The impact of Covid on tourism, culture & entertainment has been brutal but lovers of one of the biggest festivals in West Africa are ready to fight back.
Hundreds of people from Ghana and the world have gathered in Akropong-Akuapim for one of Ghana’s most important festivals, the Odwira Festival.
The people of Akropong-Akuapem, Aburi, Larteh and Mamfe come together to embrace and celebrate their heritage bringing from far and near people from all walks of life to join them during this traditional occasion.
A little-known fact is, the Odwira Festival is also celebrated by the Ga people of Jamestown in the Greater
Accra Region of Ghana as a result of their long association with the Akans through intermarriages.
Odwira is a time of spiritual cleansing, when the people of Okuapeman and all who celebrate, present themselves anew and pray for protection.
Traditionally, the timing of the festival also coincides with the harvest season when there is abundant food; during which time the people give thanks to the Ancestors. Being a Yam Festival, gratitude for the harvest is especially expressed in ‘feeding the ancestors’.
Although the shadow of the pandemic remains, music artists from different parts of Ghana will be delighted to be back in Akropong- Akuapim to perform to live audiences at Odwira.
At the festival itself, the organisers have taken a strict stance on Covid safety, like many other events that have taken place across Ghana in the past year.
The event, which goes on until the late hours of Sunday morning, is expected to draw visitors from all around the world.
Source: Africa6 News Desk
