The festival, which celebrates the yam harvest, featured strong messages from the acting president of the Traditional Council, Gyaasehene Nana Amo Kwasi. Addressing the community, he urged young people to avoid drug abuse and instead embrace consistency, patience, and resilience as foundations for success.

“Hard work is about building a solid foundation. It requires a growth mindset—believing that skills and intelligence are developed through dedication, not just innate talent,” Nana Amo Kwasi stated. He encouraged the youth to view challenges as opportunities for learning and to take early initiative to build valuable competencies.

Nana Amo Kwasi also expressed concern over the prolonged absence of the Paramount Chief, noting that it has affected the community’s focus on long-term development and engagement with government initiatives.

Echoing these sentiments, Kyidomhene Nana Okum Asono Adu Baah, widely known as “Dr. Baah Herbal,” stressed that success is not a race. “Young people must start now to lay a strong foundation. The efforts you make today will determine your tomorrow,” he said.

He specifically advised against the pursuit of “quick money,” urging the youth to instead invest time in reading, learning new skills, and self-improvement. “Prioritize tasks that add value. Avoid wasting time on unproductive activities,” he added.

Adding a crucial community perspective, Gyaase Hemaa Nana Amobi II, speaking on behalf of the Paramount Queen, Nana Akua Amobea, addressed the role of parents in shaping youth behavior.

She expressed worry over some parents who pressure underage children to provide money, citing this as a contributing factor to early pregnancies and substance abuse in the area. “Parents must guide and train their children in the right way for them to become successful in the future,” Nana Amobi II emphasized.

The Ekwabena Yam Festival served not only as a cultural celebration but also as a platform for rallying the Wiase community toward greater discipline, collective responsibility, and sustainable growth.