Kumasi: The maiden edition of the Ashanti Festival (Ashantifest), an initiative aimed at showcasing the culture and investment potentials of the Ashanti Region, commenced on Saturday with a massive clean-up exercise in all 43 districts across the region.
According to Ghana News Agency, the 15-day celebration is packed with activities in health, education, business, sanitation, sports, and tourism. It is being spearheaded by the Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene. Guided by the saying 'cleanliness is next to Godliness,' the Regional Minister directed all assemblies in the region to organize a clean-up exercise to kick-start the two-week-long celebration.
Dr. Amoakohene personally visited and participated in the exercise in various communities within the Kumasi Metropolis, demonstrating participatory leadership which has earned him praise since becoming the Regional Minister. He coordinated the exercise from various locations and moved between districts to ensure the exercise was seamless and effective.
He visited places such as Dr. Mensah, Alar, Pelele, Anloga Junction, Tech Junction, Atonsu Market, Suame, and Tafo to provide participants with morale support as the political leader of the region. He applauded the people of Kumasi and the entire region for demonstrating high communal spirit and responding to a worthy cause.
The Regional Minister emphasized the importance of prioritizing environmental cleanliness to ensure good health and high productivity, urging the community to embrace periodic cleaning. He also expressed concern over citizens clandestinely dumping refuse in unauthorized places, labeling them as nation wreckers and warning them to desist or face legal consequences.
Dr. Amoakohene extended his appreciation to the people of the Ashanti Region for their active participation in the exercise and urged them to continue their involvement in the remaining festival activities.
