Accra: About 7000 children within the Ga State were treated to a sumptuous feast at the annual New Year Children's Party, 'Kinka Blonya,' hosted by Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II.
According to Ghana News Agency, the children enjoyed a variety of hot dishes, including jollof, rice with stew, kenkey, banku, and fried fish. The event, held at Bukom Park, was filled with excitement and joy as the children participated in music, dancing, and a musical chairs competition. They also received gifts and souvenirs such as school bags, books, pens, and pencils from the Ga Mantse.
The 'Kinka Blonya' tradition dates back to the reign of King Tackie Tawiah I, a revered and development-oriented leader who ruled from 1862-1902. Known for his extraordinary sense of statesmanship and fairness, King Tackie Tawiah I initiated the annual New Year children's party to promote the welfare of his people.
In 2018, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II revived the event, starting with 750 children, and it has grown steadily since then. At this year's celebration, King Teiko Tsuru II encouraged children to pursue education and urged parents to utilize Ga Mantse scholarships to advance their children's academic prospects.
The King emphasized the importance of education, stating that 'Kinka Blonya' is not just about food and festivities but also about providing scholarships. Recently, the Ga Mantse Foundation awarded scholarships worth about 100,000 to 10 basic schools. The King also called on the Ghana Education Service to ensure that the Ga and Dangbe languages are taught in the Greater Accra Region.
The event featured cultural performances, a musical chairs competition, and a performance by popular Ghanaian musician Kofi Kinaata, providing the children with memorable entertainment.
