The roads of Santrokofi Benua on Christmas day were alive with vibrant cultural displays, joyous celebrations, and the generous spirit of community members both near and far, as the town hosted its annual Homecoming event to raise funds for the completion of their highly anticipated multipurpose ICT centre.

The event was a spectacular showcase of Santrokofi's rich traditions and heritage, drawing a large crowd of residents, dignitaries, and guests from across the region. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the fundraising efforts, which saw the community rallying together to contribute towards the final push to complete this transformative project.

"This ICT centre is not just a building, it represents the aspirations and dreams of our entire community. Today, we have come together to ensure that our children and grandchildren have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive in the digital age," said Nana Opoku Mintah, Chairman of the Santrokofi Benua Development Committee.

The project, which was first initiated by the town's youth in 2017, has faced its fair share of challenges over the years. However, the community's unwavering determination and commitment to the cause have been steadfast.

As the President of the Santrokofi Benua Welfare Association, William Kwaku Adjei Dogbe has been at the forefront of this transformative project from the very beginning. He shared his insights on the community's efforts and the importance of preserving their cultural heritage while embracing technological advancements.

"When we started this project, it was a youth-led initiative, but we quickly realized that it was a task that required the involvement of the entire community," explained Dogbe. "That's why we decided to bring everyone on board, to ensure that we could raise the necessary funds and see this project through to completion."

The youth of Santrokofi Benua have been the driving force behind the ICT centre, recognizing the urgent need to bridge the digital divide and equip their community with the tools to thrive in the 21st century. However, Dogbe acknowledged that this process has not been without its challenges, as the community has had to navigate the delicate balance between preserving their cultural traditions and embracing technological progress.

"There are some rules and some customs that they've been changing here and then which the youth are not happy with, so the youth want them to listen to us," he explained. "Whatever programme is coming, if they want to change the rights of some of our traditions, we let them know."

The youth have been advocating for a more collaborative approach, where they can work alongside the traditional authorities and the elders of the community to ensure that the changes being implemented align with the values and beliefs of Santrokofi Benua.

"We want a collaboration between us in the community and those outside, so that we can continue the way we are doing this," Dogbe said. "We're wondering to stop taking animals as offerings. Those things don't help us. So, we want some of these things to be abolished, and then do what?"

Despite these challenges, the community has come together in a remarkable display of unity and generosity. Through a combination of personal contributions, corporate sponsorships, and donations from the Santrokofi diaspora, the Homecoming event was a resounding success, with the organizers managing to raise an impressive GHc195,000.00 out of the GHc300,000.00 required to finalize the project.

"We are truly grateful to everyone who has supported us on this journey," said Nana Sarku Brempong V, the Chief of Santrokofi Benua and the Nifahene of the Santrokofi Traditional Area. "This ICT centre is not just a building, it's a symbol of our community's resilience, unity, and commitment to the education and development of our youth."

The event was a true celebration of the Santrokofi spirit, with traditional dances, drumming, and cultural performances captivating the audience throughout the day. The vibrant displays of Santrokofi's rich heritage served as a powerful reminder of the community's deep-rooted traditions and the important role they play in shaping the town's future.

As the sun set on Santrokofi Benua, the community members departed with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism. The completion of the ICT centre is now within their grasp, and they are determined to make it a reality in the coming years.

"This is just the beginning," Nana Opoku Mintah declared. "With the support of our community and the generosity of our friends and partners, we will continue to invest in the education and development of our youth, ensuring that Santrokofi Benua remains a beacon of progress and prosperity for generations to come."



The journey towards the completion of the Santrokofi Benua ICT centre has been a testament to the power of community collaboration and the unwavering determination of the town's youth. As the project moves forward, the community is committed to striking a delicate balance between preserving its cultural heritage and embracing the technological advancements that will shape the future of Santrokofi Benua.

Empowering the Youth, Preserving Traditions: The Santrokofi Benua Approach

The Santrokofi Benua community's efforts to complete their landmark ICT centre have not only focused on securing the necessary funds but have also highlighted the importance of intergenerational collaboration and the preservation of cultural identity. At the heart of this endeavor is the town's youth, who have been the driving force behind the project since its inception in 2017.

"When we started this project, it was a youth-led initiative, but we quickly realized that it was a task that required the involvement of the entire community," explained William Kwaku A the President of the Santrokofi Benua Welfare Association. "That's why we decided to bring everyone on board, to ensure that we could raise the necessary funds and see this project through to completion."

The youth of Santrokofi Benua have been acutely aware of the urgent need to bridge the digital divide and equip their community with the tools to thrive in the 21st century. However, this process has not been without its challenges, as the community has had to navigate the delicate balance between preserving their cultural traditions and embracing technological advancements.

"There are some rules and some customs that they've been changing here and then which the youth are not happy with, so the youth want them to listen to us," Dogbe said. "Whatever programme is coming, if they want to change the rights of some of our traditions, we let them know."

This tension has prompted the youth to advocate for a more collaborative approach, where they can work alongside the traditional authorities and the elders of the community to ensure that the changes being implemented align with the values and beliefs of Santrokofi Benua.

"We want a collaboration between us in the community and those outside, so that we can continue the way we are doing this," Dogbe emphasized. "We're wondering to stop taking animals as offerings. Those things don't help us. So, we want some of these things to be abolished, and then do what?"

The success of the Homecoming event, which saw the community rallying together to contribute towards the final push to complete the ICT centre, underscored the power of this collaborative approach. Through a combination of personal donations, corporate sponsorships, and outreach to the Santrokofi diaspora, the event managed to raise an impressive GHc195,000.00 out of the GHc300,000.00 required to finalize the project.

"This ICT centre is not just a building, it represents the aspirations and dreams of our entire community," said Nana Opoku Mintah, Chairman of the Santrokofi Benua Development Committee. "Today, we have come together to ensure that our children and grandchildren have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive in the digital age."

The event itself was a true celebration of Santrokofi's rich cultural heritage, with traditional dances, drumming, and captivating performances that captivated the audience throughout the day. These vibrant displays served as a powerful reminder of the community's deep-rooted traditions and the important role they play in shaping the town's future.

As the sun set on Santrokofi Benua, the community members departed with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism. The completion of the ICT centre is now within their grasp, and they are determined to make it a reality in the coming years.

"This is just the beginning," Nana Opoku Mintah declared. "With the support of our community and the generosity of our friends and partners, we will continue to invest in the education and development of our youth, ensuring that Santrokofi Benua remains a beacon of progress and prosperity for generations to come."

The journey towards the completion of the Santrokofi Benua ICT centre has been a remarkable testament to the power of community collaboration and the unwavering determination of the town's youth. As the project moves forward, the community is committed to striking a delicate balance between preserving its cultural heritage and embracing the technological advancements that will shape the future of Santrokofi Benua.

Through this holistic approach, the Santrokofi Benua community is not only transforming the educational and economic landscape of the town but also setting an example for other communities across Ghana and beyond. By empowering the youth while honoring the wisdom of their elders, they are paving the way for a future where progress and tradition coexist in perfect harmony.