Tema Manhean, Aug 10, GNA -- The people of Tema Manhean on Saturday celebrated their annual Homowo festival with a call on Ghanaians to get committed to the development of their communities.

Nii Adjei Kraku II, Tema Mantse, addressing the people in his palace after the sprinkling of Kpokpoi throughout the community called on the public to sacrifice their lives towards the achievement of peace and unity in the country.

Clad in red cloth and head gear, the Mantse, flanked by his elders and subjects sprinkled the Kpokpoi, the traditional food for the celebration throughout the town starting from the palace, through the shrines and clan houses amidst drumming, singing, dancing and musketries. Nii Kraku said it was unfortunate that Ghanaians have neglected their values of communal labour and commitment to their communities adding that, it was evident that, "nowadays people only participate in communal activities for the monetary gains".

He also urged parents to invest in their children's education, noting that due to lack of proper education, fishermen in Tema Manhean were still using the old fishing practices.

On the December elections, the Tema Mantse pleaded with politicians to desist from castigating their opponents asking them to use their platforms to address issues affecting the populace in order to avoid the fuelling of post election conflicts.

Nii Addo Akwei, Sempe Suotum Mantse and other traditional leaders from Prampram, Ashaiman and Winneba all reiterated the need for Ghanaians to unite to sustain the peace in the country. Eight communities in the Ashaiman Municipality donated eight cartons of assorted drinks and cash of GH¢ 1,000 during the celebration. 10 Aug. 08