Akuapem Celebrates Awukudae with Vibrant Cultural Display and Launch of 1,000-Capacity Dormitory at Okuapemman School
Residents, chiefs, and dignitaries from across Akuapem gathered at the palace of Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III to observe this year’s Awukudae festival, a cherished traditional occasion that brought together drumming, dancing, ancestral homage, and a powerful demonstration of cultural pride and unity.
The celebration unfolded in an atmosphere of reverence and festivity, as the sound of the third ‘Nkrawee’ drums signalled the arrival of His Royal Majesty Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III. The Okuapehene was warmly received with traditional greetings exchanged between him and the gathering of divisional chiefs, queen mothers, Krontihene, Gyasehene, Adontihene, Benkumhene, Nimfahene, sub-chiefs, and other dignitaries.
Awukudae, a sacred day observed by the people of Akuapem, serves as both a moment to honour the gods and ancestors and a powerful expression of cultural heritage. Nana Kofi Afare Anaafi, Okyeame to the Okuapehene, explained the deeper significance:
“This occasion is observed to honour and seek blessings from the gods and ancestors. It is a time for family reunions, where our illustrious sons and daughters return home to strengthen bonds. It also serves as a springboard to boost the local economy and tourism, attracting diaspora members who come to invest and engage in sightseeing. Above all, it demonstrates allegiance to the Omanhene by people from all five divisions of Akuapem.”
This year’s Awukudae carried added significance, coinciding with Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III’s 40th birthday anniversary. In a symbolic gesture of gratitude and commitment to education, the King cut the sod for the construction of a modern 1,000-capacity dormitory at Okuapemman School — his personal birthday gift to the Okuapemman state.
The project is expected to be completed within six months and will significantly ease accommodation challenges for students, promote effective teaching and learning, and reinforce Akuapem’s reputation as a citadel of education in Ghana.
Several institutions and groups presented goodwill donations and messages during the ceremony, including the Akropong and Okere NPP Constituencies, Ajaguraiah Movement, Media General, Akuapem North Municipal Assembly, and GIMPA students.
In a heartfelt goodwill message, former Member of Parliament for Okere, Mr. Daniel Kwaku Botweh, paid homage to the Okuapehene, wishing him long life, wisdom, and divine guidance. He commended the chief’s vision for education and prayed for the speedy realisation of the dormitory project.
To bring the celebration to a fitting close, newly installed chiefs and queen mothers were formally introduced to the Okuapehene, including the Aboasahene’s Abusuapanyin and Abrewatia, and the Kuronti Guantoahene, Simpihene.
