By Prince Acquah
Saltpond, April 8, GNA – The Mfantseman-Saltpond Development Alliance (MSDA) has held its inaugural Easter Festival Exposition in Saltpond to promote local businesses, showcase cultural and historical heritage, and stimulate tourism to drive the transformation of the coastal city.
The expo, which brought the city to a near standstill, featured a massive health walk, brass band and cultural performances, a music expo, children and adult entertainment, and sporting activities to crown the Easter festivities.
More importantly, the event hosted about 21 exhibitors in food, fashion, digital accessories, insurance, financial services, and art, among others, to connect them with customers and investors.
Held on the theme: “Celebrate, connect and contribute: Saltpond rising again,” the expo created a platform for collaboration and active community participation to foster growth.
Mr Ernest De-Graft Egyir, President of the Alliance and Founding CEO of Chief Executives Network Ghana, said the expo was intended to encourage entrepreneurship, strengthen community engagement, and reposition Saltpond for transformational growth.
Drawing inspiration from the resurrection of Christ, he indicated it was time to revive the city through collective responsibility, highlighting the economic and developmental benefits of the initiative.
Mr Egyir called for urgent infrastructural development in Saltpond to support accelerated growth, lamenting the lack of adequate facilities.
He also raised concern over alleged illegal sales of public lands reserved for schools and other facilities, warning that such actions could hinder future development projects.
“Government is embarking on the construction of many social amenities. If we don’t stop this, there will be no lands for government to undertake projects for us,” he cautioned.
He further highlighted the tourism potential of Saltpond and pledged the Alliance’s commitment to establishing a tourism office to promote the historic city.
Mr Egyir urged the youth to take advantage of the expo and channel their innovation and energy into the development of Saltpond.
He noted some contributions by the Alliance, including the construction of a water system for the Saltpond Municipal Hospital, and called on stakeholders to support their efforts.
Dr Ebenezer Prince Arhin, Member of Parliament for Mfantseman, commended the Alliance for the initiative and pledged his support, citing opportunities it created for young businesses.
He also praised the group for helping to address water challenges at the Mfantseman Municipal Hospital.
“This is a significant move by young men and women determined to move our beloved city forward. We must connect the dots and think about how to create something bigger for Mfantseman,” he said.
Mr Kwabena Mensah Mannoh, Chairman of the occasion and Acting Director of Premises and Estates at the Electricity Company of Ghana, expressed optimism about the potential of the annual expo to transform Saltpond.
He commended the Alliance and predicted an even bigger event in the coming years.
Mr Mannoh urged reflection on the history of Saltpond and the need to preserve its heritage while planning.
“We need to reflect on the past and think into the future. Everyone has a role to play, so find what you can do best and do it well to push Saltpond forward,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey /Audrey Dekalu