Congratulations on celebration of unique Fetu Afahye
The Ghanaian Times congratulates the chiefs and people of Oguaa Traditional Area on the celebration of their Fetu Afahye this year.
The mention of Oguaa readily brings to mind the historic city of Cape Coast and its people.
Even though Fetu Afahye has been celebrated for countless years, this year’s celebration deserves special mention because of its uniqueness in some ways.
First, it marks the 60th anniversary of the revival of the festival.
The period 1865 to 1964 has the chequered part of the history of the celebration of Oguaa Fetu Afahye.
It all began with some misunderstanding between the Oguaa people and the colonists, which eventually caused two Asafo companies in Cape Coast, Bentsir Asafo (No. 1) and Anaafo Asafo (No. 2) to combine forces to fight with British soldiers on September 4, 1865.
The festival got somehow terminated and it took some time before it could be revived.
However, in 1932, a fight between Bentsir (No. 1) Asafo and Ntsin (No. 3) Asafo brought in the colonial government to ban it until 1939 when the ban was relaxed a bit.
The chequered history continued until 1964, when seamless peaceful observance of Oguaa Fetu Afahye resumed.
The second reason why this year’s Fetu Afahye deserves a unique place in the annals of the festival is that it marks the 25th anniversary of the enthronement of Osabarima Kwesi Atta II as the Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area.
Considering the history of the Oguaa paramountcy in which one reads about some occupants not reigning for up to 25 years before departing to meet their Maker, except Osabarima Kodwo Mbrah V, who ruled from 1948 – 1996 (48 years), so far the longest-reigning king; and the fact that there have been some destoolment and abdication, 25 years of peaceful occupancy of the throne is great feat.
Without any prejudice, one can conclude that he is doing well to meet the desires of his people.
Osabarima’s appeal to the people of Oguaa to put their differences behind and unite to support all development projects in the area must be embraced with all seriousness because Cape Coast in particular needs a facelift that befits its status in the life of the country.
Osabarima, The Ghanaian Times extends its heart-felt congratulations to you on the 25th anniversary of your ascendency to the distinguished throne.
Your throne is distinguished because it is one of the thrones in the country which deserve no introduction in the global arena because their jurisdictions occupy significant places in the history and everyday life of the whole country.
The presence of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the festival as the Guest of Honour speaks volumes more than the rich historical connection between Ashanti land and Oguaa Traditional Area.
The Asantehene’s donation of GH¢500, 000 to support an education fund for needy students under the auspices of Osabarima Kwesi Atta should ginger people of the Oguaa Traditional Area in particular to support the fund all the time.
Otumfuo is unique in his desire to give support and bring change to wherever he goes, no matter whether it falls under his jurisdiction.
All Ghanaians should emulate this spirit in the hope that this selflessness can transform the country into a place where people are helpful and dependable, all towards having a united, peaceful and prosperous nation.
