Yagbonwura makes historic visit to Odwira festival

The Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii -Kunuto Jewu Soale I, has made a historic visit to the Okuapeman traditional Area in Eastern Region to participate in this year’s Odwira Festival as guest of honour; donating 100-acre parcel of land in Savannah region for commercial farming by Akuapem people and announced Fully Funded Scholarship for 10 brilliant, but needy students. The Yagbonwura also donated a bull, tubers of yams, and three bags of maize to support the Odwira Festival.

In a speech read on his behalf, the Yagbonwura explained that education remains the foundation for transformation, and therefore the need to support those with intellect but lack resources. “Yagbonwura will offer the scholarships under the Bii-Kunuto Education Fund.

There should be a transparent model for identifying these ten beneficiaries,” the Yagbonwura stated. Speaking on the cultural ties between the Gonja and Guan people, the Yagbonwura noted that Gonjas are the largest Guan ethnic group in Ghana, with shared historical, Cultural and linguistic connections to communities in both Northern and Southern parts of the country including Akuapem.

“Linguistically, culturally, ethnically, Gonjas have a profound relationship with the Guan people all over the country. Gonjas are Guan.

Gonjas are the biggest single ethnic Guans in this country. And we have our brothers, both in northern Ghana and in southern Ghana.

A huge population of them are found in Okuapem land. This certainly underlines the reason why Yagbonwura decided that this is a very important event for Gonjaland, and for himself.

And, therefore, his presence here”. The Yagbonwura also used the occasion to preach peaceful coexistence and visionary leadership, describing peace as fundamental enabler of innovation, education, and development.

Touching on chieftaincy matters, the Overlord of Gonja Kingdom outlined the unique and conflict-free succession system within the Gonja Kingdom, where five royal gates; Bolewura, Kpenbiwura, Tuluwewura, Wasipewura, and Kusawguwura; rotate peacefully in enskinment to the Yagbonwura throne. He attributed the stability in the Gonja traditional area to the strict adherence to customs, beliefs, and practices that regulate succession and leadership.

“Our customs have preserved peace for generations. I therefore call on traditional areas across Ghana to embrace similar models and ensure conflict-free chieftaincy transitions,” he urged.

The Yagbonwura further appealed to the National House of Chiefs and government to intensify efforts toward codifying customs and succession practices to safeguard peace and heritage across the country. Okuapehene Oseadeyo Kwasi Akuffo II explained that he invited the Yagbonwura as part of his commitment to unite all Akuapems and their ancestry ties.

He called for unity and peace in Okuapeman urging all to come together to help accelerate development. Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey,said culture and heritage are the most important identity of a group of people therefore the need to protect and preserve it.

“Posterity will not take it kindly with us should we abandon our beautiful cultural heritage for another man’s culture”. The Regional Minister reechoed call for unity, “As we celebrate Odwira, let us set aside our differences and reaffirm the bonds that make us family.I am humbled to commend Nananom for holding onto this beautiful festival for two hundred years.

This is indeed a milestone to be celebrated with pomp and pageantry. We are hopeful that 2026 will find all of us together to celebrate this great achievement.” Present at this year’s Odwira Festival were former President Akufo Addo, who is a son of the land, some Members of parliament led by Sammy Awuku and 1st Deputy Speaker of Parliament Bernard Ahiafo, Municipal and District Chief Executives, and some of the Divisional Chiefs in Okuapeman among others.

Source: GhanaWeb