It was a colourful display of rich Ghanaian tradition as chiefs, queen mothers, and residents of Awukugua converged to officially launch the maiden Okomfo Anokye Festival.
The festival to be held in Awukugua, hometown of Okomfo Anokye in Akuapem North Municipality by Awukuguaman and Asanteman Council, seeks to honour the life and legacy of the legendary spiritual leader Okomfo Kwame Anokye Frimpong Kotobre, widely known as Okomfo Anokye, believed to have been born in the town in the 1600s.
Okomfo Anokye is credited alongside King Osei Tutu I for the founding of Asante Kingdom founding of the Asante Kingdom and the invocation of the mystical Golden Stool, a unifying symbol for the Asante people.
At the colourful traditional ceremony, traditional leaders, historians, and government officials who gathered to celebrate his achievements called for the festival to be institutionalised as part of Ghana’s major tourism attractions.
Historian Anokye Frimpong Esq.expressed his excitement that at long last Okomfo Anokye is going to celebrated as one of the heroes of Africa.
He dismissed claims disputing Okomfo Anokye’s birth origin, affirming Awukugua as his rightful birthplace.
“I believe it should have started 100 years ago but if it is starting today it is not bad. I want the whole nation to be involved in it. Okomfo Anokye although hails from Awukugua, he lived a bit portion of his life in Denkyira area and then Ashanti so it means that he was somebody given to the people, given to the nation. So we should ensure that we have a national festival where people will believe that African Traditional religion is also respected and accepted by Almighty God”.
The Chief of Awukugua, Osaberima Opese Konadu II, euloguzed Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for fostering a cordial relationship between Asanteman and Awukuguaman in recognition of the contribution of Okomfo Anokye to establishment of Asante kingdom.
He however appealed for monuments in the town to immortalise Okomfo Anokye’s contributions.
“When you go to Kumasi schools, hospital and other monumental facilities have been named after Okomfo Anokye. We also need such monuments here to be named after Okomfo Anokye to immortalize his legacy” Said Chief of Awukugua.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, pledged the RCC’s support for the festival, describing it as a platform for cultural preservation, tourism promotion, and economic growth.
“I want to assure you, in my role as Regional Minister, that the Regional Coordinating Council is committed to supporting projects that uphold our rich cultural legacy and core values. Traditions are only one aspect of culture; culture also plays a significant role in social cohesion, tourism, and economic growth. This kind of festival has the potential to attract tourists, bolster local economies, and promote a deeper understanding of our unique Ghanaian identity”.said Hon. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, Eastern Regional Minister
The Member of Parliament for Okere, Nana Addo Kenneth, appealed to government to include the Okomfo Anokye Festival in the national Black Star Experience tourism initiative to attract both domestic and international tourists.
“We can’t have a total complete Blackstar Experience without inculcating the history, the greatness of Okomfo Anokye who came from Awukugua but also a great advisor to Osei Tutu of the Ashanti Kingdom. Blackstar Experience cannot be complete without the infusion of Okomfo Anokye heritage. So will will all support this festival” Nana Addo Kenneth, MP for Okere stated.
Some residents also expressed joy about the festival, hopeful it will open new economic opportunities and preserve their rich heritage.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Kojo Ansah
