Bertha Badu-Agyei/Harriet Akosua Kwakye
Mamfe, Dec 16, GNA – The Chiefs and people of Akuapem-Mamfe have marked the annual Ohum festival with an ancient tradition signifying peace and unity at display.
Known as ‘Asafosa,’ an ancient tradition, which the chiefs and people of Akuapem drink palm wine from a single pot, was perfectly enacted when Oseadeyo Kwasi Akufo, Okuapehene, divisional chiefs of Akuapem and political leaders joined in the drinking.
As part of the activities to celebrate the Ohum Festival, each of the chiefs, clan heads and queens of the town, chiefs from all parts of Akuapem, beyond and all invited guests brings a pot containing fresh palm wine which is poured into a giant pot after which libation is poured.
Osabarima Ansah Sasraku, chief of Mamfe and kyidmhene of Akuapem first drank the palm wine before it was distributed to everybody present amid traditional drumming and dancing.
This year’s gathering, described as one of the biggest in recent times, saw the Okuapehene himself in attendance, some divisional chiefs of Akuapem or their representatives as well some sub-chiefs from other paramount areas such as New Juaben and Osu, Mr Sammy Awuku MP-elect for Akropong and many other dignitaries.
Also present were Mr Seth Acheampong, Eastern Regional Minister, Major-General Richard Addo-Gyane, commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peace Training Centre (KAIPTC) and Alumni of the KNUST, among others.
It was a sight to behold as all these dignitaries presented pots of palm wine to the Asafohene, at the durbar amidst traditional drumming and applause from the large crowd who had come from all walks of life to celebrate this unique and ancient tradition.
Osabarima Ansah Sasraku, who sat in state to receive the chiefs said the large gathering and the presence of the Okuapehene demonstrated unity and togetherness of Akuapem and the nation at large.
He explained that the ‘Asafosa’ was an ancient tradition observed by their forebears for over 500 years ago, to resolve all disputes and conflicts between families and clans, to usher in a new year with peace and unity.
This ritual is a sign that none of the chiefs or the people had any ill feeling towards one another and that all disputes had been resolved as they ushered in, a new year.
He thanked all for their immense support throughout the years, which had seen significant developments and hoped that the significance of the Asafosa would guide the nation as it entered a new phase of governance.
GNA