He said: “The Bono language is a vital part of the region’s identity and plays a significant role in distinguishing the Bono people from other tribes”.

Mr. Akwaboa made the call when addressing a durbar of chiefs and people of the Bono Region to climax the 2025 celebration of the ‘Meko Bono’ festival, held at Odomase in the Sunyani West Municipality of the region.

The weeklong celebration of the annual festival, organised by the Bonofie, an event organiser, was on the theme “From unity, heritage to prosperity”, and attended by chiefs, queens, foreign nationals, and students.

It sought to showcase and promote the rich cultural heritage and tourist attraction sites in the region to boost eco-tourism.

Mr. Akwaboa stressed that promoting the Bono local dialect remained essential to preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage for future generations noting that the Bono language differentiated the Bono people, making it a unique aspect of their identity.

He said: “Speaking the Bono language all the time helps preserve the region’s rich culture and history and identity of the people”, adding that “The Bonos can demonstrate their cultural identity and preserve the language for future generations”.

The Regional Minister said promoting the dialect ought to be seen as a step towards cultural and history preservation and to preserve the pride of the younger generation and thereby give them a sense of self-worth to uplift their identity.

Among the dignitaries who attended the festival include Mr. Francis Owusu Antwi, the Bono East Regional Minister, Mr. Vincent Antwi Agyei, the Sunyani Municipal Chief Executive, Madam Millicent Amankwaa Yeboah, the Sunyani West Member of Parliament (MP) and Mr. Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, the formal Majority Leader.