Alex Segbefia, on Saturday, assured the chiefs and people of Agotime and the Volta Region of the government’s commitment to cultural promotion, tourism development, and infrastructure expansion as he addressed the grand durbar of the 2025 Agotime Kente Festival.

In his speech, Hon. Segbefia praised the cultural significance of Kente, describing it as “an emblem of national pride” that has transcended borders to inspire international fashion houses and African diaspora communities alike. “Kente, with its diverse and intricate designs, weaves history and politics into a material that is both local and global,” he noted, saluting the people of Agotime for preserving the craft and hosting the festival.

The Special Guest of Honour also conveyed greetings from Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and called for a moment of remembrance for the eight Ghanaians who were laid to rest in Accra on Friday.

On the government’s broader vision, Mr Segbefia pointed to recent measures in the tourism and creative arts sector, including the inauguration of the Ghana Tourism Authority Governing Board by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie.

The new board, he said, would collaborate with stakeholders to position Ghana as a leading tourist destination.

Highlighting the link between tourism and national infrastructure, he stressed the importance of roads, health care, and other facilities in supporting tourism growth.

He tied this to President John Dramani Mahama’s Big Push Agenda, an ambitious $2 billion annual investment plan over five years targeting roads, health, education, and other key sectors.

According to him, the Volta Region stands to benefit directly, citing the President’s commitment to agriculture and agribusiness, higher education, security, the Blekusu Sea Defence Project, the Eastern Corridor road, and the reconstruction of the Ho-Denu Road.

He further pointed to the newly inaugurated board of the Ho Teaching Hospital, which has been tasked with modernising operations and supporting Ghana’s ambition to become a hub for medical tourism in West Africa.

On specific concerns raised by the Konor of Agotime, Mr. Segbefia assured residents that their water challenges would soon be addressed, with plans to connect the community to the Adidome Water Project through the Community Water and Sanitation Agency.

While acknowledging that challenges remain, he emphasised that the government “hears your concerns and will not leave them unanswered,” adding that the administration remains committed to building “a stronger, fairer Ghana where systems work for all of us.”

He encouraged Ghanaians to learn from festivals such as Agotime Kente, preserve cultural traditions, and celebrate Ghana’s artistic and cultural output.