Nana Bekoe Dankwa, Tufuhene of Adweso–Akuapem in the Eastern Region, has called on the Government of Ghana to officially recognise and promote the Akuapem Odwira Festival as a major national event that contributes significantly to culture, tourism, and national development.
Speaking in a brief interview at the Okuapehene’s Palace in Akropong–Akuapem during the announcement of activities to mark the 200th Anniversary (Bicentennial) of the Akuapem Odwira Festival, Nana Bekoe Dankwa stressed that the festival has, for two centuries, played a vital role in preserving Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and attracting tourists from across the country and beyond.
A traditional leader and strong advocate for culture and tourism, environmental conservation, youth and women empowerment, Nana Bekoe Dankwa noted that Akuapem Odwira has consistently showcased the customs, traditions, and identity of the Akuapem people for 200 years, contributing to economic growth and the promotion of Ghanaian and African culture on the global stage.
He further emphasized that the bicentennial celebration should be used to highlight and promote tourist sites across Akuapem, while also honouring past and present sons and daughters of the land whose contributions have shaped both Akuapem and Ghana’s development.
The Tufuhene also appealed to the Okuapehene, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, together with the Divisional Chiefs (Mpankanfo) and the Akuapem Traditional Council, to intensify efforts to protect Akuapem lands and assets. He called for proper recognition of towns and villages whose historical and developmental roles have been crucial to the growth of Akuapem.
Touching on development within Adweso–Akuapem, Nana Bekoe Dankwa highlighted that the town remains one of the most developed areas in Akuapem, hosting key institutions such as the Koforidua Technical University, Koforidua Midwifery and Nursing College, the Koforidua Youth and Resource Centre (Koforidua Sports Stadium), as well as several public and private establishments. He noted that these institutions, situated on Adweso land, deserve greater recognition and attention from the traditional authorities.
He further stated that it is time for the names Adweso and Akuapem to be visibly reflected in the naming of institutions to help protect, defend, and project the identity, lands, and boundaries of the area.
Nana Bekoe Dankwa used the occasion to commend and congratulate his chief, the Chief of Adweso and Mponoahene of Akuapem, Ogyeahoho Nana Tete Pimpong II, for his immense contributions to the development of Adweso–Akuapem.
Sharing a brief historical background of the Odwira Festival, Nana Bekoe Dankwa recalled that Nana Addo Dankwa I, the 19th Okuapehene, initiated and first celebrated Akuapem Odwira in October 1826 after the Katamanso War. He noted that the year 2026 marks exactly 200 years since the festival’s inception, a milestone yet to be officially celebrated under the reign of the current Okuapehene, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III.
He added that history records that Nana Addo Dankwa I, Nana Addo Dankwa II, Nana Kwasi Akuffo I and II—who celebrated the 100th anniversary of Akuapem Odwira—and the current Okuapehene, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, all hail from the Sakyiabea Royal Family of Akropong–Akuapem. According to him, this makes the 2026 Akuapem Odwira celebration particularly significant and spiritual, affirming the direct bloodline connection between the current Okuapehene and his royal predecessors.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Diana Asante
