EARLYFEST 2025: Otumfuo calls on students to stay rooted in culture

US Marine Corps Ambassador for Ghana, Otumfuo Owusu Ntiamoah, has called on students to embrace and celebrate Ghanaian culture and heritage as they pursue their dreams.

Speaking at EARLYFEST 2025 on Saturday, November 22, at Efua Sutherland Children’s Park, he emphasized the importance of cultural pride alongside education.

“Let us embrace the richness of our heritage through education, music, and the vibrant tapestry of diverse traditions. May we wear our traditional cloths with pride, for they speak volumes about our identity and history.

Let the rhythm of our music and the colours of our attire echo the spirit of unity and diversity. Embrace your culture, cherish your traditions, and celebrate the beauty of our diversity,” Otumfuo told students and attendees, urging young Ghanaians to remain grounded in their roots as they chase their ambitions.

EARLYFEST 2025, themed “Discovering Gifts and Talents at Early Years,” attracted over 2,000 children, parents, educators, and stakeholders.

The festival spotlighted young talent through choreography, poetry recitals, drama performances, Earlympics activities, talent exhibitions, and interactive learning corners.

Thirty business vendors also participated, many reporting impressive sales throughout the day.

Mrs. Mavis Leonards, CEO of Genescis and Executive Director of Mavis Inspires, highlighted the transformative power of early mentorship and called for increased government investment in programs that identify gifted children in arts, science, innovation, and leadership. She stressed that nurturing talent from an early age helps shape the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.

Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), praised TERIA Foundation founder Mr. Walter Mawuli Gli as “the indefatigable backbone of this remarkable initiative whose commitment, consistency, and perseverance have transformed a simple idea into a movement touching hundreds of young lives.”

He urged continued support from parents, educators, sponsors, and community actors, emphasizing that leadership, creativity, innovation, and excellence start in childhood, not adulthood.

Dr. Wemakor further noted that the festival theme aligns with the nation’s broader developmental agenda, reminding attendees: “Never underestimate the contribution of anyone—whether small, medium, or big.

Every effort counts. Every idea has the potential to transform lives.”

He appealed for sustained support from parents, teachers, sponsors, and community actors, reaffirming HRRG’s commitment to future editions of EARLYFEST.

In a solidarity message, Janet Kwakye, President of Zoetexx Global, highlighted the importance of creating an environment where children can grow and discover their talents.

She stressed the critical role of adults—especially teachers and parents—in identifying and nurturing young talents early, with special attention to children with disabilities or special needs, ensuring that every child is empowered to thrive.

A major highlight of the festival was the Africa Early Childhood Education Awards (AECEA) 2025, a continental initiative recognizing exceptional educators, caregivers, institutions, and advocates advancing early childhood development across Africa.

The awards celebrate those demonstrating excellence, innovation, and commitment to nurturing young children’s talents, setting benchmarks for quality early childhood education across the continent.

This year’s AECEA honourees included:

Mavis Palesa Fugah – Nursery Teacher of the Year, Ghana

Gentile Mukandayisenga – Caregiver of the Year, Rwanda

Laurel Adaletey – Best Teacher, Upper Primary, Ghana

Mercy Karikari – Proprietress of the Year, Ghana

Gregoire Rucamumihigo – Proprietor of the Year, Rwanda

Mayllos Academy – Outstanding Innovation in Education, Rwanda

Muna Kalati – Excellence in Digital Learning and Education, Ghana

ADEPE – NGO of the Year, Rwanda

Special honours were also presented to Peter Hillary Mainga (Kenya), Dr. Hamisi Babulsa (Kenya), David Lukoye (Kenya), and Iddrissa Bangura (Sierra Leone) for their contributions to children’s rights, early childhood development, and advocacy.

The festival concluded with a lively dance competition and sack race, where Geraldine Hannah Kankam of Mount Olives School, Achimota (Basic 2), was crowned the overall dance winner, with Hagar Mohammed Seidu, a JHS 3 student from SATOC Academy, placing second.

This year’s event received strong backing from key government institutions, including the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection; the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts; the UNESCO Ghana Commission; and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The festival further benefited from the support of several organizations and corporate partners such as DKA Accounting & Atwells Services, Leumas Games, Minerva Stationeries, Bamimo Enterprise, Bridging Histories UK, Mavis Inspires, Zenzele Foundation, Reclaim and Others Textiles Network, Babulsa TV (Kenya), Human Rights Reporters Ghana, Muna Kalati, and Multipro Ltd, producers of Indomie and Minimie Ashomo.

Twenty-five small businesses also participated, adding vibrancy and marketplace diversity to the event.

The 5th edition of the Africa Early Childhood Education Awards (AECEA) celebrated outstanding educators and institutions from Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya for their significant contributions to early childhood development