The Queenmother of the Oguaa Traditional Council, Nana Ekua Abookyi VI, marked her birthday on Boxing Day with a special feast for widows and elderly residents of the Cape Coast metropolis, reaffirming her commitment to compassion, community service, and care for the vulnerable.
The event, held at the Emintsimadze Palace, brought together dozens of widows and aged persons who were treated to hot meals, drinks, music, prayers, and fellowship in a warm and festive atmosphere.
Smiles and laughter filled the palace courtyard as the guests ate together and shared stories from their life experiences, with many expressing gratitude for being remembered and honoured.
Speaking at the gathering, Nana Ekua Abookyi VI said her birthday celebration was an opportunity to give thanks and to share love with those who had contributed immensely to society but were often overlooked.
She stressed the importance of supporting widows and the aged, noting that they carried wisdom, history, and values that continued to shape their communities.
“Our elders and widows deserve dignity, care, and respect, and as we celebrate life, we must also celebrate kindness and ensure that no one feels forgotten,” the Queenmother stated.
The celebration featured traditional music and dancing, with some of the elderly guests joining in to the delight of attendees.
Foodstuffs and other basic necessities were also distributed to support the beneficiaries beyond the day’s celebration.
Community leaders and family members commended the Queenmother for her consistent advocacy for social welfare and inclusive leadership, describing the event as a reminder of the vital role traditional authorities play in promoting unity and compassion at the grassroots.
For many of the widows and elderly participants, the feast was more than a birthday celebration—it was a moment of recognition and belonging.
As one elderly attendee put it, “Today, we feel loved and remembered.”
The Queenmother concluded the event with a call for collective responsibility, urging individuals, institutions, and the youth to extend care to the elderly and vulnerable, not only on special occasions but every day.
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
