Ga-Dangmes urged to preserve lands, culture for future generations

Nii Amarh Sompunu II, Stool Secretary of the Tema Traditional Council, has called on Ga-Dangme communities to safeguard their ancestral lands, traditions and customs for the benefit of future generations. This call comes amidst growing concerns over the sale and transfer of Ga-Dangme lands to outsiders, a practice Nii Sompunu asserts poses a threat to the community's future and heritage.

Speaking at the Tema Homowo Festival, he emphasized the festival's dual role as a time of celebration and reflection, urging Ga-Dangmes to utilize this occasion to assess their progress, identify challenges, and plan for the traditional year ahead. He highlighted the need to view the Homowo Festival not only as a time for merriment but also as an opportunity to evaluate the community's development and achievements, drawing parallels with the practice of making New Year resolutions.

Concerned over the indiscriminate dispossession of ancestral lands, Nii Shipi Sompunu urged the community to resist such transfers, particularly when financial gains are realized without investment in sustainable development and education. He lamented the lack of utilization of proceeds from land sales, which has hindered the council's ability to fund scholarships and support for the community's youth.

His advocacy extends to the preservation of key traditional sites, such as the former Meridian Hotel, suggesting their potential development into tourism facilities that could generate long-term benefits for the community. Nii Shipi emphasized the importance of integrating such strategic developments into the broader cultural narrative, rather than allowing them to fade into obscurity.

The Stool Secretary also underscored the role of Homowo in preserving cultural practices, detailing the various rituals and traditions associated with the festival. He highlighted the Nshɔ Bulemɔ tradition, where groups go fishing to procure fish for the festival, emphasizing how these practices connect the present generation with the cultural legacy of their ancestors.

He stressed the importance of documenting these traditions and passing them down to younger generations to ensure their preservation. Nii Sompunu urged the younger generation to actively engage in traditional activities, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Ga-Dangme culture, urging that its survival hinges on the community's collective commitment to preserving its heritage.