Kokofu launches biennial Opemso Festival

Kokofu (Ash), July 21, GNA - The chiefs and people of Kokofu in the Asante-Bekwai Municipality would celebrate their 93Opemso Festival" from September 12- 18.

President John Evans Attah Mills and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, are among high profile personalities expected to join and add colour to the celebration.

It would be held under the theme; Rekindling our Cultural Heritage for Posterity."

The biennial event is in honour of Otumfuo Osei Tutu I, credited to have founded the Asante Kingdom, for his visionary and exemplary leadership.

The Great King hailed from Kokofu but was born at Anyinam, just about a half-kilometre away.

Speaking at the formal launch of the festival at Kokofu on Thursday, Barima Offe Akwasi Okogyeasuo II, Omanhene of the Traditional Area, said it would be used not only to highlight the tourist potential of the area but also renew and invigorate the self-help spirit of the people.

He said it was time all joined hands to inject some pace into the socio-economic development of the area.

Barima Offe Akwasi described as worrying the indifference and apathy of some of the people to the progress of the traditional area and said this must change.

Activities planned include tree planting, candle light procession and bonfire, cultural display, coral music, health awareness programmes and climaxed with a grand durbar.

Barima Offe Akwasi urged the chiefs and people in the area to come together and support the celebration to make it a success.