It was a rare historic feat as the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, joined the people of Cape Coast (Oguaa), to celebrate this year’s Fetu Afahye at Cape Coast in the Central Region on Saturday.
The Asantehene who attended the programme by a special invitation from the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area was accompanied by a large retinue of chiefs from Asanteman.
Marking the 25th anniversary commemoration of the enthronement of Osabarima Kwesi Atta II as the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area, the event was characterised by a display of rich Akan tradition and customs.
Beyond the glitz and splendor was the showcasing of different forms of traditional regalia amidst rich cultural displays of unique Fante and Asante ensembles both demonstrating distinct Ghanaian identities in unanimity.
Kente and umbrellas perhaps were the main centre of attraction as both traditions put on display an array of different makes, shapes and designs with most of the participants- male and female who thronged the durbar grounds adorned in kente as the main apparel for the event.
The last time an Asantehene visited Cape Coast to participate in the Fetu Afahye was some 39 years ago.
Prior to the durbar, there was a procession of chiefs and Asafo companies through some principal streets of Cape Coast, starting from the Mfantsipim junction to the durbar grounds at the Victoria Park.
This year’s festival was on the theme: “Celebrating the city of firsts: Our people, our future” and also the 60th anniversary after the revival of the festival.
The event was attended by the Vice President, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia who also doubles as the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming general elections, his running mate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh and other leading members of the party.
Also in attendance was the running mate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and leading members of the party.
In his address, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who was the guest of honour at the festival, recounted the rich historical connection existing between the two areas and called for more collaboration in strengthening the existing relationship.
He called on the people of Cape Coast to unite and support efforts at improving the transformation of Oguaaman, stressing that the development of any state rests on the contribution of residents and indigenes of that state.
Asantehene said Cape Coast had and continued to play an important role in diverse ways in the nation’s history which included the development of education in the country.
To this end he donated an amount GH¢500, 000.00 in support of the Oguaaman Education Fund instituted by Osabarima Kwesi Atta.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu said Fetu Afahye, was a time-honoured tradition that brought together the people of Oguaa to honour the past, celebrate the present, and pray for future blessings.
Dr Bawumia underscored the need for the youth to take pride in their heritage and actively participate in its promotion.
He explained that Cape Coast had played diverse roles in the country’s history making it the cradle of Ghana’s educational system, an avenue for commerce and cultural roots.
“As we celebrate this milestone, let us reaffirm our commitment to preserving our rich cultural heritage for generations to come,” he said.
The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, in her remarks noted that the festival was a testament of the resilience of the people of Cape Coast and noted that it was a festival of bringing unity.
The invitation to the festival, she said, was a testament of the relationship between the people of Cape Coast and Britain regarding their past history.
Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, in his address, appealed to indigenes of Cape Coast to put their differences behind them and unite to support all developmental projects in Oguaa.
“We can develop only when we unite and work towards our common goal,” he said.
The selection of the theme, he explained, was to indicate the significant role Oguaa had played in the history and development of Ghana.
Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II commended the Asantehene for his support towards the development of education in Cape Coast.
FROM DAVID O. YARBOI-TETTEH, CAPE COAST