BY Daniel Bampoe
Akropong-Akuapem was transformed into a major gathering of traditional royalty, political leaders and residents on Saturday, September 26, 2026, as the Akuapem Traditional Area marked the 200th anniversary of the Odwira Festival with a grand durbar centred on heritage, unity, peace and the future of Okuapemman.
The historic celebration, held under the theme “200 Years of Odwira: Honouring Our Heritage, Securing Our Future,” brought together traditional rulers and dignitaries, including the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, who served as Special Guest of Honour, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and other prominent figures. The event also featured messages from government and traditional authorities on the need to preserve Akuapem’s identity while using its heritage as a foundation for development.
The presence of the Okyenhene carried particular significance because of the longstanding historical relationship between Akyem Abuakwa and Akuapem. His goodwill message focused not only on the bicentennial milestone but also on the responsibility of the present generation to protect the history and traditions inherited from their ancestors.
Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin stressed that the history, origins and cultural identity of a people cannot be separated from their heritage. He therefore urged the people of Akuapem to ensure that their traditions were carefully preserved and transmitted from one generation to another.
“The traditions of Akuapem must be preserved and passed on from one generation to another,” the Okyenhene said, according to the Ghana News Agency’s report of the celebration.
He also extended the call beyond those living within the traditional area, urging Akuapem citizens residing elsewhere and in the diaspora to return home and contribute to the development of Okuapemman.
The Okyenhene further appealed for peace and harmony among the people, linking the preservation of Akuapem’s cultural values to the ability of its people to live and work together.
His message fitted into a wider call by traditional leaders at the bicentennial for Akuapem to use the 200-year milestone as an opportunity for reconciliation, renewed unity and collective development.
The historical bond between Okyeman and Okuapeman
The appearance of the Okyenhene at the celebration also brought into focus the historical relationship between Okyeman and Akuapem.
Accounts associated with the traditional history of the two areas describe a longstanding “uncle and nephew” relationship between Okyeman and Okuapeman. In reflections surrounding the bicentennial, the historic Abotakyi Accord has been invoked as an important symbol of that relationship.
The traditional account recalls the role of Akyem warriors in the history of Akuapem and the understanding that they would remain in the area until a stone planted at Abotakyi germinated. In the traditional interpretation, the impossibility of a stone germinating became a symbol of the permanence of the relationship.
The Okyenhene’s message at the bicentennial was therefore presented not merely as ceremonial goodwill, but as a reminder of the historical ties connecting the two traditional states.
Two centuries of Odwira
The 2026 celebration marks two centuries since Odwira became an annual state festival in Akuapem.
According to the official Akuapem Odwira account, the decision to make Odwira an annual festival followed events surrounding the 1826 Battle of Katamanso and subsequent purification rites in Akuapem. The bicentenary therefore marks 200 years of continuous ritual observance, ancestral remembrance, spiritual renewal and the reaffirmation of Akuapem identity.
The festival is also associated with the commemoration of the Akuapem victory over the Ashanti army at the Battle of Akantamanso in 1826. It has subsequently developed into an important institution through which Akuapem preserves its history, customs, political traditions and communal identity.
The 2026 anniversary was formally launched earlier in the year by Okuapehene Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, with the five traditional divisions of Akuapem — Kronti, Adonten, Gyase, Benkum and Nifa — represented at the launch.
Okuapehene calls for unity
The Okuapehene, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, used the historic occasion to call on the people of Akuapem to put aside their differences and work together to secure the future of the traditional area.
He said Odwira should be a period to “wash away the filth of the past” and embrace unity, positivity and growth.
The Okuapehene also called on the five traditional divisions to rally behind the traditional authority and urged the people of Okere to resolve their differences and pursue peace and unity.
He further raised concerns over a recent impasse between Akuapem Senior High School and Mount Sinai Senior High School, calling for the causes of the disagreement to be identified and addressed to prevent a recurrence.
His broader message was that the bicentennial should not end with traditional pageantry but should become a platform for strengthening relationships and accelerating development across Akuapem.
Government message on securing the future
The government was represented at the celebration by Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, who delivered a message on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama.
She described Odwira as central to the cultural identity of Akuapem and said the festival reflected the history, values and traditions that had sustained the people across generations.
She also highlighted the festival’s traditional role as a period of cleansing, thanksgiving and remembrance of ancestors.
“Going forward, with the legacy of two centuries, we must ask ourselves this question: What does it mean to secure our future?” she asked.
According to the Regional Minister, securing Akuapem’s future would require bridging tradition and innovation, promoting self-discipline and communal spirit, and applying leadership skills to address contemporary challenges. She also noted that government had recognised Odwira as a major cultural and tourism event on Ghana’s national tourism calendar.
Akufo-Addo joins chiefs and people
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was also among the prominent personalities present at the grand durbar.
His attendance added a significant political and traditional dimension to the celebration, as the former President joined the chiefs, elders and people of Akuapem to mark the historic anniversary.
The celebration, however, remained principally focused on the cultural and traditional significance of Odwira, with speeches from traditional leaders repeatedly returning to heritage, reconciliation, unity and development.
The bicentennial programme itself has been designed to go beyond the main durbar. Organisers have included public lectures, cultural showcases, artistic enactments, traditional drumming and dance, a night procession, fireworks, documentary production, diaspora engagement and other activities intended to preserve and communicate Akuapem’s history to younger generations.
From heritage to development
For the people of Akuapem, the 200th anniversary has consequently become both a celebration of the past and a conversation about the future.
The Okyenhene’s appeal for Akuapem citizens outside the traditional area to return and contribute to development echoed the wider objective of using the bicentennial to reconnect the people with their ancestral home.
The official festival programme similarly places emphasis on diaspora engagement, cultural exchange, investment collaboration and stronger connections between Akuapem and its global community.
