A 4-Day Arts & Cultural Celebration In The Western Region.
The “Sakeva Transnational Cultural Festival,” a four-day arts and cultural celebration, has commenced in Sekondi, promoting the creative arts sector within the Western Region of Ghana. Organized by the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) through the European Union-funded Twin Cities in Sustainable Partnership Project (TCSPP), the festival collaborates with partners including the Centre for National Culture, Ghana Association of Visual Artists, Takoradi Technical University, Ghana Tourism Authority, and Ghana Export Promotion Authority.
Themed “Projecting Sekondi-Takoradi through creative arts,” the inaugural festival showcases different activities including an arts and crafts exhibition, an exposition of the eight Akan Clans’ totems, a symposium focusing on arts and tourism, student competitions in drawing and cooking, and a traditional fashion show. The festival’s name, “Sakeva,” derived from the Ahanta dialect meaning “Sankofa” or “Go back for it,” embodies its mission to revive and celebrate indigenous artifacts, artworks, and heritage sites across Sekondi-Takoradi.
Enthusiastic participants ranging from locals to tourists, traditional authorities, students, and religious leaders have immersed themselves in the rich cultural displays and masquerade dances known as “Ankos.” Dressed in traditional regalia, chiefs, queen mothers, sub-chiefs, and elders have contributed to the festival’s grandeur, enhancing the ambiance with their presence. Art enthusiasts have delighted in handcrafted ceramics, vibrant paintings, intricate sculptures, traditional attire, and exquisite basketry, fostering a deep connection to their cultural heritage.
Beyond its cultural revelry, the Sakeva Festival aims to underscore the creative arts industry’s pivotal role in job creation, tourism enhancement, and local artistic innovation. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, increasing market value, and promoting sustainable growth, the festival seeks to elevate the creative arts sector’s prominence and economic impact.
Esteemed dignitaries including Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Andrew Egyapa Mercer, Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area Nana Kobina Nketsia V, and Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive Abdul-Mumin Issah are expected to grace the festival with their presence, underscoring its significance in promoting cultural vibrancy and community cohesion.