Akuapem marks 200 years of Odwira Festival with official launch

Correspondence from the Eastern Region

The Akuapem Traditional Council has officially unveiled activities to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the esteemed Akuapem Odwira Festival at the Okuapehene’s Palace.

The launch ceremony, held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Akropong-Akuapem, Eastern Region, preceding the main event in September, united chiefs, queen mothers, government officials, diaspora members, clergy, and residents to officially begin preparations for the historic bicentennial celebration.

The celebration will be held under the theme, '200 years of Odwira: Honouring our heritage, securing our future.'

The event opened with traditional formalities, including paying homage to the Okuapehene, prayers, and the pouring of libation, followed by a welcome address and the introduction of traditional leaders and dignitaries.

Speaking on behalf of the Okuapehene, Krontihene of the Akuapem Traditional Area, Osahene Boafo Ansah III expressed appreciation to chiefs, political leaders and the people of Akuapem for their continued support.

He noted that the Odwira Festival, instituted more than two centuries ago by the forefathers of Akuapem, remains one of the most important cultural celebrations in the traditional area.

According to him, the festival was established to preserve and pass down the traditions and values of the Akuapem people to future generations.

He further disclosed that the President of the Republic, traditional rulers from across the country, and other dignitaries have been invited to participate in the 200th anniversary celebration.

Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey hailed the launch as the beginning of a pivotal journey to celebrate two centuries of cultural legacy among the Akuapem people.

She conveyed greetings from President John Dramani Mahama and commended the Akuapem traditional authorities for preserving the Odwira tradition over the years.

“This year’s celebration is particularly significant because it marks 200 years of the Odwira tradition among the people of Akuapem. Two centuries of culture, unity, reflection and renewal is truly a milestone worthy of remembrance and celebration,” she said.

According to the minister, festivals such as Odwira play an important role in strengthening community bonds, promoting peace, and preserving Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.

She emphasised that, beyond its cultural significance, the festival creates opportunities to boost tourism, attract investment, and stimulate economic growth in Akuapem and the Eastern Region.

Awatey, therefore, called on sons and daughters of Akuapem, both at home and in the diaspora, to support the planning and organisation of the bicentennial celebration.

“The success of the 2026 Odwira Festival will depend greatly on the commitment and active participation of all stakeholders, particularly the proud people of Akuapem both at home and abroad,” she said.

As part of the launch, the anniversary theme, official logo, and commemorative cloth for the 200th celebration were showcased to enthusiastic applause from the gathering.

The Eastern Regional Minister led the unveiling with traditional leaders, marking the formal start of festival activities.

The program also featured the release of the festival calendar and announcements of sponsorship and partnership prospects for organisations and development partners.

Various divisional chiefs present at the ceremony also led their sub-chiefs to pay homage to the Okuapehene, Obrempongkese Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, in a symbolic demonstration of unity within the Akuapem Traditional Area.

The Odwira Festival is one of the most significant traditional festivals in the Akuapem Traditional Area and serves several cultural and spiritual purposes.

Traditionally, it marks a period of purification of the land, the people and traditional authorities, while also providing an opportunity for thanksgiving and renewal.

The festival also honours ancestors through traditional rites and ceremonies, including the offering of the new yams and the performance of sacred rituals.

Beyond its spiritual significance, the festival serves as a platform to reaffirm political alliances, strengthen social bonds, and promote unity among the people of Akuapem.

Through traditional music, dance, and communal gatherings, the Odwira Festival also provides an opportunity for the expression of public opinion and the resolution of community disputes.

With the official launch complete, the Akuapem Traditional Council and Odwira Planning Committee will implement a series of cultural, social, and development activities ahead of the grand celebration.

The bicentennial celebration is expected to attract thousands of visitors, including members of the Akuapem diaspora and tourists seeking to experience one of Ghana’s most historic and culturally significant festivals.