The Okuapeman Traditional Council has through Osahene Boafo Ansah III, the Kontihene and senior divisional chief of Akuapem issued a strong rebuttal to what it describes as “false and misleading publications” surrounding the invitation of His Royal Majesty Yagbonwura Bii -Kunuto Jewu Soale I, King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom to the upcoming 199th Odwira Festival.
Recent media reports, suggested that a so-called youth group in Okuapeman had urged the Yagbonwura to reject his invitation to the festival. However, the Traditional Council has swiftly discredited the reports, describing them as “irresponsible, unverified, and a direct affront to Okuapeman’s customs and leadership.”
In a strongly worded statement copied to the source, the Council emphasized that only the Okuapeman Traditional Council, the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, and the National House of Chiefs are mandated to speak on chieftaincy matters. The Okuapehene, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, is recognized and fully gazetted as the Paramount Chief of Akuapem and is an active, legitimate member of all three governing institutions.
“It is deeply regrettable that such media houses failed to perform the most basic checks with the appropriate authorities,” the statement said, accusing the outlets of compromising journalistic standards and stoking unnecessary controversy.
The Council also noted that any effort to question the legitimacy of Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III is not only mischievous but also baseless with the courts and traditional bodies already affirming his rightful position.
Under Oseadeeyo’s leadership, the Odwira Festival has grown in prestige, attracting both national and international dignitaries, while uniting the people of Akuapem and showcasing their rich cultural heritage. This year’s 199th edition is expected to be even more spectacular, with eyes already turning to 2026, when the 200th anniversary of the historic festival will be celebrated in grand style.
The Okuapeman Traditional Council concluded by urging the media to exercise due diligence in their reporting: “Okuapeman deserves accurate reporting, not sensationalism,” the statement added. “We caution media houses against giving platforms to faceless groups whose only intent is to create confusion and division.”
As preparations for the 199th Odwira Festival ramp up, organizers say the invitation to the Yagbonwura remains firmly in place, a symbol of inter-ethnic unity and mutual respect between traditional authorities across Ghana.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
