Durbar marks 180th anniversary of Battle of Katamanso

Katamanso (GA/R), Aug. 27, GNA -- The chiefs and people of Katamanso near Ashaiman at the weekend, held a grand and colourful durbar to commemorate the 180th anniversary of the Battle of Katamanso, fought between the Asantes and the Ga-Dangmes in 1826. The solemn occasion, saw the chiefs and people clad in mourning attire, amidst traditional drumming and dancing, and the furring of musketry.

Speaking at the function, Sheikh Ibrahim Cudjoe Quaye, Greater Accra Regional Minister, paid glowing tribute to the memories of the brave warriors in the Ga state whose bravery led to the victory of the Gas over the Asantes. Sheikh Quaye urged the Gas to continue to live in peace and unity, reminding them that it was only in a peaceful environment where goodwill reigned, thus making development, progress and prosperity possible.

The Regional Minister commended people in the area for initiating the development of their tourism potentials, and assured them of government's assistance. Mr. David Sackitey Asare, District Chief Executive of Manya Krobo urged parents to take advantage of the school feeding programme and enroll their children in school. Mr. Asare also entreated them to embrace the National Health Insurance Scheme, since health care nowadays was becoming very expensive. He asked the traditional authorities in the area to forge a close collaboration with the District Assembly, in order to access employment opportunities offered by the National Youth Employment Programme.

Mr. Joseph Nii Large Afotey-Agbo, Member of Parliament for Kpone/Katamanso reminded Ga-Dangmes that as a people it was imperative for them to work harder than they had done in the past, and continue to make sacrifices to hasten the development of the Ga state and enhance their image. Mr Afotey-Agbo advised the youth in the area to stay away from drugs if they wanted to be productive and responsible future leaders of this country.

Nii Otu Akwetey IX, Katamanso Mantse expressed grave concern about the myriad moral and social challenges that faced his people. Nii Akwetey said the growing moral decadence in the society was a worrying phenomenon, adding that the rising incidence of child neglect, especially by irresponsible parents in the area was worsening streetism in the urban centres. He appealed to the government to revert the Ga-Dangme lands to their rightful owners or their respective stools and families, if those lands were not used for the purposes for which they were acquired. He disclosed that the traditional council had released a 40-acre land for development projects in the area, and said they include the building of a human resource centre, clinic, guest house and a hostel. The occasion was used to launch the Katamanso Education and Development Foundation.