On Christmas day, the bustling streets of Santrokofi Benua were a vibrant tapestry of cultural celebrations and community unity as the town hosted its Homecoming event. However, this year’s festivities held a deeper purpose – the completion of the community’s highly anticipated multipurpose ICT centre.
The event was a remarkable showcase of Santrokofi’s rich heritage, drawing a large crowd of residents, dignitaries, and guests from across the region. But the highlight of the day undoubtedly revolved around the community’s unwavering commitment to this transformative project, as they rallied together to contribute towards the final push for its completion.
“This ICT centre is not just a building, it represents the aspirations and dreams of our entire community,” said Nana Opoku Mintah, Chairman of the Santrokofi Benua Development Committee. “Today, we have come together to ensure that our children and grandchildren have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive in the digital age.”
The project, first initiated by the town’s youth in 2017, has faced its fair share of challenges over the years. Yet, the community’s determination and dedication to the cause have remained steadfast, setting the stage for a remarkable collaboration between the young and the old.
Empowering the Youth, Honoring Tradition
At the heart of this endeavor is the Santrokofi Benua Welfare Association, led by its President, William Kwaku Adjei Dogbe. As the driving force behind the ICT centre, the youth have recognized the urgent need to bridge the digital divide and equip their community with the tools to navigate the 21st century.
“When we started this project, it was a youth-led initiative, but we quickly realized that it was a task that required the involvement of the entire community,” explained Dogbe. “That’s why we decided to bring everyone on board, to ensure that we could raise the necessary funds and see this project through to completion.” However, the journey has not been without its challenges, as the community has had to navigate the delicate balance between preserving their cultural traditions and embracing technological advancements.
“There are some rules and some customs that they’ve been changing here and then which the youth are not happy with, so the youth want them to listen to us,” Dogbe acknowledged. “Whatever program is coming, if they want to change the rights of some of our traditions, we let them know.”
This tension has prompted the youth to advocate for a more collaborative approach, where they can work alongside the traditional authorities and the elders of the community to ensure that the changes being implemented align with the values and beliefs of Santrokofi Benua.
“We want a collaboration between us in the community and those outside, so that we can continue the way we are doing this,” Dogbe emphasized. “We’re wondering to stop taking animals as offerings. Those things don’t help us. So, we want some of these things to be abolished, and then do what?” The Homecoming event provided a platform for this intergenerational dialogue, as the community came together in a remarkable display of unity and generosity.
A Community United in Purpose
Through a combination of personal contributions and outreach to the Santrokofi diaspora, the Homecoming event was a resounding success. The organizers managed to raise an impressive GHc195,000.00 out of the GHc300,000.00 required to finalize the ICT centre project.
“We are truly grateful to everyone who has supported us on this journey,” said Nana Sarku Brempong, the Chief of Santrokofi Benua and the Nifahene of the Santrokofi Traditional Area. “This ICT centre is not just a building, it’s a symbol of our community’s resilience, unity, and commitment to the education and development of our youth.”
The event itself was a true celebration of Santrokofi’s rich cultural heritage, with traditional dances, drumming, and captivating performances that captivated the audience throughout the day. These vibrant displays served as a powerful reminder of the community’s deep-rooted traditions and the important role they play in shaping the town’s future. As the sun set on Santrokofi Benua, the community members departed with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism. The completion of the ICT centre is now within their grasp, and they are determined to make it a reality in the coming years.
Nana Opoku Mintah declared “This is just the beginning. With the support of our community and the generosity of our friends and partners, we will continue to invest in the education and development of our youth, ensuring that Santrokofi Benua remains a beacon of progress and prosperity for generations to come.”
The Journey Towards a Balanced Future
The Santrokofi Benua community’s efforts to complete their landmark ICT centre have been a demonstration to the power of collaboration and the unwavering determination of the town’s youth. As the project moves forward, the community is committed to striking a delicate balance between preserving its cultural heritage and embracing the technological advancements that will shape the future of Santrokofi Benua.
Through this holistic approach, the community is not only transforming the educational and economic landscape of the town but also setting an example for other communities across Ghana and beyond. By empowering the youth while honoring the wisdom of their elders, they are paving the way for a future where progress and tradition coexist in perfect harmony.
The ICT centre represents more than just a building; it is a symbol of the community’s resilience, unity, and commitment to the education and development of their youth. As Nana Opoku Mintah eloquently stated, “This ICT centre is not just a building, it represents the aspirations and dreams of our entire community.”
For the youth of Santrokofi Benua, this project is not just about acquiring digital skills and bridging the technological divide; it is about forging a future where their cultural identity is not only preserved but also celebrated. By working alongside the traditional authorities and the elders of the community, they are ensuring that the changes being implemented align with the values and beliefs that have sustained Santrokofi Benua for generations.
“We want a collaboration between us in the community and those outside, so that we can continue the way we are doing this,” said William Kwaku Adjei Dogbe, the President of the Santrokofi Benua Welfare Association. “We’re wondering to stop taking animals as offerings. Those things don’t help us. So, we want some of these things to be abolished, and then do what?”
This delicate balance between tradition and progress has been at the heart of the community’s efforts, and it has not been without its challenges. However, the Santrokofi Benua community has demonstrated that with open dialogue, mutual understanding, and a shared vision, it is possible to embrace the future while honoring the past.
As the Homecoming event showed, the community’s unwavering commitment and generosity have been the driving forces behind the ICT centre’s progress. The resounding success of the fundraising efforts, which saw the community rally together to contribute towards the final push for completion, is a testament to the power of collective action.
Looking ahead, the Santrokofi Benua community is determined to make the ICT centre a reality in the coming years, with the support of their friends and partners. This landmark project is not just about transforming the educational and economic landscape of the town; it is about empowering the youth, preserving the community’s rich cultural heritage, and paving the way for a future where tradition and technology coexist in perfect harmony.
“This is just the beginning,” Nana Opoku Mintah declared. “With the support of our community and the generosity of our friends and partners, we will continue to invest in the education and development of our youth, ensuring that Santrokofi Benua remains a beacon of progress and prosperity for generations to come.”
The journey of Santrokofi Benua serves as an inspiring example of how communities can navigate the complexities of modernization while maintaining their cultural identity. By fostering intergenerational collaboration and a shared sense of purpose, they are demonstrating that the path to progress need not be paved at the expense of tradition, but rather through a delicate and respectful balance between the two.
By Innocent Samuel Appiah
