Former EC Chair Charlotte Osei installed as Safohene

Charlotte Osei installed as Safohene

The former Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) has expressed her delight at this year’s Fetu Afahye festival, which is scheduled to take place from September 1 to 7, 2024. This annual celebration holds great significance for the people and chiefs of the Cape Coast Traditional Area in the Central Region of Ghana.

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Preparations for the festival begin in earnest in the last week of August, as the Oguaa Traditional Area welcomes visitors from far and wide. Natives of the Oguaa state who reside in different parts of the country or abroad also return to their ancestral homeland to join in the celebration. The excitement builds up until the main celebration, which takes place on the first Saturday of September.

In the days leading up to the festival, the Omanhen (chief) observes a week of confinement, during which he seeks wisdom from the creator (Aboadze) and the ancestors through meditation. He also receives medical attention from his physician to ensure his physical and mental well-being for the upcoming activities. This period of confinement is a time for the Omanhen to reflect on the past year, seek guidance for the future, and prepare himself for the demands of the festival.

At the end of his confinement, the Omanhen emerges with great pomp and dignity, and proceeds to the stool house to pour libation, seeking blessings from the 77 gods of the Oguaa state. These gods are revered as the custodians of the Oguaa Traditional Area’s affairs, and the Omanhen seeks their guidance and protection for the community. The pouring of libation is a sacred ritual that connects the Omanhen and the people to their ancestors and the divine.

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The Fetu Afahye festival is a significant event that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Oguaa people. It is a time for celebration, reflection, and thanksgiving, as the people of Oguaa come together to honor their ancestors and seek their blessings for the year ahead. The festival features a range of activities, including traditional music and dance performances, the display of traditional clothing and artifacts, and the sharing of traditional foods.

The festival also provides an opportunity for the people of Oguaa to reconnect with their roots and celebrate their cultural identity. It is a time for families to come together, for friends to reunite, and for the community to strengthen its bonds. The festival also attracts visitors from other parts of Ghana and beyond, who come to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Oguaa people.

The former EC Chairperson’s expression of joy at this year’s festival is a testament to the significance of this event, which brings people together and promotes unity, cultural preservation, and community development. As the people of Oguaa prepare for this year’s celebration, they look forward to a joyous and memorable experience that will strengthen their bonds and reinforce their cultural identity.

In conclusion, the Fetu Afahye festival is a significant event that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Oguaa people. It is a time for celebration, reflection, and thanksgiving, and provides an opportunity for the community to come together and strengthen its bonds. The festival is a testament to the importance of cultural preservation and community development, and is an event that is eagerly anticipated by the people of Oguaa and beyond.

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Prince Nti Adu

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