Correspondence from Eastern Region

The 2025 edition of the Okorase Ofie Ba Festival—celebrated under the theme “Mobilizing Our Communities for Sustainable Development: A Focus on Water and Sanitation”—culminated in a colourful Grand Durbar, where the Chief of Okorase, Nana Asare Kumi III, issued a passionate call for collective action against illegal mining (galamsey) and renewed appeals for key developmental projects for the community.

Held at the Okorase Methodist School Park, the Durbar brought together chiefs, queen mothers, dignitaries, development partners, and hundreds of indigenes returning home for the annual “homecoming” celebration that blends culture, unity, and community development advocacy.

Addressing the gathering, Nana Asare Kumi III warned of the far-reaching consequences of illegal mining on water and sanitation—the very focus of this year’s celebration.

Ghana’s illegal mining crisis has devastated rivers such as the Pra, Offin, Ankobra, and Birim; increased the cost of water treatment; and destroyed hundreds of hectares of farmlands. Studies by the Water Resources Commission and CSIR have repeatedly highlighted rising heavy metal contamination, the destruction of aquatic life, and the collapse of local livelihoods in mining-prone regions.

Okorase, though not a major mining community, is affected through downstream pollution and youth involvement in illegal mining outside the town.

“Those who engage in illegal mining activities live amongst us in our various communities,” the chief stressed. “There is the need for us to continue to discuss the negative impact with them and explore alternative livelihoods. We must involve our youth in these conversations.”

He applauded national efforts to clamp down on galamsey but urged stronger community involvement, noting that the fight “remains an albatross around our neck.”

Beyond environmental concerns, Nana Asare Kumi III used the platform to present a development petition to the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, the Akuapem North DCE, and the MP for Akuapem North.

Key among the requests was a Senior High School for the community.

“We need a Senior High School here in Okorase. We are ready to provide the land, and we are available for further discussions,” the chief declared, drawing applause from residents.

These requests were reaffirmed by the Chairman of the Planning Committee and Nkabomhene of Okorase-Akuapem, Nana Dr. Akwetey Gyamfi I, who emphasized that development must remain a shared responsibility.

Essential infrastructural needs he highlighted during the ceremony included a modern market to enhance sanitation and promote economic activity, stronger waste management and sanitation partnerships with district authorities, construction of inner roads to improve mobility and commerce, a police station to increase security as the population grows, a fire station to bolster emergency response and an Astroturf pitch to support youth development and sports.

The Ofie Ba Festival—literally “child of the home”—has evolved beyond its cultural significance into a strategic platform for mobilizing resources and influencing policy toward sustainable development.

Its activities, which included a colourful procession of chiefs, drumming, traditional performances, and a fundraising segment, strengthened community bonds while refocusing attention on urgent needs in water and sanitation.

Representing the symbolism of homecoming, the event encouraged natives living across Ghana and abroad to reconnect with their heritage and contribute to Okorase’s progress..

Nana Dr Akwetey Gyamfi highlighted the relevance of the festival’s theme to the global Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation, calling on government, NGOs, and development partners to work with Okorase to implement long-term solutions.

“Development begins with all of us. When we protect our environment and support one another, we move closer to the Okorase we aspire to see,” he said.

The Special Guest of Honour, Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey on a message read on her behalf commended the chiefs and people of Okorase for maintaining the festival as a unifying and development-driven tradition.

Her speech focused on community partnership, government support for local development, and the significance of environmental stewardship in national growth.

As chiefs were escorted out with drumming and dancing to end the durbar, the mood was festive—but the message remained firm:

Okorase is ready to lead its own development while standing against threats like illegal mining that endanger the environment and future.

The 2025 Ofie Ba Festival affirmed that cultural celebrations can serve as powerful catalysts for policy influence, community mobilization, and sustainable development.