Former cultured engagement of Princess Town and Nassau, rekindled with the encounter of Ahanta and Bahamas
Alrighty then, it's been a half-decade since Ghana began the 'Year of Return', inviting descendants of African slaves who were forced across the seas to return to their roots. In 2019 alone, over a million diaspora folks flocked to Ghana, according to the Tourism Ministry, one of them being Christopher Davis, a historian and curator from the Caribbean Island of Bahamas. His research aimed to trace the origins of the Junkanoo Festival, a popular festivity in the Caribbean and parts of the United States.
Around the same time, a young Ghanaian man named Stephen Kenyah, an assemblyman in Ahanta West Municipality, was looking to reconnect his homeland with some of its lost descendants. The next few years brought about some exciting developments, culminating in a major breakthrough that promises great things for Ahanta and the Bahamas. The day has finally come - sons and daughters of both lands have gathered to sign a historic pact!
It's a rainy Saturday in Agona-Nkwanta, the capital of the Ahanta West Municipal Assembly, but the determined entourage from the Island of the Bahamas, including Ginger Moxey, a member of parliament and cabinet minister, Christopher Davis, Queen Mother Asafokyereba (Angelique Mckay), and the Junkanoo Commandos, are reminded of their ancestors' struggles as they braved the harsh conditions.
The signing ceremony was filled with appreciation and promises from both sides. The Ghanaian delegation, led by Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, assured the Bahamians of available space for trade and resettlement.
Seated among the dignitaries were Stephen Kenyah and Christopher Davis, who kindled the initial spark that's now transformed into a blazing union. These two dynamic figures, from different corners of the globe and on opposite sides of the political spectrum, were united by a shared goal - to uplift their people.
The sister-city agreement between Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, and Princess Town, the origin of the Junkanoo Festival (known as Ankos in Ghana), aims to provide a united front for trade, creative arts, and socio-economic development.
Clad in a striking dark-green African 3-piece Kaftan, Stephen left the crowds cheering as he spoke of the returning sons of the land, free from chains and assault. Highlighting the region's resource reserves, such as the forts and castles, he emphasized the immense potential this partnership holds for the Ahantas and the Bahamians.
Stephen is a beacon of hope for young people across Ghana, inspiring them to embrace ethical politics focused on uplifting and connecting their communities. By bringing diaspora connections and development together, he truly symbolizes pan-Africanism at its finest.
Simply put, the sister-city agreement between Princess Town and Nassau signifies a significant partnership, rich in cultural, economic, and historical implications. As the deal unfolds, both regions can expect a range of mutually beneficial outcomes, forging lasting connections, and paving the way for greater regional cooperation.
- The sister-city agreement between Nassau and Princess Town, fueled by the efforts of individuals like Christopher Davis and Stephen Kenyah, promises to facilitate not only trade but also resettlement opportunities.
- In the spirit of pan-Africanism, Stephen Kenyah, a prominent figure in Ghanaian politics, seeks to inspire youth by promoting ethical politics focused on community development and diaspora connections.
- The historic partnership between the Bahamian and Ahanta regions, rooted in shared history and culture, aims to foster socio-economic development through collaboration in trade, creative arts, and community investment.
- In Agona-Nkwanta, as part of the groundbreaking signing ceremony, Ginger Moxey, Christopher Davis, and other dignitaries pledged their commitment to healthier lifestyles and business growth, which could also inspire travel and tourism in the region.