Sekondi-Takoradi, a city renowned for its vibrant festivals, is set to host the inaugural Sàkeva Transnational Cultural Festival this week.
In a press briefing held at the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly’s (STMA) Conference Room on Monday, June 24, 2024, the Metropolitan Chief Executive of Sekondi-Takoradi, Abdul-Mumin Issah, shared his excitement about this new cultural initiative aimed at promoting the city’s creative arts sector.
The term “Sàkeva” translates to “Sankofa” in the Akan dialect, meaning “go back and get it.”
This theme underscores the festival’s mission to revive and project Sekondi-Takoradi’s cultural heritage through creative arts. The festival’s theme, “Projecting Sekondi-Takoradi through Creative Arts,” emphasizes the city’s commitment to fostering local talent and showcasing it on both national and international stages.
Sekondi-Takoradi has long been celebrated for its diverse array of festivals, including Potomanto, Yesu Asor, TadiFest, West Side Carnival, Made in Taadi Concert, and the Western Trade Fair. Recently, social media has even dubbed Sekondi-Takoradi as the “Christmas Festivities City,” akin to how Kwahu is known for its Easter celebrations.
Despite this rich festival culture, the arts and crafts sector has often been overlooked. To address this, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA), supported by the EU-funded Twin-Cities in Sustainable Partnership Project (TCSPP), is introducing the Sàkeva Festival, focusing on the arts and crafts community.
Mayor Abdul Mumin Issah highlighted that the Sàkeva Festival is more than just an event; it is a strategic effort to develop and promote the works of local artists, heritage sites, artifacts, and cultural celebrations in Sekondi-Takoradi. The festival aims to create employment, boost tourism, and foster cultural exchanges, particularly with Sekondi-Takoradi’s sister city, Palermo in Italy.
The festival also seeks to address the many challenges faced by local artists, such as inadequate workspaces, insufficient capital, and limited government support. To this end, the STMA is collaborating with various departments and agencies to reposition the arts and crafts sector as a pillar for local economic development.
Earlier this year, a Technical Team was formed, including representatives from the Centre for National Culture (CNC), Ghana Association of Visual Artists (GAVA), Takoradi Technical University (TTU), Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), and Ghana Export Promoting Authority (GEPA). This team is tasked with organizing the Sàkeva Festival and developing a comprehensive marketing strategy to boost the sector.
The strategy aims to connect local artists with buyers, encourage the adoption of new technologies, and create workspaces that foster creativity and innovation. It also seeks to facilitate access to capital and strengthen the link between academia and local artisans.
The Sàkeva Festival promises a rich program of events: The festival will kick off on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the Sekondi Methodist Park, supervised by the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Andrew Egyapa Mercer, with support from the Hon. Western Regional Minister, Hon. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, and the Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketsiah V.
Over 50 artists will showcase innovative artworks in traditional fashion, jewelry, fine arts, ceramics, wood carvings, photography, and graphic designs in a four-day exhibition.
Traditional dance troupes and masquerade groups will perform, featuring the folklore and clan totems of the eight Akan Clans.
An interactive symposium on arts and tourism will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024, at the Sekondi Youth Center.
According to the organizers, Visual Arts students from nine senior high schools will compete in portrait and drawing contests, while home economics students will engage in traditional food cooking competitions.
Mayor Abdul Mumin Issah emphasized that, the Sàkeva Festival is designed to be a catalyst for local economic growth, tourism, and opportunities for artists and entrepreneurs. By attracting visitors from around the world and fostering partnerships, the festival aims to create lasting benefits for the Sekondi-Takoradi community.
“I invite everyone to participate in the Sàkeva Festival. Let us come together to celebrate our heritage and look forward to a future filled with creativity and unity,” Mayor Issah urged. “The Sàkeva Festival promises to be an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impact on our city and its people.”
As Sekondi-Takoradi prepares for this landmark event, the city’s dedication to celebrating and elevating its cultural heritage shines brightly. The Sàkeva Festival stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to honor its past and embrace its future.
By Ewurama Smith
