commemoration was important because of the unique role African descent including those from Akwamuman had played in history and global development.
“I bring peace and blessing to Ghanaians and Akwamuman. It was an important and successful event. It was important to set aside a day to celebrate the people of African descent. Ghana was well represented,” he said.
On lessons learnt, the Paramount Chief said he admired the preservation of greenery in the country, saying “They don’t cut trees by heart. There is green all over.”
MsAmoateng said the event offered an opportunity for the African delegates to pay homage to their ancestors who died on sea while being transported overseas.
“You could feel the presence of the ancestors. It was a great experience. We have promoted Ghana to the highest. There is even an ongoing discussion to collaborate with Ghana and Odeneho on a project in Costa Rica,” she said.
On her part, Dr Aglobitse said, there was the need for the youth to be enlightened on their history and culture so they remember who they were and the contribution of their ancestors to global development.
BY JONATHAN DONKOR