30/09/2024
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Press Statement by at a Press Conference: Declaration of 2024 as Odwira-Free Year
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press,
Distinguished Elders and Members of the Akuapem Traditional Area,
Fellow Citizens of Ghana,
I welcome you all here today as I, Nana Afuah Obuo Nketiah the Okuapemhema,
stand before you to address a matter of utmost importance that affects not only
Okuapeman but the sanctity of our customs and traditions as a people. It is with
a heavy heart and a deep sense of responsibility that I declare the year 2024 as an
Odwira-Free year.
This decision has not been taken lightly. It stems from the need to protect our
sacred traditions, which are being threatened by acts of lawlessness and blatant
disregard for the cultural and legal processes that govern the installation of an
Okuapemhene.
In the Akuapem tradition, there is only one authority empowered to clear anyone
for installation as the Okuapemhene. That authority rests solely with me, the
Okuapemhema. The installation of an Okuapemhene is a process steeped in
tradition, requiring the completion of seventeen (17) laid-down rituals that have
been passed down through generations. Only individuals who successfully pass
through these processes can be rightfully crowned as Okuapemhene.
Let me state this clearly and unequivocally: I have not met or cleared one
Kwadwo Kesse to be coronated as Okuapemhene. He has not undergone the
required rites, and I do not know him in any capacity connected to the black stool.
This individual, who now parades himself as the Okuapemhene, has neither
entered the sacred stool room nor sat upon the black stool—a key requirement for
anyone seeking to claim this revered title.
As you all know, the title of Okuapemhene is not a ceremonial or symbolic
position that can be claimed at will. It is a sacred responsibility, and the person
who holds it must adhere to the customs and rituals that bind our people. Anyone
who has not gone through these processes cannot, by any means, hold himself as
Okuapemhene, and I do not recognize the person currently posing as such.
Furthermore, it is important to emphasize that the Odwira Festival—the most
significant event in the Akuapem tradition—is not to be celebrated by just
anyone. Odwira is a sacred festival, one that is meant to honor our ancestors,
particularly those who fought in the 1824 Akatamanso War. The legitimacy of
any Okuapemhene is closely tied to the possession of artifacts confiscated during
that war. Without these sacred objects, no Odwira Festival can be celebrated.
Odwira is not a festival to be commercialized, nor is it a scheme for financial
gain. It is a deeply spiritual occasion, one that cannot be exploited or manipulated
for personal benefit or for political gain. As the Okuapemhemaa, it is my duty to
protect the integrity of this sacred festival, and thus, no Odwira shall be
celebrated in 2024 until these matters are rightfully addressed.
For several years now, I have kept my silence, choosing the path of peace and
trusting in the wisdom of the courts to resolve this issue. However, recent events
have forced me to break this silence. In 2020, during a time when the nation was
grappling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and citizens were under
strict orders to remain indoors, President Nana Akufo-Addo used his powers to
unlawfully impose Kwaadwo Kesse as 'Okuapemhene' on the people of
Akuapem. This was done without the proper traditional clearance and in violation
of the customs of our people.
Since then, any attempts to resist this illegal imposition have been met with
violence. In one incident, a young man in my palace was brutally attacked, losing
his leg in the process. This attack was carried out by the Bamuhene Nana Afari
Bampo II and his tugs, allegedly acting on the orders of the President himself.
Despite these provocations, we have maintained our commitment to the rule of
law, taking our case to the courts and trusting that justice would be served.
Unfortunately, President Akufo-Addo and his associates have shown no respect
for the rulings of the courts, including decisions from the Supreme Court. They
have continued to promote lawlessness and disregard every legal decision made
in favor of our customs and traditions.
It is important to note that we, the custodians of Akuapem’s heritage, do not
possess military power, police forces, or hired land guards. Our only recourse is
the justice system. Yet, this trust has been betrayed by those in power. In light of
this, I now call on all well-meaning Ghanaians and the international community
to prevail upon President Nana Akufo-Addo to restore peace and stability to
Okuapem before the end of his tenure as President. Let it be known that should
violence erupt in the future, the responsibility for any bloodshed will rest squarely
on his shoulders.
Until these issues are resolved, and until a legitimate Okuapemhene is rightfully
installed through the appropriate traditional processes, 2024 shall remain an
Odwira-Free year. No individual who has not gone through the necessary rites,
no person who has not been cleared by the Okuapemhemaa, can rightfully
celebrate the Odwira Festival.
Moreover, any corporate organization or individual who chooses to partner
with or sponsor the illegal celebration of Odwira does so at their own risk.
Let it be clear that we, the legitimate custodians of the Akuapem tradition, have
resolved to stop the unlawful celebration of the festival this year and beyond.
Anyone aligning with this illegality will face the consequences of supporting an
event that has no cultural or legal basis.
We stand firm in our commitment to the peace, customs, and dignity of
Okuapeman, and we will continue to seek justice through every legal and peaceful
means available.
I thank you for your attention, and I trust that this message will resonate with all
those who cherish peace, justice, and the rule of law.
Signed:
Okuapemhema
