The Akuapem Odwira Festival, one of Ghana’s most enduring traditional celebrations, marks a historic milestone in 2026, commemorating 200 years since its institution in the Akuapem Kingdom, Nana Bekoe Dankwa, Tufuhene of Adweso–Akuapem, has stated.

Speaking on the bicentenary, Nana Bekoe Dankwa emphasized the need for the celebration to go beyond pageantry.

“Odwira celebration in the Akuapem Kingdom or State is two (2) centuries; 200 years the year 2026 and the celebration this year(2026) would be insignificant and meaningless unless it is entrenched and celebrated in unity, peace, love, justice, the true history, culture, custom and traditions of Akuapem, the need for a sustainable development plan and most importantly the recognition of our heroes/heroines, every town, village and the people of Akuapem,” he said.

The festival is celebrated by the chiefs and people of Okuapeman in the Eastern Region and annually draws sons and daughters of Akuapem from across Ghana and the diaspora back to their ancestral homeland. Odwira embodies the customs, traditions, and shared identity of the Akuapem people.

Historically, the festival traces its roots to 1826, following the victory of the Akuapem State and its allies over the Ashanti Army in the Katamanso War, also known as the Dodowa War. The conflict involved an alliance of Akuapems, Akyems, Akwamus, Ada's, Fantes, and other groups, supported by the British Army, against the Ashanti forces led by Asantehene Osei Yaw Akoto.

Historical accounts indicate that the Ashanti Kingdom suffered significant losses during the conflict, including the seizure of key war artifacts such as Odosu, the powerful Ashanti war deity, along with gold dust and other sacred items. Although the revered Golden Stool was later recovered by the Ashantis, the victory marked a defining moment in the history of Akuapem and its allies.

The Odwira Festival was formally instituted in October 1826 by Okuapehene Nana Addo Dankwa I as a period of thanksgiving, spiritual cleansing, and commemoration of Akuapem’s triumph in the Katamanso War.

Over the years, Odwira has evolved into a festival that highlights thanksgiving, ancestral reverence, spiritual fortification, and social cohesion, reinforcing unity among the Akuapem people and honouring the sacrifices of their forebears.

As Okuapeman marks 200 years of Odwira in 2026, Nana Bekoe Dankwa said the festival is expected to serve not only as a cultural landmark, but also as a platform for promoting historical accuracy, unity, peace, and sustainable development within the Akuapem State.