The Techiman Traditional Council has launched the 2026 Apoo Festival in Techiman in the Bono East Region, to usher in a grand celebration of culture, unity and development.
Apoo is derived from the root word po, to wit “, reject or cast out”; the festival is designed to ritually cleanse the Techiman community of social evils.
Additionally, the Apoo festival is celebrated to foster unity through cultural activities and symbolic “insults” (poetic expressions of grievances) directed at chiefs and leaders to promote accountability.
Promote moral values
According to the traditional council, the festival was celebrated annually to promote moral values and to gain the favour of royal ancestors, ensuring a bumper harvest.
Launched on the theme: “Showcasing our heritage and uniting for our ancestral blessings”, it brought together hundreds of people, including the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Techiman South, Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah and other politicians.
Biggest festivals
Speaking at the launch of the festival at Ohene Ameyaw Palace last Saturday, the Manwerehene of the Techiman Traditional Area, Nana Poku Gyeabour, said Apoo was one of the biggest festivals celebrated in Techiman.
He explained that aside from the Apoo Festival, the Techiman people also celebrated the Yam and Adae festivals, bringing the total number of major festivals celebrated in Techiman to three.
Nana Gyeabour said the Apoo festival was celebrated for unity and development, saying, “At the end of the 2026 Apoo Festival, we expect to witness development in Techiman”.
He explained that the festival had not been celebrated since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that the launch was intended to announce to the global community that this year’s festival would be held.
Boost local economy
Nana Gyeabour said he was hopeful that the celebration would significantly boost socio-economic activities in Techiman and its surrounding communities.
He called on religious institutions in Techiman to fully participate in the festival and prayed for its successful celebration.
Emphasising the significance of the culture, he clarified that observing the Apoo Festival was not idolatry, as some Christians and Muslims perceived it, but a democratic process that allows citizens to express their views on issues of concern openly.
Nana Gyeabour said the festival would help educate the younger generation on how and why it is celebrated, adding that a series of traditional activities would be observed.
He urged the public, particularly the youth, to strictly adhere to all guidelines and procedures established for the celebration to prevent any conflicts.
Embrace the festival
The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Nana Apenten Fosu Gyeabour, called on residents of Techiman and beyond to embrace the festival and help make it a memorable celebration.
Describing the Bono people, particularly those of Techiman, as “Akan Piesie,” he urged them to take pride in their heritage and support the festival.
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