Yagbonwura to grace 199th Odwira Festival to strengthen Akuapem, Guan ties

The Okuapeman Traditional Council in the Eastern Region has confirmed that the King of the Gonja Kingdom, His Royal Majesty the Yagbonwura, Jira Bikunuto Jewu Soale I, will attend this year’s Akuapem Odwira Festival as part of efforts to deepen cultural ties between the Akuapem and Gonja people, both of Guan heritage.

The Yagbonwura’s presence at the festival, the first of its kind, is rooted in history and kinship.

His visit is based on his Guan lineage, as the majority of the Akuapem towns are Guans.

Out of the seventeen major towns in Akuapem, about thirteen are Guans, and his visit is expected to strengthen the bond of friendship between the two sides and create opportunities for cultural exchange.

There's the rallying call on the people of Akuapem to unite and rally behind this year’s festival, which marks the 199th celebration of Odwira, as preparations also begin towards the historic 200th anniversary in 2026.

The 2025 Odwira Festival is scheduled to run from October 20 to November 02, 2025, under the theme: “Preserving Our Culture, Securing Our Future.”

The celebration is expected to draw thousands of people from across Ghana and the diaspora to Akropong and other Akuapem towns, which will host a week of colorful rituals, durbars of chiefs, drumming, dancing, and communal feasting.

Cultural significance of Odwira

The Odwira Festival is one of Ghana’s most celebrated traditional festivals, originating in the early 19th century under the reign of Okuapehene Nana Addo Dankwa I.

It is observed as a time of purification, renewal, and thanksgiving, where the people of Akuapem cleanse the land, honor their ancestors, and pray for prosperity.

Millet and yams, staple crops of the Guan and Akan people, are central to the rituals, symbolising abundance and continuity.

Beyond its spiritual and cultural essence, Odwira has grown into an international event, attracting tourists, dignitaries, and scholars eager to experience the rich heritage of the Akuapem State.

The festival also serves as a platform for family reunions, conflict resolution, and community development initiatives.

Rejoinder on media reports

Meanwhile, the Akuapem Traditional Council has issued a strong rejoinder against media reports suggesting that a youth group had called on the Yagbonwura to decline the invitation.

In a statement signed by Osahene Boafo Ansah III, Akuapem Kurontihene and Senior Divisional Chief, the Council dismissed the claims as “misleading, baseless, and calculated to sow division.”

The statement stressed that Okuapehene Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III is the duly recognised and gazetted Paramount Chief of Akuapem, an active member of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs and the National House of Chiefs.

It condemned attempts to question his legitimacy and urged media houses to verify information with the appropriate authorities before publication.

“The attempt to cast doubt on the legitimacy of Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III is not only mischievous but also a direct affront to Okuapeman’s cherished customs and traditions.

Under his leadership, the Odwira Festival has flourished, uniting our people and showcasing our rich heritage to the world,” the statement read.

Looking ahead

This year’s Odwira is expected to set the stage for the bicentennial anniversary in 2026, which the Traditional Council has promised will be marked in grand style.

With the involvement of the Yagbonwura and the emphasis on Guan unity, the 199th Odwira Festival is poised to be both a cultural celebration and a symbol of national cohesion.