By Victoria Agyemang, GNA
Cape Coast, Dec 27, GNA – Nana Ekua Abookyi VI, Queenmother of Cape Coast, marked her birthday on Boxing Day in a heart warming way by hosting a special feast for widows and the elderly residents in the Oguaa Traditional Area, reaffirming her commitment to compassion, community service, and care for the vulnerable.
The event, held at the Emintsimadze palace, brought together dozens of widows and aged persons who were treated to hot meals, drinks, music, prayers, and fellowship.
Smiles and laughter filled the courtyard as her guests ate and shared stories of their life experiences, many expressing gratitude for being remembered and honoured.
Speaking at the gathering, the Queenmother, said her birthday was an opportunity to give thanks and to share love with those who have contributed immensely to society but were often overlooked.
She emphasised the importance of supporting widows and the aged, noting that they carried wisdom, history, and values that continued to shape their communities.
“Our elders and widows deserve dignity, care, and respect, and as we celebrate life, we must also celebrate kindness and ensure that no one feels forgotten,” she said.
The celebration featured traditional music and dancing, with some of the elderly guests joining in, drawing cheers from attendees.
Items such as foodstuffs and basic necessities were also distributed to support the beneficiaries beyond the day’s celebration.
Community leaders and family members praised the Queenmother for her consistent advocacy for social welfare and inclusive leadership.
They described the event as a reminder of the role traditional authorities play in promoting unity and compassion at the grassroots.
For many of the widows and aged participants, the feast was more than a birthday celebration, it was a moment of recognition and belonging.
As one elderly attendee shared, “Today, we feel loved and remembered.”
The Queenmother ended the event with a call for collective responsibility, urging individuals, institutions, and the youth to extend care to the elderly and vulnerable, not only on special occasions but every day.
Edited by Alice Tettey/Christian Akorlie