The Tufuhene of Adweso-Akuapem, founder of Okuapeman Global and Chairperson of Okuapeman Connect, Nana Bekoe Dankwa, has urged custodians of the Akuapem Traditional Area to prioritise promoting and preserving the Akuapem language during this year's Odwira Festival celebrations.

Speaking during a special meeting with the Member of Parliament for Okere, Hon. Daniel Nana Addo-Kenneth, at Parliament House, Nana Bekoe Dankwa commended the MP for his service to the constituency, first as District Chief Executive and now as Member of Parliament.

He expressed concern over the declining use of the Akuapem dialect in everyday communication, attributing the trend largely to the influence of globalisation and foreign cultures.

According to him, the language, which remains a key marker of Akuapem identity and heritage, risks gradual extinction if deliberate measures are not taken to preserve and promote it.

While acknowledging that language evolution and external influences are natural phenomena, Nana Bekoe Dankwa stressed that proactive interventions are necessary to safeguard the dialect for future generations.

"The Akuapem language is one of the strongest symbols of our identity as a people and must be preserved for posterity," he emphasised.

He further proposed that Ghanaian radio stations that broadcast in Twi should intentionally incorporate the Akuapem dialect into their programming to enhance its visibility and encourage wider usage.

Nana Bekoe Dankwa also called for this year's Odwira Festival, which coincides with the festival's bicentennial, to focus on broader cultural issues, including the preservation of Akuapem traditions and values.

He noted that the festival presents a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between older and younger generations by fostering dialogue, mentorship and cultural exchange.

According to him, the elderly serve as custodians of institutional memory whose knowledge, experience and wisdom are essential to sustaining the enduring legacy of Akuapem.

He therefore urged stakeholders, traditional leaders and community members to use the bicentennial celebrations as a platform to strengthen cultural identity, promote unity and ensure the transmission of Akuapem heritage to future generations.