Cape Coast, Sept 8, GNA – A culturally vibrant ambiance radiated through this year’s Oguaa Fetu Afahye, graced by a multitude from diverse parts of the world during its climax on Saturday.
It was all glitz, glamour and class as the dais of the eminent Chief, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, was resplendent with gold ornaments and special kente designs among other regalia.
Notable political figures in the New Patriotic Party were led by Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to grace the event occasion.
The entourage included Dr Mathew Opoku- Prempeh, the running-mate to the NPP Flagbearer, Mr Justin Frimpong Kodua, National Secretary of the NPP, Nana Boakye, National Organiser, Mrs Justina Marigold Assan, Central Regional Minister, and Mr Simon Osei Mensah, the Ashanti Regional Minister.
Professor Nana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the Running Mate to the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, Members of Parliament and Regional executives were also present to give their support.
Themed: “Honouring the City of Firsts; Our Community, Our Future,” the 60th anniversary celebration coincided with the 25th anniversary of the enstoolment of Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, the Omanhen of Oguaa Traditional Area.
In contrast to previous celebrations, this year’s event seemed to have garnered substantial interest from both locals and those from the diaspora, drawn by the presence of the Asantehene.
The festival pays tribute to the 17th Century Fetu or Effutu Kingdom located 19 kilometers inland.
Leading up to the climax of the festival, a variety of cultural showcases were held to commemorate a plentiful harvest season and to thank the 77 deities of the Oguaa Traditional Area for their generosity and prosperity.
Before the grand durbar, chiefs and queen mothers bedecked in magnificent traditional regalia, embarked on a procession in their elaborately decorated palanquins.
They were accompanied by the seven Asafo companies, displaying their traditional colours as they paraded the streets of the city, through the Mfantsipim School junction before converging at the Jubilee Park for the grand durbar.
Osabarima Kwesi Atta said the theme was carefully chosen to inform the world of the significant role Oguaa had played in the history and development of Ghana.
“From the moment the first visitors chose our shores as their destination for trade and commerce, through the subsequent dark years of slavery, to the modern emancipation of Africa and the return of the diaspora, Cape Coast has always played a central role in he shaping of our nation’s destiny,” he said.
Even though they were proud of their achievements, he said there was the need to work consciously at maintaining their important role in the development of the country.
Osabarimba Kwesi Atta appealed to the people to protect the peace and unity, which had bound them together to achieve their enviable status.
“Let us all put Oguaa first, put all differences behind us and unite to support all developmental projects in Oguaa. We can develop only when we unite and work towards our common goal,” he noted.
“We all want to see our city uplifted to its deserved place of prominence as the City of Firsts.”
Otumfuo Osei Tutu, on his part, praised Osabarimba Kwesi Atta for his humility, which accounted for his long reign as Omanhen and urged him to continue in that path.
“As you celebrate the 60th edition of your festival and your 25th anniversary as Omanhen, I wish you and your people peace, development and progress.
“I must also add that the development of a community depends on its citizens,” he said.
As the origin of education and trade in the country, the Asantehene said Cape Coast deserved the best of education and business development.
He, thus, made a donation of 500, 000 Ghana Cedis to support Osabarimba’s education fund in furtherance of the Oguaamanhen’s vision for education.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu called for unity and peace among the people for development, stressing that “we are one people.”
He appealed to Ghanaians as a whole and the people of Cape Coast in particular to help develop the city to its befitting status.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia acknowledged the role of Fetu Afahye in uniting the people and providing a platform for cultural exchange and community bonding over the past six decades.
“As we celebrate this milestone, let us Reaffirm our commitment to preserving our rich cultural heritage for generations to come,” he said.
He reiterated the need for unity and peace, saying the progress Ghana had made was through a collective effort.
“Let us continue to work together and build a prosperous and peaceful Ghana,” he said.
“The Government also remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote development and improve the lives of our people.”
GNA