Accra: The Gwiraman Traditional Council has launched the Egila Elue Avuyia (Egila Yam Festival) 2025, urging the community to set aside differences and foster peace and unity for accelerated development. The festival, celebrated under the theme 'United in Purpose, Advancing in Progress: The Gwira Way Forward', will culminate in the last week of November 2025. A ban on drumming and noisemaking has been imposed from October 23 to November 23 as part of the festivities.
According to Ghana News Agency, the launch was marked by a vibrant ceremony in Bamiankor, Nzema-East Municipality. Awulae Angama-Tu Agyan, the Paramount Chief of the Gwira Traditional Area and President of the Traditional Council, highlighted that the yam festival had not been celebrated for 23 years since the 2001 event. He expressed concern that Gwiraman was not adequately showcasing its culture, history, and traditions.
The Paramount Chief encouraged the sons and daughters of Gwira to participate in the festival to boost tourism, thus generating revenue for local development. He emphasized the need for better infrastructure, including roads, school buildings, and electricity, and aimed to leverage the festival to engage national leaders on developmental needs.
Professor Francis Awuah from the University of Cape Coast, serving as the Guest Speaker, noted that Gwira is rich in human and mineral resources. He urged the community to resolve conflicts, unite, and focus on development. Prof. Awuah advised using the festival as a forum to address community challenges and strengthen Gwira.
Obrempong Hima Denkyi XIV, the Paramount Chief of Upper Dixcove, chaired the event and urged unity among the people. He criticized the youth for using social media to insult leaders and reminded them to approach chiefs respectfully.
Mr. Herbert Kuah-Dickson, Municipal Chief Executive of Nzema-East Municipality, encouraged the continued celebration of the festival without conflict. He mentioned President John Dramani Mahama's commitment to rural development, noting that 80 percent of the Assembly's Common Fund is earmarked for this purpose, with unity being crucial for executing development projects.
The MCE reported that the Assembly had reached GHc2.8 million of its GHc3.0 million IGF target for 2025 by September and had made strides in grading Gwira roads, a major developmental challenge.
Mr. Kofi Arko-Nokoe, Member of Parliament for Evaloe Ajomoro-Gwira, praised Awulae Angama-Tu Agyan for restoring the festival. He emphasized the importance of unity and peace for progress. The MP committed to supporting education and infrastructure development, including the Gwira road network and local school facilities.
Arko-Nokoe assured that major roads would be improved and announced plans for a police station and school buildings. He highlighted the need for attention to the Gwiraman Senior High School and addressed concerns about malmsey, advocating for responsible mining practices.
