As the 2024 Asogli Yam Festival unfolds with colourful cultural displays and unity, MTN Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting community development by donating to the Asogli Traditional Area.

The donation, presented by the Commercial Head for the South-East Business District, Mr Peter Bimpeh, was part of MTN's long-standing partnership with the Asogli State and reflects the company's dedication to socio-economic growth in the region.

The Asogli Yam Festival, also known as "Teza," is a significant event celebrated annually in the Volta Region, bringing together chiefs, queen mothers, and citizens of the Asogli State to mark the harvest of yam, a staple crop that symbolizes abundance and cultural heritage. This year's festival was themed “Let’s Ensure Freedom and Justice for All,” emphasizing the importance of equality, fairness, and human dignity in society.

Addressing the gathering at the donation ceremony, Mr Bimpeh expressed his honour in participating in the historic festival. He thanked Togbe Afede XIV, the Paramount Chief of the Asogli State, and the elders of the community for their hospitality and for allowing MTN to be part of such a meaningful occasion.

“The theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Let’s Ensure Freedom and Justice for All,’ cannot be overemphasized. Ensuring freedom and justice for all is a fundamental human right that’s essential for creating a fair and equitable society,” Mr Bimpeh said. He stressed the interconnectedness of justice and dignity, noting that every individual, regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender, deserves to be treated with respect and fairness.

Mr Bimpeh went on to highlight the significance of the Asogli Yam Festival as a cultural touchstone for the region and beyond. He noted that the festival not only celebrates the harvest of yam but also fosters unity, tradition, and the transmission of values from one generation to another.

On behalf of MTN Ghana, Mr Bimpeh announced the company’s donation to the Asogli Traditional Area, which included a cash donation of GH¢ 20,000.00 to support the Traditional Council, airtime worth GH¢ 2,000 e-vouchers, and a variety of drink hampers.

The donation, he said, was a token of appreciation for the enduring friendship between MTN and the Asogli State. "MTN contributes to community development through various initiatives focused on socio-economic growth, digital inclusion, and youth empowerment," Mr Bimpeh emphasized. He outlined MTN's broader goals of bridging the digital divide, enhancing employment opportunities, and improving connectivity in rural and underserved areas.

MTN Ghana's involvement in the festival was not limited to the donation alone. Mr Bimpeh mentioned that the company’s dedicated team was present at the festival to assist with various customer services, including SIM registration, MoMo (Mobile Money) transactions, and downloading of MTN’s digital apps such as the MyMTN App, Ayoba, and MyMoMo App.

"We pledge our continued commitment to being a dependable partner and friend to the Asogli State," Mr Bimpeh added. He concluded by wishing everyone a memorable and joyful celebration of the Asogli Yam Festival.

The Asogli Yam Festival has long been a platform for cultural expression, and MTN Ghana’s contribution underscores its commitment to fostering the growth of communities across the nation. Through initiatives like this, the telecommunications giant continues to play a vital role in not only enhancing digital infrastructure but also promoting social and cultural cohesion.

As the festival continues, the people of the Asogli State and guests from across the country will partake in a wide array of activities, including traditional drumming and dancing, yam-themed rituals, and various social and economic engagements.

MTN Ghana’s active participation in these events highlights its role as a key partner in the region’s development, contributing to both the cultural richness and economic empowerment of the community.

Presenting the items, the area Sales Manager, Eastern, Volta and Oti, Ransford Gyan said MTN believes in culture and tradition hence the need to support the various traditional areas every year with cash donations and other gifts to make their respective festivals a success.

Ransford Gyan noted that as a business, with the support from the various traditional areas of their brand, it is prudent for MTN to give back to society as it also benefits from the community’s patronage.

He said that MTN is sponsoring 40 festivals around the country with experiential centres in all the areas to serve customers.