Planning of the Programme
The vision for bringing together family and friends was shared with all including the Community Members and Nananom, the Implementation Committee, the Yaa Akoto Family, the Paramount Chief of Breman Essiam and other individuals and entities. Series of consultations and planning meetings were held in Fawomanyo with the community, Nananom, the Implementation Committee and other stakeholders such as the Basic School Head teacher, his staff and pupils, the Assemblyman and other opinion leaders, the religious groups and their leaders to get their buy-in in the vision.
In Breman Essiam, the Paramount Chief Odefo Afankwa III was consulted and engaged in a very fruitful way that provided guidance in many aspects of the festival. He also agreed to chair the programme. His support extended even to the organization of various groups in the Traditional Area to come and perform different functions during the programme. Also, the District Police Command and District Chief Executive gave men and their goodwill respectively for the success of the programme.
In Kumasi, other support groups and family were engaged. The Anglican Diocese of Kumasi under the leadership of His Grace Archbishop Yinkah Sarfo was very instrumental in getting the Anglican Eye Clinic to accept our invitation to carry out optical screening during the festival. Rev. Dr. Kwabena Darko gave very honorable and vital guidance as well as moral support during the planning of the programme. Dr. Ato Duncun, Hon. Margaret Atisu and Dr. Dentist Brown are very key personalities whose good will and support contributed to this eventful Homecoming. Instrumental in the organization of the medical screening was the provision of some medications to the participants. Amponsah Efah Pharmaceuticals was the main sponsor of medical supplies for the medical team. Assorted medications, both capsules and tablets for children and adults were donated to the festival free of charge.
The Yaa Akoto Family held several meetings in Accra to plan with the great insights and ideas that resulted in a successful programme. Budgets were prepared, invitation and request for sponsorship letters were prepared and sent via emails, WhatsApp, text messages among others to reach as many as possible before the event. In Accra very prominent personalities such as Rev Dr. Lawrence Tetteh were also engaged for ideas that were vital in the organization.
To show their gratitude and desire for the development of the town, the locals gave their best by participating in the different areas of the programme including but not limited to fetching water, cooking, and communal labour to clean the surroundings while other gave their homes for some of the visitors. The chiefs of the surrounding villages and their communities all were in support and helped organize the Homecoming. The Church of God local Mission gave tremendous support by way of publicity, instruments and music group to assist throughout the programme.
Other groups from Accra, Kasoa, Kumasi and other areas organized and rendered very valuable services that cannot be overemphasized. Indeed, the support received indicates a willingness and goodwill to bring to fruition the vision for Fawomanyo.
