By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, Oct 13, GNA – A five-member delegation from Accra Metropolitan University (Accra Met) and the Office of the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse of Nungua, led by Accra Met’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Goski Alabi, paid a courtesy call on the Ga Mantse Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II at his Palace in Accra.
A statement issued by Accra Met said the purpose of the visit was to discuss the maiden celebration of the Dzenten Festival, scheduled for November 1, at Sakumo-Nungua.
It said the engagement focused on the cultural and spiritual significance of the Dzenten Festival and the need to preserve and promote the historical heritage of the Gadangme people.
Explaining the rationale behind the institution of the festival, Prof Alabi said it was inspired by the cultural and spiritual significance of Angmu Te, also known as the Sacred Meridian Rock.
She explained that the rock was historically regarded as the closest landmark on earth to Null Island, which is the geographical point where the Prime Meridian and the Equator intersect.
Dzenten is a Ga expression meaning “centre of the world”.
According to her, the Gadangme people had worshipped the rock for more than 700 years before it was blasted in 2014 during the expansion of the Tema Port.
Prof Alabi noted that the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse of Nungua, Wor Lumor Konor Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, believes that celebrating the Dzenten Festival offers an important opportunity to preserve the memory of Angmu Te and safeguard its cultural and historical significance for present and future generations.
She further observed that Ghana has two UNESCO World Heritage property listings relevant to the country’s historic built heritage: the Forts and Castles, which span the Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions, and the Asante Traditional Buildings.
In her view, Angmu Te deserves recognition within Ghana’s heritage conservation efforts, including consideration for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Prof Alabi added that the Gborbu Wulomo believes the Ga Mantse is among those who possess the traditional authority, standing and influence required to champion this cause and help turn the aspiration into reality.
The Dzenten Festival is a collaborative initiative between Accra Metropolitan University and the Office of the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse.
In his response, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II expressed gratitude to the delegation for the visit and commended the confidence and trust the Gborbu Wulomo had reposed in him.
He described the Dzenten Festival as an initiative with considerable potential to promote goodwill among the Gadangme people and pledged his unreserved support for its success.
The Ga Mantse further assured the delegation that he would deploy the resources available to him to support the successful celebration of the festival.
Other members of the delegation include Mr Emmanuel Debrah, Senior Assistant Registrar; Mr Ebenezer T. Hanson, Head of Public Relations and Communications; Mr Lawrence Ashie Alan Tee, Multimedia Officer, all of Accra Met; and Eugenia Borley Bortier of the Office of the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade