The Igbos in Ghana say they will host the annual Igbo Day/New Yam festival on September 19.
The Eze Nd’Igbo of Ghana, Chukwudi Ihenetu, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the event was part of efforts to promote Igbo culture in Ghana and the diaspora.
Mr. Ihenetu, the assistant publicity secretary of Association of Ndieze Nd’Igbo in the Diaspora, explained that his wife Ugoeze Ihenetu, Palace Elders, ‘Ndichie’ and Ndigbo in Ghana would organize the event.
According to him, the New Yam celebration allows Nd’Igbo to come together to thank God for a fruitful farm season.
“The event is designed to showcase the rich Igbo culture and cuisine to the whole world; to this end, I am inviting all Igbo sons and daughters to this festival,” Mr. Ihenetu. “This will help others to know that we have a rich cultural background that dated back to several centuries before the advent of the white man.”
He added that this year’s event would mark its ninth edition and would give Igbos the opportunity to come together and celebrate the festival.
Mr. Ihenetu, who won several awards as a culture and peace ambassador, described yam as king of crops, adding that its harvest season is worth celebrating.
“The occasion is especially important to us in the diaspora, as it will give us the opportunity to interact with our brothers, sisters, and children in our language. Igbo sons and daughters, who do not have the privilege to travel home to witness the event, will now be able to enjoy it here in Ghana,” he added.