Sunyani: The 2025 Meko Bono festival has successfully raised GH?4.65 million in seed capital aimed at driving the comprehensive development of the Bono and Bono East Regions. The festival, celebrated annually, serves to highlight and promote the cultural heritage of the Bono people.
According to Ghana News Agency, the festival was held at Odomase in the Sunyani West Municipality of the Bono Region. Natives of the region contributed both cash and pledges to support a fund intended for enhancing physical infrastructure development. Osagyefo Oseadeyo Dr. Agyeman Badu II, the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area, made a significant donation of GH?10 million, emphasizing that the government alone cannot bear the responsibility of facilitating sustainable national development.
Dr. Agyeman Badu II stressed the importance of traditional authorities in advancing national progress and committed to supporting sustainable development efforts. The festival, themed 'From Unity and Heritage to Prosperity', concluded with a durbar attended by chiefs and people from both regions.
Oseadeyo Agyeman Badu II highlighted the necessity for collective contributions to generate the needed resources for development. He encouraged the community to contribute, assuring that the fund would be judiciously utilized to promote viable projects and potentially create jobs.
The festival is envisioned to evolve beyond cultural exhibitions into a platform for resource mobilization, enhancing regional development. Nana Ama Kwaakyewaa, CEO of Bonofie and organizers of the Meko Bono festival, expressed that the event reflects a shared aspiration for unity and social cohesion. She envisions the festival becoming an international tourism event, showcasing the region's traditions and boosting cultural tourism and economic activities.
Nana Kwaakyewaa emphasized that the festival is not only a celebration of cultural heritage but also an educational platform for the younger generation about the customs and values of the Bonos.
