The colorful processions of chiefs and Queens, traditional priests and priestesses in their beautiful and rich regalia, and spellbinding cultural performances marked this year’s Fetu Afahye festival celebration here.

The annual event organized by the Fante Benevolent Society, FBS, of Metropolitan Chicago is one of the unique cultural Treasures Ghanaian immigrants celebrate in the Chicago metropolis. The distinctive cultural exposition, Themed “Healthcare Sustainability: Supporting Central Region Hospitals,” was also used to raise funds to support Healthcare facilities in Ghana’s central Region.

The Fetu Afahye festival is an annual festival celebrated by the people and chiefs of the Cape Coast Traditional Area in the Central Region of Ghana. It is one of Ghana’s well-decorated, vibrant, and attractive festivals and durbars.

It was a total display of various cultures at the event for the first time as the FBS magnanimously allowed other community groups to perform.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Eunice Cromwell, highlighted some of the problems affecting the healthcare industry in Ghana. She noted that Ghana faces various challenges to its healthcare systems, which have continued to put the health and well-being of Ghanaians at risk.

The country’s healthcare systems have poor hygiene and sanitation, limited workforce in healthcare facilities, inadequate healthcare funding, and poor access to quality healthcare services, especially in rural areas.

Dr. Cromwell proposed interventions such as quality and sufficient healthcare facilities nationwide to address these challenges. She challenged governments to develop adequate insurance coverage, increase the number of healthcare workers to serve the growing healthcare needs, improve hygiene and sanitation conditions in healthcare facilities and increase healthcare funding and investments.

She concluded: “With all this, the Fanti Benevolent Society has pledged to support our Central region hospitals by raising awareness and money to assist our loved ones back home. To whom much is given, much is required. Please help us make a difference. God bless you; God bless our homeland Ghana”.

The President of the Mfantsiman Association of North America, MANA, Maame Aba Dadzie, used the occasion to invite all the member associations of MANA to attend their next convention in September this year. She also pleaded with Fantes and others affiliated with Fantes to join member Associations of MANA to help develop Ghana and the Fante traditional area.

Deserving members of the FBS were appreciated with awards for their diligent services to the organization and the Ghanaian community.

Attendance was large and varied. The following affiliates of the Mfantsiman Association Of North America, MANA, were present. They are the Fantse Association of Columbus – Ohio, Nana Quansah and his Entourage; the Fanti Association of Connecticut – Mr. Frank Ayerakwa, President and Governor Kojo Brew (MANA VP); the Mfantse Mboa Kuw of Dallas, Mr. Eric Ashun, and his Entourage.

The President of the Ghana National Council, Kassim Abukari, and his executives were also in attendance. The following Chicago area organizations were there to support the FBS. They are Okuapeman Fekuw, Asanteman Association, Bono-Ahafo, Ewe Association, GaDangme Community Organization, Ghana Northern Union, Haske Society, Kwahu United, Okyeman Association, Mmbrantie Kuo, and Wogbe Dzeke.

Reverend Dr. Kofi Noonoo offered prayers for the success of the celebrations. Dzifa Hosi and Cosby Michaels were the emcees for the event. Deejay Master P was at his best with spectacular selections that kept revelers on their feet all evening.