The Akuapem Traditional Area in the Eastern Region on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, marked the celebration of this year’s Awukudae with solemn traditional rites, rich cultural display, and renewed calls for unity and development, as preparations intensify toward the historic 200th anniversary of the Odwira Festival scheduled for October this year.
The sacred event was held at the palace of the Okuapehene, Obrempongkese Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, and brought together chiefs, queenmothers, traditional priests, youth groups, residents of Akuapem, and visitors from across Ghana and the diaspora.
Awukudae, observed every six weeks on the Akan traditional calendar, is a spiritually significant occasion dedicated to the remembrance of ancestors, purification of the land, and consultation of the ancestral stools and deities for guidance, protection, and continuity.
The ceremony serves as a reminder of the enduring bond between the living, the departed ancestors, and future generations.
At the palace, chiefs adorned in kente and traditional regalia took turns paying homage to the Okuapehene and the ancestral stools, while libation was poured to invoke blessings of peace, unity, and prosperity for the Akuapem State.
Traditional drumming and dancing accompanied the rituals, adding colour and cultural depth to the occasion.
The event underscored the relevance of Awukudae in preserving Akuapem identity and strengthening moral values in contemporary society. More than a ritual, it represents accountability, leadership, and continuity within the traditional system.
The 2026 Awukudae celebration was particularly significant as it precedes the 200th anniversary of the Odwira Festival, one of the most important festivals on the Akuapem traditional calendar, which is expected to attract thousands of visitors from Ghana and the diaspora.
In a show of solidarity and commitment, several families, groups, and individuals—including members of the Akuapem diaspora—paid homage to the Okuapehene during the ceremony and pledged their support toward the planning and successful organisation of the bicentennial Odwira Festival, promising contributions in areas such as logistics, publicity, cultural preservation, and community development projects.
Queenmothers present at the event also highlighted the importance of Awukudae as a platform for reflection on social responsibility.
They reiterated their role in nurturing families, mentoring young people, and safeguarding the welfare of women and children. The queenmothers called for stronger collaboration among traditional leaders, parents, and institutions to address pressing social challenges such as teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, and the erosion of cultural values.
The celebration provided an avenue for intergenerational engagement, as elders used the occasion to educate younger participants on the meaning of Awukudae and the significance of Odwira in Akuapem history.
Cultural troupes entertained the gathering with traditional dances, reinforcing pride in Akuapem heritage, with residents and visitors alike commending the peaceful atmosphere that characterised the event, noting that such traditional gatherings foster unity and social cohesion while offering opportunities for dialogue on development needs within the traditional area.
As the rituals drew to a close, prayers were offered for continued peace in Akuapem, the success of preparations toward the 200th Odwira Festival, and the prosperity of the people.
The January 2026 Awukudae celebration at the Okuapehene’s palace thus served not only as a spiritual observance but also as a symbolic launchpad toward a landmark moment in Akuapem history, reaffirming the enduring relevance of tradition in governance, identity, and development.
Former Chief Justice, Justice Sophia Akuffo, underscored the collective responsibility required to ensure a successful commemoration of the historic milestone.
Describing herself as a proud indigene of Akuapem, she called on all stakeholders—traditional authorities, residents, and citizens in the diaspora—to play their respective roles in the preparations and celebrations marking the 200th anniversary.
According to her, a united and committed effort would not only guarantee a memorable event but also project the rich heritage, dignity, and pride of Akuapem to the wider world, thereby bringing the area the honour and recognition it rightly deserves.
Source:
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