Saltpond climaxes Citizens urged to unite for development

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, has appealed for unity between the youth and the traditional leaders of Saltpond to help explore its socio-economic potential and accelerate the town’s development agenda.

He stressed that divisions had slowed the town’s development, emphasising that there was an urgent need to unite in solidarity towards Saltpond’s growth and development.

Speaking at the maiden Saltpond Homecoming Festival, SaltpondFest 2025, Mr Aggrey said the tensions that arose when the historic Odambea Festival was shifted from its traditional August date to October should give way to cooperation and collective progress.

The homecoming festival, held on the theme: “Reuniting our roots, Reimagining the future,” filled Saltpond with colour, music and tradition last weekend.

Excitement

A grand procession of excited patrons led by brass bands and masquerade groups electrified the streets, while football and volleyball matches, cooking competitions and business exhibitions gave both the youth and entrepreneurs the chance to showcase their talent and goods and cash in on the festivities.

Some masqueraders at the SaltpondFest durbar

The participation of residents and visitors from the diaspora reflected the event’s deeper mission to rebuild unity and channel heritage into development.

Mr Aggrey stated that “August is the best season and moving Odambea from August to October had weakened participation, especially for our brothers and sisters abroad.”

He observed that August was a natural period for festivals since schools were on vacation, giving parents the time and freedom to contribute their quota to community projects.

In October, however, most parents have to concentrate on their children’s schooling, making it difficult to dedicate the same attention to the festival.

“Our diaspora also usually plans their annual holidays in August so they can return home to celebrate with us,” he added. “If we shift the festival to October, it will destroy their dream of coming home and contributing to the development of the community.

“Saltpond is the citadel of Ghana’s politics and we cannot let disunity and poor planning rob us of our shine. The youth and chiefs must work hand in hand to unlock the great potential of this town,” he said.

He therefore appealed to the Saltpond traditional leaders to bring back the Odambea festival to August.

Differences to be resolved

The Somankwahen of Akyemfo, Nana Benyin VII, in his remarks, admitted that the change in the Odambea festival’s timing had fuelled misunderstandings between the youth and elders, but said the differences would be resolved in the spirit of progress.

He called for a change in mindset within the community, noting that development could not be left entirely to the government.

He also acknowledged concerns about the limited number of chiefs at the event, promising that such matters would be addressed at the traditional council level.

The Member of Parliament for Mfantseman, Prince Kwadwo Arhin, pledged to tackle pressing infrastructure challenges.

He announced that contracts had been signed to provide boreholes for the Saltpond Municipal Hospital, which had long struggled with water shortages, and promised to construct toilet facilities.

He further called on residents to look beyond political divisions and unite for development.

New movement

The Founder and President of the Mfantseman-Saltpond Development Alliance (MSDA), Ernest De-Graft Egyir, described the festival as the beginning of a new movement.

He explained that the MSDA was created to rally indigenes at home and abroad around sustainable projects, with its first legacy initiative being a reliable water system for the Saltpond Hospital.

He also appealed to the government to acknowledge Saltpond’s central role in Ghana’s political history by hosting this year’s Founders’ Day celebrations in the town.

The CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, praised the strong turnout for the maiden festival, saying it had prospects to impact the town positively.

He said the energy of SaltpondFest was proof that the youth were ready to lead change and called for more initiatives that would cement unity and pride in the community.

The Founder and Group Chairman of the McDan Group, Daniel McKorley, described Saltpond as a “blessing” to the nation and underscored its potential as a tourism hub, serving as a natural stopover for visitors heading to Elmina and Cape Coast.

He pledged mentorship and support for young entrepreneurs, encouraged investment in education, and urged residents to contribute to their own development as the government could not do everything.

Create opportunities

He urged the youth to create opportunities within Saltpond instead of seeking them elsewhere.

Sponsored by the Ernest Egyir Foundation, the maiden SaltpondFest ended with a renewed sense of unity and optimism.

As residents, chiefs, and dignitaries came together, many expressed hope that the festival would not only revive cultural pride but also spark sustainable development that could transform Saltpond into a beacon of heritage and progress for generations to come.

A resident of Saltpond, John Aduful, expressed gratitude to the organisers of the event, saying that “this festival would bring our brothers and sisters abroad back to the society.”