The Central Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Board Chairman of the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC), Dr. Richard Kofi Asiedu, once again demonstrated his deep commitment to culture, tradition, and community development when he chaired this year’s Borbor Mfantse Amanse Afahye in Mankessim.
This year’s festival, held under the theme “Revolutionizing the Resolution of H.E. President Mahama in Making Mankessim the Hub of Vegetable Production in Ghana”, attracted prominent leaders, indigenes, and well-wishers from across the country.
Dr. Asiedu, widely respected for his consistency in supporting traditional events across the region, donated GH₵22,000 towards the celebration. Beyond supporting the festival, his contribution was deliberately targeted at advancing the Omanhen’s flagship initiative—the Green Army concept—which seeks to mobilize and empower the youth through commercial vegetable farming. His intervention therefore reflected not just cultural solidarity but also a strong developmental focus, leveraging his leadership influence at both the political and corporate levels.
In his welcome address, the Paramount Chief of Mankessim Traditional Area, His Royal Eminence Osagyefo Amanfo Edu VI, reaffirmed his vision to transform Mankessim into the hub of agricultural growth in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s call to make the town the “Vegetable Basket of Ghana.” He pledged to ensure the successful implementation of the Green Army, describing it as a strategy to create sustainable jobs for the youth while boosting food security and economic progress.
The Omanhen also emphasized the need for responsible small-scale mining, highlighting its potential as a source of gainful employment if properly regulated. He appealed to government to allocate resources to improve roads within the traditional area and to provide a school bus for the Mankessim Technical School.
The MP for Mfantseman, Hon. Dr. Ebenezer Prince Arhin, together with the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Eric Stanley Acquah, donated GH₵13,000 to support the celebration. The MP outlined ongoing and upcoming projects in the constituency, ranging from boreholes to road construction and the establishment of offices for various sector agencies in Mankessim. He also pledged to complete abandoned projects, including the Mankessim market, and assured the gathering of efforts to help secure a school bus for the Mankessim Technical School.
The festival also witnessed a heartfelt gesture from Godsbrain Smart (Captain Smart) of Media General, a proud son of the land. He donated GH₵5,000 in support of the festival and went further to contribute $1,000 towards the realization of the Green Army project—a move that drew loud applause and excitement from the gathering.
On its part, the NDC in the Central Region supported the festival with a donation of GH₵5,000. The regional party also assured the Mankessim Traditional Council of their continuous support whenever called upon to contribute to the development of the area.
The event was graced by several high-profile personalities, including Dr. Ekow Quainoo (MP for Ekumfi), the DCE for Ekumfi, Mr. Ismaeel Nana Amponsah (former MP for Mfantseman), Hon. Ophelia Hayford, and many others.
In his closing remarks as Chairman of the Occasion, Dr. Richard Kofi Asiedu congratulated the MP for Mfantseman for the numerous projects he is undertaking in the district, including the completion of a modern Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) office. He urged all stakeholders to rally behind the Omanhen’s vision, noting that with strong partnerships between traditional leaders, government, and corporate actors, Mankessim could indeed emerge as Ghana’s hub for vegetable production.
This year’s Borbor Mfantse Amanse Afahye was not only a rich cultural showcase but also a rallying point for development. With the strong backing of leaders like Dr. Richard Kofi Asiedu—who brings on board his experience as NDC Regional Chairman and Board Chairman of GIISDEC—and the generous support of indigenes like Captain Smart, the Omanhen’s Green Army vision now stands on a firmer path to becoming a beacon of hope for the youth of Mankessim and beyond.