Let's acknowledge Igbo culture in Ghana - Traditional authorities
Some Igbos displaying their culture
Some Traditional authorities and prominent personalities in Ghana have urged Ghanaians to respect and acknowledge the culture of other countries especially the Igbo New Yam Festival and see it as a way to strengthen the bond between Ghana and Nigeria.
According to them, Ghana is a nation that is built on peace, hospitality and cultural diversity and has continued to grow as a hub for trade, education, and international relations in West Africa.
They revealed that Ghana is well recognized in the world for the country's ability to live harmoniously with people from different backgrounds which has compelled many citizens from different countries to make Ghana their home.
Responding to a call by a group calling itself as APEX, demanding the National House of Chiefs to ban the Igbo's in Ghana from celebrating their annual New Yam Festival, these traditional Authorities stated that the Igbo's are a significant group whose culture and contributions to Ghana deserve recognition and respect.
They said, the Igbo New Yam festival in Ghana contributes significantly to the economy and tourism sector of Ghana where it attracts a lot of Nigeria business men and women from different countries to participate and collaborate with Ghanaian businesses.
They stated that the festival also gives opportunity for the display of Ghanaian traditional and culture while paving way for many Ghanaians to exhibit their business products for free to attract Nigeria investors to partner and do business.
They added that the venue, chairs and among others used for the celebration of the New Yam Festival are provided by Ghanaians while paying Ghana's sanitation giant Zoomlion company limited to ensure sanitation services before, during and after the celebration, therefore contributing to the development of the Ghanaian businesses.
The Igbo people are known for their industrious spirit, strong family values, and deep respect for tradition which Ghanaians represent the same values contributing positively to Ghana’s culture and traditions.
Beyond this, the Igbo New Yam Festival in Ghana they said brings rich cultural heritage, dress, music, food, and customs that adds value to Ghana's multicultural society.
They stated that Igbo people are known for extensive travel, both within Nigeria and internationally adding that Igbo's travel not just for financial reason but also for cultural, social, and contribute to others economic sectors.
Beyond this migration, Igbo people have also established significant communities in numerous countries worldwide and have Chiefs and elders that sees the affair of their people.
They revealed that Igbo Culture and tradition demand that no Chief in the Diaspora are buried outside Igboland.
They revealed that respecting Igbo culture is not about giving up Ghanaian culture identity to other people rather It is about honoring the humanity of others and acknowledging mutual respect, fosters peace and coexistence.
"Allowing space for other people traditional ceremonies, recognizing cultural festivals like the Igbo New Yam Festival will open doors for Ghanaians to know about Igbo customs and understand that Ghana and Nigeria especially the Igbos have things in common"
Expressing worries about the group calls for the ban of the Igbo New Yam Festival in Ghana, the traditional authorities stated that just as Ghanaians expect Ghana traditions and culture to be respected abroad, the time has come for Ghanaians to offer the same courtesy to others who live among them.
Making references to other Ghanaian Culture festivals that are celebrated in the Diaspora, these traditional Authorities stated that last year, the Ashanti Kingdom, led by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu Il, celebrated their 6th Akwasidae for 2024 in London as part of the
25th anniversary celebration of the King of Asanteman.
The celebration in London, they said brought together Asantes from all parts of the world to attend the event to showcase the Akan culture.
They recall that On October 26, 2024, the Ga Traditional Council, in collaboration with GaDangme UK & Ireland, hosted the Grand Homowo UK Festival 2024, showcasing the rich heritage of the GaDangme culture to the world.
The event offered them the opportunity to sprinkle the god for the gods Kpokpoi and featured the attendance of queen mothers and chiefs from the Ga Traditional Council, including the Ghanaian billionaire and businessman Daniel Mckorley, popularly known as McDan.
They added that these festivals are not only celebrated in the UK rather many countries such as the United States, Canada, Netherland and among others.
Acknowledging the Igbo New Yam Festival in Ghana, they said will be fairness, and reflection of who Ghanaians are as a people, welcoming wise, and peace-loving.
They further urged the people of Ghana especially the youth to let Ghana continue to shine as a beacon of unity adding that respecting Igbo culture, and all cultures within the borders of Ghana is not only the right thing to do but it is the Ghanaian thing to do.