By Prince Acquah
Elmina (C/R), July 6, GNA – Telecommunications giant MTN Ghana has donated GHC20,000, an assorted drink hamper, and GHC1,000 worth of airtime to the Edina Traditional Council to support this year’s Bakatue festival
Mr David Woasey, the Central and Western Areas Sales Manager, MTN Ghana, handed over the items to Nana Kwamina Nguando IV, the Chief of Simiw, at brief ceremony at the Anomansa Palace, the seat of the Edinamanhen.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Sustaining our heritage to promote tourism for community and national development.”
Mr Woasey explained that as a multinational African company with its roots from South Africa, MTN Ghana was committed to promoting African culture and heritage, hence their continuous support for festivals across the country.
The gesture was also intended to deepen the company’s years of partnership and collaboration with the chiefs and people of Edina, he added.
“We believe in promoting the African culture and that is why we come here every year to lend our support so that collectively, we can preserve and sell our culture through our festivals,” he said.
With thousands of people expected to throng the ancient city to revel, Mr Woasey noted that the network capacity had been boosted in Elmina to accommodate the numbers.
“We will set up sales centres and bring exciting promotions to allow the people to gain easy and cheaper access to our services to promote the festival across all platforms,” he added.
Nana Nguando IV, expressed gratitude for the gesture, saying “I’m happy to learn that you are interested in promoting our cultural heritage.”
“Before this, you brought GHC37,000 and gave us T-shirts. You have also given us a colourful backdrop for the regatta. We are very grateful,” he said.
He noted that the next Bakatue celebration would be planned in collaboration with MTN Ghana to make it bigger.
He said Elmina had the largest population in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem Municipality and thus served a bigger and more favourable platform for business.
“On behalf of Nana Kodwo Condua VI, the Omanhen of Edina Traditional Area, we accept and appreciate your continuous support,” he added.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Christian Akorlie