Residents of Akuapem celebrated Awukudae at the palace of Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, deepening cultural heritage and unity through drumming, dancing, ancestral homage, and the launch of a new education project
The celebration brought chiefs and residents together in a display of tradition and purpose, with performances and rituals that highlighted the richness of Akuapem culture and its commitment to preserving it
Soon after the Nananom and guests were seated, the sound of the third ‘Nkrawee’ drums was heard, ushering in Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III. This was followed by an exchange of greetings between His Royal Majesty and the guests, including divisional chiefs, the Krontihene, Gyasehene, Adontihene, Benkumhene, Nimfahene, queen mothers, and other sub-chiefs
Awukudae symbolically signifies a traditional occasion celebrated by the people of Akuapem in the Eastern Region of Ghana. It showcases cultural events such as drumming, dancing, and the rich heritage of the Akuapem people. The festival also honours ancestors and fosters unity among the people.
Highlighting the significance, the Okuapehene’s Okyeame, Nana Kofi Afare Anaafi, stated that the occasion is observed to honour and seek blessings from the gods and ancestors. He explained that the celebration expresses the people’s cultural heritage and represents a time for family reunions, where illustrious sons and daughters return home to strengthen family bonds.
He further emphasised that the event serves as a springboard to boost the local economy and tourism, attracting diaspora members who come to invest and engage in sightseeing. He added that the festival demonstrates allegiance to the Omanhene by people from all five divisions of Akuapem.
Interestingly, this year’s celebration coincided with Oseadeeyo’s 40th birthday anniversary. The King cut the sod for the construction of a 1,000-capacity dormitory at Okuapemman School as his birthday gift to the Okuapemman state. The project is expected to accommodate several students and promote effective teaching and learning, with completion anticipated within six months.
Several presentations were made by institutions and groups, including Akropong and Okere NPP Constituencies, Ajaguraiah Movement, Media General, Akuapem North Municipal Assembly, and GIMPA students.
In a goodwill message, Mr Daniel Kwaku Botweh, former Member of Parliament for Okere, paid homage to the Okuapehene, wishing him long life, wisdom, and God’s guidance in his stewardship. He commended the chief’s vision for education and prayed for its realisation to reinforce Akuapem as a citadel of education in Ghana
To climax the occasion, newly installed chiefs and queen mothers were introduced to the Okuapehene, including Aboasahene’s Abusuapanyin and Abrewatia, and the Kuronti Guantoahene, Simpihene to the Okuapehene, drawing the curtains on the programme.
Source: GNA
