Correspondence from the Eastern Region

The Akuapem Traditional Council has officially announced the 200th anniversary of the revered Akuapem Odwira Festival, marking a historic milestone in the cultural and spiritual life of Okuapeman.

The announcement was made on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Okuapehene Palace in Akropong during a well-attended ceremony by traditional authorities and members of the public.

The Okuapehene, Obrempongkese Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, described the bicentennial as a moment of reflection, renewal, and global engagement.

He traced the origins of the Odwira Festival to the aftermath of the Kantamanso War involving the Ga, Akwamu, and Akuapem peoples, noting that war trophies acquired during the conflict enabled the institution of the festival..

“When you mention the Odwira Festival, you remember the Katamanso War,” the Okuapehene said. “Akuapem gained much from that war, including sacred items that gave rise to this celebration. We must improve the Odwira so that the world will see that we have a right to celebrate. The 200th anniversary will uplift Okuapeman and Ghana, and unite us to achieve our collective aims.”

The Odwira Festival commemorates the 1826 victory of the Akuapem people over the Asante army at the Battle of Katamanso and serves as a period of purification, thanksgiving, and renewal for the state. Unlike the traditional week-long celebration, the 2026 bicentennial will be observed as a yearlong programme of cultural, educational, and developmental activities.

Providing a detailed cultural perspective, the Gyaasehene of the Akuapem Traditional Area, Nana Osim Kwatia II, described Odwira as a period of purification, stocktaking, affirmation of loyalty, and renewal of spirit.

He said the bicentennial would serve as a platform to account for the past 200 years and chart a clear path for the future, while showcasing Akuapem culture through pomp and pageantry.

Traditional leaders who addressed the gathering underscored the need for unity, moral responsibility, and forward-looking leadership.

Osuosumgya Otutu Ababio V - Chief of Adukrom and Nifahene of Adukrom, emphasised the uniqueness of a festival that has endured for two centuries. He called on citizens to support the Okuapehene and safeguard the legacy for future generations, warning against the erosion of values among the youth.

“People travel from far and wide to partake in Odwira,” he said. “What are we doing to add to the legacy? Let us bring up our children properly, use love, peace, and unity to build Okuapeman.”

The Benkumhene of the Akuapem Traditional Area urged collective support for the Okuapehene’s vision, highlighting education and investment as critical pillars for development.

He called on landowners to release lands for strategic investments and encouraged efforts to attract investors to the area.

Similarly, the Kurontihene of Akuapem, Osahene Boafo Ansah III, stressed the importance of legacy-building, noting that the ancestors laid a strong foundation which the current generation must strengthen through unity and purposeful action.

As part of the preparations, a seven-member Odwira 2026 Secretariat was outdoored to coordinate activities. Proposed themes for the celebration include “200 Years of Odwira: Our Sacred Heritage and Legacy Reborn” and “Two Centuries of Odwira: Honouring Our Heritage, Securing Our Future.”

Planned activities span heritage exhibitions, cultural performances, public lectures, educational competitions, community development projects, business forums, sports events, tourism promotion, diaspora engagement, and an honorary awards ceremony.

Highlights include the establishment of a temporary Odwira Museum, inter-divisional cultural showcases, a night procession, and the launch of an Akuapem Endowment Fund.

The ceremony was marked by traditional dances and colourful displays, with chiefs, queen mothers, and community members pledging support for what promises to be a landmark celebration in the history of Okuapeman.