The vibrant colours, traditional music, and royal pageantry of the 2025 Meko Bono Festival once again placed the Bono Region in the spotlight, drawing dignitaries, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts from across Ghana and beyond.
The weeklong celebration, held under the theme “From Unity, Heritage to Prosperity”, climaxed in a grand durbar at Odomase in the Sunyani West Municipality, attended by chiefs, queen mothers, government officials, and foreign nationals. Organised by Bonofie, the annual event is fast becoming a major platform for showcasing the region’s unique cultural identity and untapped eco-tourism attractions.
Speaking at the durbar, Bono Regional Minister, Mr. Joseph Addae Akwaboa, underscored the festival’s role in boosting tourism and preserving local heritage. He highlighted that alongside the colourful celebrations, the promotion of the Bono language remained a key pillar in safeguarding the region’s cultural roots.
“The Bono language is more than just a means of communication — it is a symbol of our identity, history, and pride,” he said. “By speaking it and teaching it to the younger generation, we ensure that our culture remains alive while creating a unique draw for cultural tourism.”
Mr. Akwaboa called on chiefs, community leaders, and residents to champion initiatives that make the Bono dialect a central feature in cultural festivals, tourism programmes, and educational activities. According to him, language preservation is not just about tradition but also about positioning the region as a distinct cultural destination in Ghana’s tourism landscape.
The event brought together notable personalities, including Bono East Regional Minister Mr. Francis Owusu Antwi, Sunyani Municipal Chief Executive Mr. Vincent Antwi Agyei, Sunyani West MP Madam Millicent Amankwaa Yeboah, and former Majority Leader Mr. Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu.
From energetic drum performances to traditional dance displays, the festival offered visitors a rich taste of Bono’s heritage. Cultural experts believe that with increased investment and promotion, the Meko Bono Festival could become a flagship event attracting both domestic and international tourists, further contributing to the region’s economic growth.
