The Member of Parliament for Tema West, Hon. Carlos K. Ahenkorah, has condemned and warned against the beating of war drums amidst an increasingly tensed political atmosphere as Ghanaians prepare to vote for their next president and next line of leaders.

He was addressing the maiden edition of the New England Ghana Festival (NEGfest), held in Worcester, Massachusetts, on Saturday, September 7, which saw a magnificent celebration of Ghanaian culture and heritage amidst glittering, thriller performances.

Hon. Ahenkorah’s remarks were not confined to the festival. 

He used the platform to speak about the upcoming Ghana general election, scheduled for later this year. 

Expressing concern about rising political tensions, he urged Ghanaians both at home and abroad to prioritize peace and reject any calls for violence.

This year’s festival was anchored by the theme "Sankofa: Embracing Our Heritage, Connecting Our Past," a powerful message underscoring the importance of cultural preservation and the connection between past and present.

The maiden New England Ghana Festival was a resounding success, bringing together Ghanaians from across the United States to celebrate their heritage.

The New England Ghana Festival (NEGFest 2024) under the auspices of the Ghana Heritage Foundation (GHF) is in partnership with the US-Ghana Embassy, Worcester State University, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Ghana Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwaaba Clinic, Nananom, local churches, and the entire Ghana Community in New England.
and several other esteemed entities.

Some of the dignitaries present at the event included New Juaben Omanhene Daasebere Nana Kwaku Boateng III, the event guest of honour, Queen Mother of New Juaben Nana Juaben Serwaa III, Hon. Ken Asafo-Adjei, Consul Designate, Honorary Consulate of Ghana-Massachusetts, MP for Atwima-Nwabiagya South, Co-Chair of the event Nana Awuah Panin III, Hon. Emmanuel Agyei Anhwere, Hon. Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, MP for Bole-Bamboi, and Members of the Parliamentary Select Committee, among other high-profile government officials and traditional leaders. 

Other state officials were: Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts

Joseph Petty, Mayor of Worcester; Senator Michael Moore, Member of the Massachusetts Senate from the 2nd Worcester District; Senator Robyn K. Kennedy, Member of the Massachusetts Senate from the 2nd Worcester District;

Khrystian E. King, Vice Chairman and Councilor-at-Large Worcester; State Representative David LaBeouf, State Representative for the 17th Worcester District; State Representative Dan Donahue, Massachusetts State Representative; and Sheila H. Dibb, Candidate for the Massachusetts State Senate.

"This year happens to be an election year," Hon. Ahenkorah stated. "Unfortunately, for the first time in 32 years of uninterrupted governance, we are hearing a lot of war drums being beaten. 

I urge everyone here to speak to their relatives back home if anyone asks them to go and fight; tell them not to engage. Elections are not about fighting; they are about who the people choose to lead the country."

He added, "Please let's speak to our relatives; if anybody asks you to go and fight, don't go and kill yourself. Tell your relatives to stay home if any politician asks anyone to go out there and fight; ask them to bring their children first before you go and join them out there to go and fight.

Carlos Ahenkorah went on to encourage Ghanaians in the diaspora to remind their families to avoid becoming entangled in political violence, emphasizing that those inciting violence often remain far from harm, while ordinary citizens bear the brunt of conflict.

He also commended the organizers of the festival, the Ghana Heritage Foundation, for their initiative in bringing together nearly 100,000 Ghanaians residing in Worcester and surrounding areas. 

He emphasized the importance of events like NEGfest in fostering connections among Ghanaians in the diaspora, some of whom may have lost touch with fellow countrymen and women after relocating abroad.

"It’s quite untenable that you have a population of almost 100,000 Ghanaians here in Worcester, and yet, we’ve not had occasions like this one to bring everyone together," Hon. Ahenkorah noted. 

He lauded the Ghana Heritage Foundation for their vision and expressed hope that future festivals would be even larger and more impactful. 

"So for me, for the Ghana Heritage Foundation coming up with this idea, I think it's quite a lofty idea, and I hope and pray that even what they will do next year will be bigger and more purposeful than what we are seeing today.

But otherwise, I say, I wish you kudos; you've done very well, and we wish to see a bigger event next year," he added.

He also called for collaboration across the wider New England region, which he estimated to house close to 200,000 Ghanaians.

In his speech, the Tema West MP also highlighted the importance of preserving and showcasing Ghana’s rich cultural heritage. 

He stressed that events like NEGfest offer Ghanaians in the diaspora the opportunity to share their traditions and history with others, including non-Ghanaians unfamiliar with the country's culture.

Closing his address, Hon. Ahenkorah expressed gratitude for the diaspora’s financial contributions to Ghana’s economy, particularly through remittances, which he said rank as the third-largest source of foreign exchange after oil and cocoa exports. 

He conveyed the Ghanaian government's appreciation on behalf of President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, urging the diaspora to continue their support as the country strives for economic growth and political stability.

The 2024 New England Ghana Festival recorded a vibrant celebration of Ghanaian culture, featuring traditional performances, food, and arts. 

The event served as a vital platform for discussions on cultural preservation and political awareness within the diaspora community.

KA

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