The Odwira Festival in Akuapem, Ghana, recently celebrated its 200th anniversary, drawing thousands of people to Akropong-Akuapem in the Eastern Region. The bicentennial celebration was held under the theme "200 Years of Odwira: Honouring Our Heritage, Securing Our Future." This event commemorates the 1826 victory of Akuapem forces over the Ashanti army at the Battle of Akantamanso, a pivotal moment in the history of the Okuapemman traditional area.
The Odwira Festival is an annual celebration in Akuapem, marking the new yam harvest and the historic victory at Akantamanso. Okuapehene Oseadeyo Kwasi Akuffo III expressed gratitude to the ancestors and deities of Akuapem for their guidance and protection over the past two centuries. He also honored the courage of the ancestors who fought at Akantamanso, acknowledging their sacrifices as the foundation for the festival as it is celebrated today.
During the celebration, Okuapehene Oseadeyo Kwasi Akuffo III appealed to the people of Okuapemman to set aside their differences and work collectively toward the area's development. He described Odwira as an occasion for the community to "wash away the filth of the past" and embrace unity, positivity, and growth. Specifically, he called on the five traditional divisions of Adonti, Gyase, Benkum, Nifa, and Kronti to rally behind the traditional authority.
The Okuapehene also addressed a recent dispute between Okuapemman Senior High School and Mount Sinai Senior High School, urging that the causes of the dispute be identified and resolved to prevent it from recurring. He expressed satisfaction that the bicentennial fell within his reign and acknowledged the support of the Okyehene, traditional authorities, and well-wishers who contributed to the progress of Okuapemman and participated in the celebration.
For Akuapem sons and daughters, including those living outside the traditional area, Odwira is more than a cultural spectacle. The festival provides an opportunity for people to return home, strengthen family ties, and contribute to community development. This appeal carries particular weight for the diaspora and Ghanaians who have relocated to Accra, Kumasi, and beyond but retain roots in Akropong and surrounding towns.
Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, the Okyehene of the Akyem Abuakwa traditional area, delivered a goodwill message at the durbar, emphasizing the importance of preserving and passing down the traditions of Akuapem to future generations. He urged Akuapem citizens living abroad to return home and contribute to the area's development, calling on the community to live in peace and harmony to safeguard the cultural values of Okuapemman.
Residents and participants who spoke to the Ghana News Agency after the durbar expressed optimism about Akuapem's future, commending the Okuapehene and other speakers for promoting peace, forgiveness, and unity during the bicentennial celebration. No further public events or dates linked to the bicentennial commemorations were disclosed in the available reports.
Key points
- Okuapehene Oseadeyo Kwasi Akuffo III calls for unity among the people of Okuapemman to secure the traditional area's future.
- The Odwira Festival commemorates the 1826 victory of Akuapem forces over the Ashanti army at the Battle of Akantamanso.
- The bicentennial celebration was attended by thousands of people, including Akuapem citizens living abroad.
