By Samuel Yaokumah
Akropong-Akuapem (E/R), Sept. 26, GNA – The people of Akuapem have celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Odwira Festival at Akropong-Akuapem, with the Okuapehene calling for unity, peace and collective action to secure the future of the traditional area.
The celebration, on the theme: “200 Years of Odwira: Honouring Our Heritage, Securing Our Future,” highlighted the traditions and values that have sustained the people of Akuapem over the past two centuries.
The Odwira Festival is celebrated annually to mark the new yam harvest and commemorate the victory of Akuapem forces over the Ashanti army at the Battle of Akantamanso in 1826.
Oseadeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, the Okuapehene, expressed gratitude to the ancestors and deities for guiding and protecting the people of Akuapem over the past 200 years.
He also acknowledged the support of the Okyehene, traditional authorities, well-wishers and others who had contributed to the progress of Okuapemman and participated in the bicentennial celebration.
The Okuapehene recalled the courage of the ancestors at the Battle of Akantamanso, saying their sacrifices laid the foundation for the festival as celebrated today.
He said Odwira provided an opportunity for sons and daughters of Akuapem, including those living outside the traditional area, to return home, strengthen family ties and contribute to community development.
Oseadeyo Akuffo III urged the people of Okuapemman to put aside their differences and work together to advance the development of the area.
He said Odwira should serve as a period for the people to “wash away the filth of the past” and embrace unity, positivity and growth.
The Okuapehene expressed delight that the bicentennial celebration had taken place during his reign and appealed to the five traditional divisions of Adonti, Gyase, Benkum, Nifa and Kronti to rally behind the traditional authority.
He also appealed to the people of Okere to resolve their differences and work towards peace and unity.
Oseadeyo Akuffo III condemned the recent impasse between Okuapemman Senior High School and Mount Sinai Senior High School and called for the causes of the misunderstanding to be identified and addressed to prevent a recurrence.
In a goodwill message, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, the Okyehene, said the history, origins and cultural identity of a people could not be separated from their heritage.
He said the traditions of Akuapem must be preserved and passed on from one generation to another.
The Okyehene urged Akuapem citizens living abroad and elsewhere to return home and contribute to the development of the traditional area.
He also called on the people to live in peace and harmony to preserve the cultural values and traditions of Okuapemman.
Some residents and participants who spoke to the Ghana News Agency after the durbar expressed optimism about the future of Akuapem.
They commended the Okuapehene and other speakers for promoting peace, forgiveness and unity during the bicentennial celebration.
GNA
Edited by D.I. Laary/ Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Samuel Yaokumah
Email: [email protected]
September 26, 2026