The Akuapem Nifaman Council (Okere) and the Okere District Assembly have officially launched the Akuapem Nifaman/Okereman Odwira Festival and the 10th Anniversary of the Enstoolment of Ahunuabobrim Osuodumgya Otutu Ababio V.
The launch was held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the Alex Apau Dadey Centre, University of Ghana Alumni Association, Legon.
The celebration is themed: “One Okere, One People, One Destiny – United for Development, United for Progress, United to Make Okere Great Again.”
The festival is scheduled for Saturday, December 5 to Sunday, December 13, at Adukrom, with the grand durbar, the major highlight, slated for Friday, December 11.
According to organisers, the 2026 festival will be more than a cultural celebration. It will serve as a platform for reconciliation, unity, cultural renewal, networking, investment promotion and community development.
Addressing the gathering, the Akuapem Nifaman Chairman of the 2026 Odwira Planning Committee said the launch goes beyond the formal unveiling of a festival.
“We are here to announce to the world that Okereman is ready to reconnect with its rich heritage, strengthen its unity and collectivity, pursue a renewed development agenda.
“We are here to bring our people together, rekindle the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood and establish the common platform through which we can build a stronger, more united, and prosperous Okere,” he noted.
He described the festival as an opportunity to celebrate Okere’s history, culture, traditions and achievements, while reflecting on where the people are coming from, where they are today, and where they decide to be in the future.
He said this year’s celebration is particularly significant because it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the enstoolment of the Okerehene, noting that ten years of traditional leadership provides an opportunity to reflect on the journey so far, acknowledge the contributions of traditional leadership, and renew collective commitment to the progress of the people.
He stressed, however, that the celebration must not be seen as the achievement of one individual or one traditional area alone.
“It must be a celebration of all of us. It must be a celebration of Okereman,” he emphasized.
Unity, he said, must become central to everything the people do.
“One of the greatest assets any community can possess is unity of purpose. We may have different traditional jurisdictions, different opinions, different political affiliations, different religious beliefs, different interests. However, none of these differences should be allowed to destroy the common bond that makes us one people,” he said.
He urged the people to appreciate that individual progress is closely connected to the collective progress of Okereman, and to set aside divisions, misunderstanding and disagreements that prevent them from moving forward.
He also highlighted the role of sons and daughters of Okere living outside Okere and Ghana, calling for stronger connections with the diaspora to invest their knowledge, expertise, resources and networks in the development of their ancestral home.
“The development of Okere must become a shared responsibility between those at home and those abroad,” he stated.
The programme will feature cultural displays, traditional ceremonies, community development activities, health initiatives, sporting activities, youth empowerment programmes, entertainment and other activities to promote the identity, development and aspirations of Okere.
It will bring together traditional authorities, political leaders, the professional and business community, development partners, the youth and the diaspora.
“We therefore call on every son and daughter of Okere irrespective of where you live to identify with this celebration. Let us all come home. Let us all celebrate our heritage. Let us renew our commitment to one another. And most importantly, let us work together to build the Okere we all desire,” he said.
He assured the gathering that the committee is committed to organising a successful, memorable and impactful celebration, but said success cannot be achieved by the planning committee alone.
“We need the support of our traditional authorities, the political leadership, corporate institutions, businesses, religious organisations, youth groups, community associations, and individuals,” he appealed.
He said chiefs and queen mothers remain a source of wisdom, guidance and leadership, while political leaders and public officials are expected to support the development agenda of Okere.
He urged the youth to take ownership of their future, describing them not merely as beneficiaries of tomorrow, but as important stakeholders in building the Okere of today.
To the diaspora, he said: “We invite you to reconnect with your roots and become active partners in the transformation of your homeland. And to every citizen of Okere, I say, this is our time. This is our responsibility and this is our opportunity.”
In his closing remarks, he said Okere has a rich history, a proud heritage, talented people, and enormous potential, and what is needed now is a stronger sense of unity, a common vision, and a determination to work together.
“We cannot continue to allow our differences to become bigger than our shared identity. We cannot continue to celebrate our heritage without taking practical steps to secure our future. We cannot desire development whilst refusing to work together. The time has come for us to rise above our differences and embrace a common destiny.
“Let the Odwira Festival become the turning point in our collective journey. Let it be remembered as the occasion when Okereman renewed its commitment to unity, peace, reconciliation and development,” he added.
