The 2025 Agotime Kente Festival was marked by a resounding call to preserve cultural heritage and harness it for national development, as the Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice President, Alex Segbefia, extolled the global significance of kente and pledged government’s continued investment in infrastructure, tourism, and regional growth.
Addressing the grand durbar at Agotime-Kpetoe, where he served as Special Guest of Honour, Mr. Segbefia described the festival as a celebration of Ghana’s history, identity, and cultural influence.
He noted that kente, long before the adoption of the national flag, was a symbol of identity and pride during the independence movement, and has since gained global recognition across the African diaspora and fashion industry.
“Kente weaves history and politics into a material that is both local and global,” he said, commending the people of Agotime for curating a festival that promotes both local heritage and Ghana’s broader cultural footprint.
Linking culture to national development, Mr. Segbefia highlighted government initiatives to boost tourism and infrastructure.
He pointed to the inauguration of the Ghana Tourism Authority Governing Board by the Minister of Tourism, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, as part of a broader strategy to position Ghana as a competitive destination.
He underscored the role of infrastructure in driving growth, stressing that safe transport, affordable food, and reliable healthcare are essential to unlocking Ghana’s tourism potential. He reaffirmed government’s “Big Push Agenda,” a $2 billion annual investment over five years in education, health, and transport infrastructure, saying: “A tourist is more likely to visit when they know they can move around safely and access reliable services.”
Assuring the people of the Volta Region of government’s commitment, he cited ongoing and planned projects including the Eastern Corridor Road, Blekusu Sea Defence Project, Ho-Denu Road, and expanded agricultural investments.
He also announced that Agotime will be connected to the Adidome Water Project, in response to concerns raised by Paramount Chief Nene Nuer Keteku.
On healthcare, Mr. Segbefia outlined plans to position Ghana as a medical tourism hub, with the Ho Teaching Hospital expected to play a leading role under a new governing board tasked with modernizing its operations.
Concluding, he urged Ghanaians to preserve and celebrate cultural traditions. “Let us be curious about their origins, preserve them, and celebrate our cultural output,” he said.
Mr. Segbefia was later enstooled as a Development Chief of Agotime. Other speakers called for unity, patriotism, humility in service, and accelerated development for the Volta Region.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
