It was a cultural galore at the Children’s Park last Sunday when the Ga Dangme Muslims chiefs, queen mothers, imams and the nine regional inner city Muslims gathered to hold the second edition of Leyafest.
Leyafest is a cultural festival that seeks to promote the rich culture and art of the inner city Muslims nationwide.
Celebrating under the theme ‘Peace – One Day- Bridging The Traditional & Religious Barriers’, the festival attracted Ga Dangme Muslim chiefs, imams, government appointees, Muslim clerics and a host of people amidst tradition dance and display of cultures.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism Arts & Culture, Dr Zibrim Iddi, in an address, explained that the theme is manifested through all the events of the festival, thus, exhibiting of arts and crafts, traditional performances, food fair and artistes’ performances.
He said Leyafest also seeks to promote talents and unite Ghanaians through the act of sharing and sacrifice.
“Inner City Leyyah Fest 2017 is, therefore, creating a common platform for the Muslims within the indigenous communities in Ghana to unite under one umbrella and discuss mutually beneficial development projects and activities that can move the country forward.
Bring people from various places together in an ambience of peace and tranquility is a great achievement for mother Ghana and it shows that we have decided to accept and respect one another’s difference and come together as one people,” he mentioned.
The deputy minister averred that the National Commission on Culture’s decision to collaborate with Ga Dangme Muslim Council, queen mothers and the Council for Inner City Muslim Chiefs is to promote peace and unity among Ghanaians.
“Our nation is endowed with rich cultural diversity and for that matter we need to enjoy peace for us to be able to transmit our cultural heritage to the next generation,” he stated.
Dr Iddi urged the chiefs and leaders to rejuvenate the interest of the youth and the entire Ghanaian populace in cultural programmes and activities.
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By Linda Tenyah-Ayettey