By Samuel Ackon
Abura Dunkwa (C/R), April 22, GNA – Nana Owusu Koko II, the Odikro (Chief) of Abura Dunkwa in the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese (AAK) District of the Central Region has admonished parents and guardians to remain committed to the educating their children and wards.
He said this was important because education played a critical role in the development of individuals, communities and the nation.
Nana Koko made the call during the celebration of the Odumkwaa Festival of the chiefs and people of Abura Dunkwa, on the theme: “Empowering Future Generations; Enhancing Education Standards in Abura Dunkwa”.
The Odikro said education could help unlock the potentials of individuals and ultimately contribute to the development of the town and beyond.
He advised students to ‘marry’ their books and shun all negative behaviours including smoking of tobacco and illicit drugs, drinking hard liquor and other acts that could lead to teenage pregnancy.
He expressed concern about the numerous challenges of Aburaman Senior High School and appealed to the government and other stakeholders to help complete all abandoned projects in the school to aid smooth academic work.
Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Member of Parliament (MP) for AAK, said challenges confronting Aburaman Senior High School would soon be addressed, as arrangement was being made for a new school bus to facilitate transportation of students for academic and extra curriculum activities.
He said in terms of the development of the area, all the town roads would be tarred and challenges at the district hospital addressed, while many youths in Abura Dunkwa would be enrolled on the National Apprenticeship programme, to make them self-sufficient and help others.
The MP supported the festival with GH¢10,000.00 cedis.
Mr Patrick Acquah, the Abangye Committee Chairman said community development was a collective responsibility and a necessity, and encouraged the youth to eschew selfishness, rancour and unite to develop the town.
The “Abangye” or Akwambo festival, is centred around Nana Dunkwa, the local deity and his wife, Nana Tantan who protect the people of Abura Dunkwa.
Abangye is observed to protect the cultural heritage of the people through observance of rites such as pouring of libation and the marching of groups with palm-fronds through the streets.
The palm-fronds were used to erect a fence around their homes to help protect them against wild animals, in the olden days.
Interesting places that could be visited at Abura Dunkwa included, the twin coconut site, snake palm tree, Asebu Amenfi’s implanted rod and lake of survival.
The rest are the clay island, footprint river, bamboo canopy and the rock with human fingerprint.
GNA
AT/CAA