Ntotroso (B/A) Feb. 4 GNA- Nana Kwadwo Seinti, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister said at the weekend that it was time for Ghanaians to redefine traditional festivals to make a positive impact on the nation's quest for true democracy.

"Festivals re-enact the realities of our traditional norms that emphasize peace, tolerance and the acceptance of divergent views, qualities that constitute the basis of true and functional democracy", the Regional Minister said.

Nana Kwadwo Seinti was addressing a durbar of Chiefs and people of Ntotroso in Asutifi district of Brong Ahafo to mark the annual Apomasu Festival during which 100 million cedis Education Endowment Fund was launched.

He said one of the best ways chiefs could complement the growth of Ghana's democracy was to fine-tune all traditional beliefs and practices to make them more responsive to the requirements of civil society.

The Regional Minister called on the youth, to appreciate government's huge investment in the fight against the deadly HIV/AIDS by avoiding casual sex.

Nana Baffour Asare Owusu Amankwatia, Bantamahene, who represented Otumfuo Osei Tutu 11, Asantehene, expressed the hope that the youth would take a cue from the re-enactment of such age-old practices and be disciplined.

He pledged Otumfuo's unflinching support for the Education Endowment Fund and urged other traditional councils to emulate. Nana Twereku Ampem 111, Chief of Ntotroso and President of the Ahafo North Divisional Council said the council was bent on eradicating all inhuman and obsolete aspects of the festival.

The Chief said the council has taken measures to reward best teachers and deserving students in the area to entice others to give of their best.

In a welcoming address, Mr Michael Nsiah-Agyapong, District Chief Executive pledged the Assembly's support for all education endowment funds in the district.

He said the Assembly would also ensure the enforcement of byelaws aimed at discouraging school children from attending social gatherings and entertainment when they are supposed to be learning.

Mr. Nsiah Agyapong commended ACTIONAID-Ghana and the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) and NGOs that had been complementing the efforts of the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Assembly in the promotion of education in the district.