Nana Bekoe Dankwa, Founder of Okuapeman Global and Tufuhene of Adweso-Akuapem, has called for greater unity, reconciliation and respect for customary protocols as Akuapem celebrates the 200th anniversary of the Odwira Festival.
In a public statement on the bicentennial celebration, themed “200 Years of Odwira: Honoring Our Heritage, Securing Our Future,” Nana Bekoe Dankwa said the anniversary presented an important opportunity for Akuapem to reflect on its history, strengthen unity and promote its cultural heritage.
However, he expressed concern that some activities surrounding the celebration were creating divisions, exclusion and what he described as historical distortions.
According to him, a celebration of such significance should promote inclusiveness, resolve longstanding disputes and showcase Akuapem’s culture and traditions as a foundation for sustainable development.
Concerns over customary protocols
Nana Bekoe Dankwa cited a recent Odwira 200th Anniversary tour to Mile 50, Osabene, Kentenkren and Nyerede as an example of what he described as shortcomings in customary governance.
He claimed the areas fall under the traditional jurisdiction of the Adwesohene and Mponoahene, Nana Tete Pimpong II, and alleged that the tour was conducted without the necessary customary consultations with the stool.
He further expressed concern over the selection of the communities for the tour by the Benkumhene of Akuapem and Larteh Aheneasehene, Nana Asiedu Okoo Ababio III, without what he said was proper engagement with the relevant traditional authority.
Nana Bekoe Dankwa also claimed that the Okuapehene, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, was aware of petitions and complaints concerning the boundaries but visited the areas without first resolving the underlying disputes.
He warned that such actions could deepen existing divisions within Akuapem and strain relations with neighbouring communities.
Land and customary ownership
The Tufuhene also raised concerns about relations between Akuapem and neighbouring ethnic communities, including the Ga, Krobo and New Juaben communities, who reside on lands historically allocated to them for settlement and farming.
He particularly referred to the creation of the Greater Accra Region under the PNDC Law 26 of 1982, arguing that administrative boundary changes should not automatically be interpreted as extinguishing customary land ownership.
He maintained that customary allodial rights remain an important aspect of the historical relationship between traditional authorities, families and lands.
Call to resolve internal disputes
Nana Bekoe Dankwa further urged the Akuapem Traditional Council, under the leadership of Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, to address what he described as longstanding internal disputes affecting the traditional area.
Among the issues he highlighted were the reported withdrawal of Awukugua-Akuapem from the historic Abotakyi Accord and its call for an independent state within Akuapem.
He also cited the continued absence of the Okuapehemaa, Nana Afua Obuo Nketia II, from some core traditional activities, attributing it to unresolved chieftaincy disputes.
Additionally, he pointed to ongoing tensions between divisional and town chiefs across the Benkum, Adonten and Nifa/Okere divisions.
According to him, the disputes risk undermining socio-economic development in Akuapem and creating opportunities for external interests to exploit divisions within the traditional area.
‘Time to set aside differences is now’
Nana Bekoe Dankwa called on the Akuapem Traditional Council and traditional leaders to promote transparency, respect established customary hierarchies and ensure inclusiveness in the administration of the traditional area.
He cautioned against what he described as arbitrary changes to history and customary protocols, as well as self-aggrandisement, land disputes and unilateral claims of supremacy.
He said recognition and traditional responsibilities must be accorded to those entitled to them under customary practice, stressing that an honest understanding of Akuapem’s history was essential to securing its future.
Nana Bekoe Dankwa subsequently appealed to traditional leaders, the people of Akuapem, friends of Okuapeman and other stakeholders to put aside their differences and work towards restoring unity and the dignity of the Akuapem State.
He said the 200th anniversary of Odwira should serve as an opportunity for reconciliation and renewed commitment to protecting Akuapem’s shared heritage, rather than becoming a source of further division.
About the Author
