As part of activities to commemorate the annual festival of the people of the Akwapem Traditional Area, the Planning Committee, has launched the 2019 Odwira.
The theme for this year’s celebration is dubbed ”Odwira Unlimited, Akwapem te ase”.
The festivities will be characterised by various forms of entertainment and promote sales of products and services.
The State Secretary to the Akwapem traditional area, Opanyin Kwame Bekoe advised participants especially the youth, to desist from indecent dressing during and after the celebration in order to propel and project the traditional values of the area.
Odwira is celebrated by the people of Akropong-Akwuapem, Aburi, Larteh and Mamfi in the Eastern Region.
The festival was constituted by the 19th Okuapemhene of Akropong, Nana Addo Dankwa to celebrate the people’s victory over the invincible Ashanti army during the historic battle of Katamansu near Dodowa in 1826 and also to cleanse themselves and ask for protection from the gods.
The festival also affords the people the opportunity to meet at their place of birth and settle family disputes and also plan ahead.
This year’s celebration which coincides with the government’s agenda of the ‘Year of Return’ will give Okwuapeman the opportunity to present itself to the world.
Speaking at the launch, the state secretary of the Akuapem Traditional Area, Opanyin Kwame Bekoe gave a brief account of the festival.
An address was read by the Adontehene of the Akuapem Traditional Area, Otoobour Kwasi on behalf of the Queen Mother of the area.
The Municipal Chief Executive of Akuapem North, Dennis Edward Aboagye assured participants of security, clean environment and good traffic control.
The week long celebration starts from the 15th to the 22nd of September, and promises to bring out the rich culture and tradition of Okuapeman.
