From Isaac Akwetey-Okunor
The leading Mobile Telecommunication Network (MTN) in Ghana took its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and support for the cultural heritage of the country to different echelon when it donated to this year’s Akuapem and Larteh odwira festival.
The items given were a cheque of GH¢5,000, GH¢1,000 airtime, drinks and hamper worth GH¢500 and assorted MTN souvenirs to the Akuapem Traditional Council, whilst Larteh had GH¢3,000, GH¢1,000 airtime, drinks and hampers and souvenirs at separate presentation ceremonies.
In his speech during the presentations, the Sales and Distribution Manager in charge of the Southern business district, Mr. Prince Owusu Nyarko, mentioned that the company was proud to associate itself with the celebrating of festival, not only on the Akuapem Ridge, but all over Ghana.
According to him, cultural heritage is a legacy from the past, and that it was imperative that it is maintained and further passed on to generations yet to come.
“The preservation of our cultural heritage is [a] recognition of the necessity of the past, and the things that reinforce our sense of identity. As the adage goes, life is lived forwards but understood backwards,” he added.
It is in this direction, that he disclosed that MTN, being an African multinational company, upholds and is committed to the promotion of the African heritage through the various festivals, particularly, events that promote the Ghanaian heritage.
The Sales and Distribution Manager continued that the important role festivals play in reconciling families, communities and promoting activities which enable development, cannot be over-estimated.
He, therefore, called on Ghanaians to reaffirm their loyalties to the traditional administrative set up, and patch up misunderstandings among families and communities, as well entreated Ghanaians to promote peace and unity, devoid of proclamations and issues that would divide us.
Apart from the donations, Mr. Nyarko indicated that MTN has assured the two traditional areas of its support in the organisation of their grand durbars to make this year’s celebrations a wonderful one.
He, however, took opportunity of the presentation to highlight some projects the MTN Foundation had embarked upon in the country, and specifically, the Eastern Region. He said a total of over GH¢15.5 million had so far been spent as CSR in areas of education, health and economic empowerment.
He mentioned the construction of a boys’ dormitory for the Akropong School for the Blind, and a 50-seater ICT centre for the Bunso Agric University College among others, as some of the projects executed in the Eastern Region.
Receiving the items on behalf of the Akuapemhene, Oseadeyo Addo Danquah III, and his elders, the State Secretary of the Akuapem Traditional Council, Opanin Kwame Bekoe expressed his profound gratitude to MTN for the continued relationship it has with the traditional council.
According to him, that MTN has demonstrated unflinching support and loyalty to the cause of the traditional area since its commencement of operations in the country is unquestionable, and charged its management not to relent in that direction.
Touching on the celebration of the festival, which has started, but would be climaxed on today, Opanin Bekoe stressed that this year’s celebration is arguably unique and historic, because of its status.
Explaining his point, he hinted that the celebration, in one fold, marks 40 years of the Overlord of the Akuapem Traditional Council, and also the reunion of some disgruntled communities.
To this end, the State Secretary urged all Ghanaians home and abroad, near and far, to be part of the unification and 40 years on the throne of Oseadeyo Addo Danquah III, as the rich cultural heritage of the area would be redefined.
On his part, the Chief of Larteh-Kubease, Nana Okatakyire Agyemfra II, charged the company to leave footprints in his traditional area, through the construction of social amenities.