Akuapem Gyaasehene Calls on Youth to Protect Cultural Identity.
The Akuapem Gyaasehene and Chief of Amanokrom, Nana Osim Kwatia II, has called on the youth of Akuapem to uphold and protect the rich cultural heritage bequeathed to them by their ancestors.
According to him, preserving the customs, values and traditions of Akuapem is crucial to maintaining the identity and unity of the people, especially as the traditional area marks 200 years of the Odwira Festival.
Nana Osim Kwatia II made the call at the 4th edition of the Odwira@200 Artistic Enactment and Public Lecture Series held at the Amanokrom Community Centre in the Eastern Region.
Addressing chiefs, elders, queenmothers and residents, he described his role as more than a traditional leadership position, but a sacred mandate to protect the history, customs and values inherited from past generations.
He said the sacrifices of their forebears laid the foundation for the peace and development Akuapem enjoys today, and urged the people to honour that legacy through responsible leadership, unity and active participation in cultural activities.
The event featured an artistic re-enactment and public lecture on the historical significance of the Akuapem State and the relevance of its traditions in modern times.
Patrons were thrilled by a captivating performance from the Abibigromma Theatre Company of the University of Ghana, Legon, which dramatized key historical moments and showcased the rich cultural heritage of Akuapem.
In separate interviews with *Oyerepa TV/FM Correspondent George Botha*, some sub-chiefs described the Odwira Festival as a symbol of unity, thanksgiving, reconciliation and identity preservation.
They noted that the bicentenary celebration offers a unique opportunity to educate the younger generation on Akuapem history while promoting peace, development and cultural tourism.
The colourful ceremony brought together chiefs, queenmothers, opinion leaders, youth groups and residents across the Akuapem Traditional Area, all reaffirming their collective commitment to safeguarding the customs that define the Akuapem identity.
