Techiman (B/A) April 28, GNA - Oseadeeyo Akumfi Ameyaw 1V, Omanhene of Techiman Traditional Area, in Brong Ahafo, has warned citizens of the area against destroying and looting shops and bars during the celebration of the "Apour" festival.

"Any person who will take advantage of the celebration of the festival and loot shops and bars or generally engage in acts of vandalism will not be spared when caught. Such persons will be handed over to the police", the Omanhene stressed. The Omanhene gave the warning at the commencement of the festival on Tuesday with a parade through the principal streets of the bustling commercial town of Techiman.

Rites were performed for the gods of the area and some departed chiefs at the mausoleum.

The festival, which is being celebrated under the theme, "Culture, Our Heritage, a Tool for Social Integration," was last celebrated in 2006.

It will climax on Friday, May One with social activities, including sporting events and a beauty contest.

Oseadeeyo Ameyaw Akumfi deplored an incident on Monday when a Pajero vehicle with registration number AW 1070 Z belonging to Mr. Yaw Adamu Acheampong, chairman of Techiman Garages Association, was vandalized by some youth, who also stole his mobile phone. "This obnoxious practice of people looting shops and bars, attacking vehicles and snatching mobile phones during the celebration of the Apour festival will not be tolerated and perpetrators are advised in their own interest to steer clear away from it or have themselves to blame," the Omanhene cautioned.