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Correspondence from Eastern Region The 199th edition of the celebrated Akuapem Odwira Festival has been held in grand style at the forecourt of the Okuapem Traditional Council in Akropong-Akuapem in the Eastern Region, drawing thousands of celebrants, dignitaries, and cultural enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. This year’s festival, held under the theme “Preserving Our Heritage, Securing Our Future,” highlighted the importance of safeguarding Ghana’s rich cultural legacy while promoting unity and sustainable development among the people of Akuapem. The special guest of honour for the durbar was His Royal Majesty Jira Yagbonwura Bii-Kunto Jewu Soale I, King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom. His presence symbolized growing inter-ethnic unity and collaboration between traditional authorities across regions. The durbar also witnessed a massive turnout of Akuapems from far and near, amid a strong security presence by police and military personnel following recent tensions ahead of the event. Dignitaries in Attendance Prominent guests included Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, Okuapehene; former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Nana Otutu Ababio V, Chief of Adukrom and Nifahene of the Akuapem Traditional Area; First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Bernard Ahiafor; Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey; Members of Parliament and Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) from Okere and Akuapem North; as well as Paramount Chief of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III. Also present were clergy, queen mothers, and popular spiritual leader Prophet Ajagurajah, who joined the procession to honor the cultural and spiritual significance of the festival. Okuapehene Calls for Preservation of Heritage In his address, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, the Okuapehene, underscored the need for unity and commitment to the preservation of Ghanaian culture and values. “Akans celebrate Odwira to cleanse ourselves and to think about the development of our communities,” he said. “We must secure our heritage so we can have a beautiful future. Our children will have a lot to say about us if we act well today.” He expressed concern over the erosion of cultural values through foreign influences and urged traditional leaders to protect indigenous languages and customs. “Illegal mining is taking a toll on our environment, many think the Akuapem area has no gold, but we do. My vision is to see Okuapeman rise and develop while preserving what our forefathers left us.” Eastern Regional Minister Commends Akuapem for Upholding Tradition Delivering her speech at the durbar, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, Eastern Regional Minister, commended the Akuapem Traditional Council for their steadfastness in maintaining the Odwira tradition for nearly two centuries. Odwira reminds us of where we come from and the values that shape us as a people,” she said. “It is a time for reflection, thanksgiving, and the renewal of unity.” She noted that the theme for this year’s celebration was timely, emphasizing that the customs and traditions passed down by forebears are the foundations for building a prosperous future. “Our heritage is our identity, and we owe it as a duty to protect and preserve our uniqueness. Posterity will not forgive us if we abandon our beautiful culture for another’s,” she stressed. The Minister also praised the Akuapem Traditional Council for remaining resolute against illegal mining (“galamsey”), which continues to devastate many communities across the country. “Akuapem stands out as one of the few traditional areas where illegal mining has not been allowed. This is commendable and must continue,” she said. Awatey also highlighted the government’s commitment to education as a tool for empowerment and transformation, urging traditional authorities to continue investing in the youth and in communal development. Toward the 200th Odwira Celebration As Okuapem prepares to mark the bicentennial celebration of the Odwira Festival in 2026, traditional leaders called for unity and renewed commitment to cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and youth participation. “As we approach the 200th celebration of Odwira, let us reflect on the legacy we wish to leave behind,” the Okuapehene urged. “We must respect traditions while embracing innovation.” The festival concluded with colorful displays of traditional music, drumming, dancing, and a grand procession of chiefs and queen mothers adorned in resplendent kente, showcasing the splendor and enduring heritage of Okuapeman. Background: The Odwira Festival, which originated in the early 19th century, is one of the most celebrated traditional festivals in Ghana. It serves as a time for purification, reconciliation, and thanksgiving among the people of Akuapem and the Akan ethnic group at large. All you need to know about Ghana’s new vehicle number plates |BizTech
