The Mfantseman Saltpond Development Alliance (MSDA) has unveiled plans to establish a Saltpond Centre for Excellence as part of efforts to create sustainable opportunities for young people and promote the socio-economic development of the area.
The proposed Centre, when completed, would provide a platform for youth skills development, professional mentorship, education, recreation and tourism, while serving as a legacy project to support the long-term development of Saltpond.
The initiative was announced by Osagyefo Ernest De-Graft Egyir, President of the MSDA, at a grand durbar of the 2026 Saltpond Homecoming and Ayerye Festival.
The two-week celebration on the theme: “Building Saltpond together; from homecoming to sustainable development,” attracted paramount chiefs, traditional leaders, government representatives, corporate executives and members of the Saltpond diaspora.
Osagyefo De-Graft Egyir said the establishment of the Centre formed part of the Alliance’s broader vision to transform the energy of the annual homecoming celebration into tangible development projects that would benefit present and future generations.
He said the Centre would comprise modern recreational facilities, educational and tourism hubs and a dedicated youth resource centre where young people could access skills training, mentorship and other opportunities for personal and professional development.
He noted that the successful resolution of the water crisis at the Saltpond Government Hospital demonstrated what could be achieved when stakeholders, including residents and members of the diaspora, united behind a common development agenda.
Osagyefo De-Graft Egyir also called for the restoration of the historic Nkusukum Odambea Festival to its traditional August schedule, describing the festival as an important part of the cultural identity and heritage of the people.
He said the youth were ready to work with traditional authorities and other stakeholders to revitalise the festival and position it among Ghana’s major cultural celebrations.
He expressed confidence that a revived Odambea Festival could attract visitors, strengthen cultural tourism, create economic opportunities for local businesses and provide a platform for the younger generation to connect with its heritage.
Nana Gyan Akwandah VII, Chief of Saltpond and Twafohene of the Nkusukum Traditional Area, commended Osagyefo De-Graft Egyir for his vision and commitment to youth development.
He described the initiative as an important step towards creating meaningful opportunities for young people and encouraged stakeholders to support projects capable of transforming the fortunes of the area.
The Omanhene of the Nkusukum Traditional Area, Okogyeaman Okese Essandoh IX, said consultations were ongoing to facilitate the return of the Odambea Festival to August.
He urged the relevant authorities to expedite work on the proposed Korankye Krom Bridge to improve accessibility and ensure a smooth celebration of future editions of the festival.
The durbar, chaired by Prof Ato Essuman and co-chaired by Prof Ransford Edward Van Gyampo, also featured Nii Ahene Nunoo III as Special Guest Speaker.
The celebration ended with renewed calls for collaboration among traditional authorities, government, development organisations, the private sector, residents and the diaspora to translate the homecoming spirit into sustainable development for Saltpond.