The Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has extended warm greetings and a message of solidarity to the Chiefs and people of the Oguaa Traditional Area in the Central Region as they marked the 61st edition of the annual Fetu Afahye festival.

Delivering the goodwill message on her behalf by Dr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo commended the festival as “far more than a ritual or an annual duty,” describing it instead as an affirmation of identity, a homecoming, and a testimony to the wisdom and resilience of forebears.

She lauded the Fetu Afahye as one of Ghana’s most cherished cultural treasures, uniting citizens at home and abroad while attracting global friends to Cape Coast.

The 2025 celebration, held under the theme “Innovate to Elevate”, was described by the Vice President as a timely reminder of the government’s vision to transform Ghana through creativity, innovation, and the talents of its people.

Highlighting recent initiatives, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang cited the launch of the Black Star Experience Initiative as a bold step in showcasing Ghana’s artistic heritage while opening new economic opportunities for citizens.

She further noted the government’s investments in the creative sector through the Creative Arts Agency and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

These, she said, have been supported by the Ghana Tourism Development Company and the Tourism Development Fund, which has already disbursed over GHS 30 million to strengthen festivals such as the Fetu Afahye as both cultural sanctuaries and engines of economic growth.

Reaffirming the government’s focus on young people, the Vice President stressed that the youth remain at the heart of Ghana’s development agenda.

Through the Youth Employment Agency and various skills development programmes, young Ghanaians, she said, are being empowered to contribute to national progress across tourism, culture, creative arts, and innovative startups.

“Let us always remember that innovation does not mean discarding our traditions,” she urged.

“On the contrary, it challenges us to breathe new life into them, to keep them relevant, and to project them with pride onto the global stage.”

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang commended the Chiefs, Queen Mothers, and people of Oguaaman for their dedication to preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage.

She also extended a warm Akwaaba to visitors partaking in the festivities, urging sons and daughters of the region to remain true ambassadors of their traditions wherever they go.

Concluding her message, the Vice President prayed that the 61st Fetu Afahye would bless Oguaaman with renewed unity, prosperity, and joy, while inspiring all Ghanaians to “innovate to elevate” as part of the broader reset agenda being championed by former President John Dramani Mahama.