The Igbo Community in Ghana has celebrated the 2019 (IRIJI) Annual New Yam Festival with a resolve to deepen the cultural and economic ties between Ghana and Nigeria and to respect the laws of the former whiles here.

This year’s festival, the 7th edition in Ghana, which is under the theme, “Enhancing and Strengthening Ghana and Nigeria Cultural Unity”, brought together traditional leaders from both countries, government officials as well as notable religious leaders such as the Chief Imam of Ghana, His Holiness Sheik Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharabutu.

The New Yam Festival is celebrated by Igbos globally, to mark the time of harvest of yam, which is regarded as the foremost staple food crop of the Igbo people.

The King of Igbos in Ghana, HRM Eze Dr. Amb. Chukwudi Ihenetu, addressing dignitaries at the event, lauded the existing peace between Ghana and Nigeria and said both countries have had a long standing diplomatic and cultural relationship dating back to decades.

The Igbo New Yam Festival, he explained, brings together Nigerians and Ghanaians of like minds to fraternize and chart a course for consolidation of the already existing cordial cultural relationship between the two countries. “As brothers and neighbours, both countries stand to gain a lot by evolving informal platforms of collaborations. The Igbo New Yam Festival is one of those platforms and our own quota of instituting a cultural integration in both countries”, HRM Eze Dr. Amb. Chukwudi Ihenetu.

The King pledged the commitment of all Igbos to fully respect the laws of Ghana and continuously work hard to contribute to the country’s progress. Chief Imam, His Holiness Sheik Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharabutu, asked Igbos in Ghana to continue to positively impact and contribute to Ghana’s socio-economic development.

He said both countries must continue to be at the forefront of the campaign for unity, peace and mutual understanding in the sub-region.

Some dignitaries and representatives from Ga Traditional Council, Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, Office of Former President John Dramani Mahama and the current government, graced the occasion.