President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo joined the people of Nima on Sunday, December 17, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Nii Futa as the chief of the area, commending him for his excellent leadership in the community over the past two decades.
He was among hundreds of residents and dignitaries who gathered in Grand Durbar to mark the milestone occasion, which has now been declared “Nima Day,” offering strong praise for Nii Futa’s years of “wonderful leadership.”
In a nostalgic feeling of his boyhood days on the streets of Zongo Community, President Akufo-Addo conveyed the nation’s appreciation for Nii Futa’s commitment to social progress while endorsing the declaration of December 17 as Nima Day, as he praised Nii Futa for his exemplary leadership and his commitment to improving the lives of his people.
Nii Futa has chosen this day to be henceforth known as Nima Day, ” he said.
It is a very important day in my life because it is the birthday of my mother, the 17th of December, and she was a big Magaajia of Nima, as you know.
” I grew up here. I came here when I was 12 years old; our father moved us here.I don’t think there is any part of this area that I don’t know; I know this area like the back of my hand. I enjoyed some of the happiest days of my life.
“So it is important that I will be here on such a day because I am one of you because, I too, am a Nima boy.”
He noted that under Nii Futa’s leadership, Nima had witnessed significant development, describing him as an important political colleague in the struggle to establish democracy in the country, adding that Nima was very lucky to have such an enlightened man as its leader and chief.
The President also used the occasion to reiterate his government’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing the community. He pledged to continue working with Nii Futa and other stakeholders in Nima to improve living conditions and provide opportunities for young people in the area.
He further urged Ghanaians to protect and preserve the peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians.
“We live in a country where a Muslim minority can live peacefully and in harmony with the Christian majority.
“We are all part and parcel of the Ghanaian framework, and we must all work hard to maintain that,” President Akufo-Addo stated at a durbar at Nima to mark the 20th anniversary of the installation of the Chief of Nima, Nii Futa.
Nii Futa, for his part, expressed gratitude to President Akufo-Addo for his support and promised to continue working with him to develop Nima further. He also called on other leaders in the community to join hands with him in this noble cause.
Nii Futa dedicated his honours to the people of Nima and God for the privilege of shepherding community growth for 20 years and counting.
The Nima Day celebration will now be an annual event that brings together residents of Nima and its environs to reflect on their history, culture, and achievements.
The celebration, which included cultural displays, music, and dance performances, was attended by a large crowd of residents, including traditional rulers from other communities, politicians, and religious leaders.
Also present were some government officials and other political figures, including the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng.
President Akufo-Addo left the venue of the celebration with a renewed sense of hope for a better future for Nima and its people. He pledged to continue working with Nii Futa and other stakeholders in the community to ensure that their aspirations are fulfilled.
