From Ishaque Agyei
The GN Group of Companies, a family business group of Ghanaian origin, over the weekend pledged and committed itself to sponsoring this year’s entire Bakatue Festival, from “Korbabutuw” to the last, “Domo”, celebrated by the people of Edina in the Komenda Edina Eguafo-Abirem Municipality (KEEA).
Addressing the chiefs and people of the Edina Traditional Area at the launch of the 2015 Bakatue Festival, the President of the Group, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, revealed that GN Group of Companies has its roots in Elmina, and has created job opportunities for the citizenry in its quest, if not to eradicate, at least reduce poverty.
He said that by dint of hard work, and the unflinching support of the people of Elmina and Ghanaians at large, the numerous companies that fall under the Group have been able to survive, and also performing remarkably well.
Dr. Nduom said that for now, Edina has its own fair share of the companies under the Group, mentioning some subsidiaries as GN Bank, GN Printing, GN Quarry, Freshpack and Ahomka FM, as well as Nduom Sports Complex and many other factories established in the area.
He also commended those who offered their lands for the development of the area, and assured them there is more to come. Dr. Nduom revealed that the First Digital Box would soon be assembled at Elmina before the start of the 2015 Bakatue Festival.
Dr. Nduom, who described the 2015 Bakatue as special and crucial, pleaded that the police and the Municipal Assembly also have major roles to play, in order to have a successful festival.
He further charged that drivers who ply through the streets of Elmina must also adhere to the rules and regulations that day.
He advised parents not to engage their children in trading to the neglect of their education, since they are the future leaders.
“The children are our future leaders, and education is [a] necessary tool to prepare them for that future responsibility,” he emphasised.
Dr. Nduom also appealed to parents to lay a proper foundation for their children by sending them to school in order to benefit from the Nduom University, which is currently under construction at Ayensudo near Elmina.
On his part, the Omanhen of the Edina Traditional Area, Nana Kodwo Condua VI, expressed his joy at the timely intervention exhibited by the GN Group of Companies for the attainment of a successful 2015 Bakatue festival.
He said that sponsorship has always been a headache every year, since right after the celebration of Edina Bronya, Edina Bakatue also follows.
He stated that since the nightmare of searching for sponsorship for the festival is over, he is of the hope that this year’s Bakatue Festival would be planned very well in order to achieve a memorable celebrations
Touching on the theme for this year’s celebration; “Cleanliness is life: Let’s help clean our environment”, the Omanhen said that since Elmina is considered one of the fastest growing tourist centres in the country, it would be prudent and advisable to keep the township and its environs clean.
He stressed that when visitors travel from around the world to Elmina and find the town engulfed in filth, the likelihood of repeating future visits is nil, and we lose as a community.
The Omanhen added that apart from the filth having negative health effects on the local economy, the overall tourist industry can be drastically affected, and for that matter, issues concerning cleanliness should be embraced and tackled by all.
He, therefore, appealed to all to support the fight to eradicate filth in the area, and also commended the leading members and staff of GN Group of Companies for their support.