The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II has disclosed plans to collaborate with other traditional leaders to provide children access to education and educational materials.

He disclosed the plan in his speech during the 6th edition of his annual New Year Children’s Party, dubbed Kinka Blonya, at Bukom Park, Accra.

According to him, considerations have been made to “collaborate with other chiefs of other towns to help young children get an education.”

“We are looking to work together with all the chiefs to put you on the right path to education. It is important that all of you have the opportunity to have access to education and get to learn something,” he stated.

He assured that Kinka Blonya “has come to stay and is not only about playing, eating and merry-making” but that the event has transcended its original purpose and now aims to bring relief to Ga children and bolster the bond between Ga children and the Ga Mantse as a beacon of hope.

Representing the National Director of the Department of Social Welfare, Grace Akosua Coleman encouraged the children to take advantage of the free education to identify their talent and develop their community.

“Any leader that is concerned about development is concerned about education and if a leader is concerned about the children, it means they have a future because the children are our future. So, when you get the opportunity to go to school, make good use of it,” she added.

In attendance were traditional leaders from the Ga community and beyond. Notably, the Ga Paramount stool Dsaasetse , Dr. Nii Teteh Quaye, the president of the Council of Inner City Tribal Chiefs and Queen Mothers, Chief Dr. Mohammed Sungtagba with his executives, Chief Imam of Inner City, Imam Iddrisu Haruna, Greater Accra Frafra Chief, Alhaji Abass Nyaagba, Shai-Osudoku Dagomba Chief, Chief Alhaji Alhassan Latif amongst others.

The programme fed and thrilled thousands of children within the Ga Mashie geographical area with food, games, bouncy castles, face painting, traditional dances and music from Amandzeba, Praise Music, Kla La, Kake Dance Ensemble, Nii Funny, King Jerry, and others.

At the end of the day, stationery and other educational materials including bags were presented to the children.

History of Kinka Blonya

Literature on the annual celebration defines Kinka to be a reference to the Dutch who established the Usher Fort. They were referred to as Kinka Blorfo, literally meaning the Dutch White People). They used to organize New Year Children’s Party in front of the Fort. This party was taken over by King Tackie Tawia I, who made it an annual Children’s Party under the name “Kinka Blonya.”

After a long hiatus in the Celebration of Kinka Blonya, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II rejuvenated the event in 2018 and has since made it an annual event.