Otoobuor Djan Kwasi II
The citizens of Aburi in the Adonten Division of the Akuapem Traditional Area this week began their annual “homecoming” to observe the 2024 Adonten Odwira.
The weeklong cultural fiesta in the tourism town of Aburi was last Saturday ushered in with a fitness walk to Ayi Mensah, at the foot of the Akuapem Hills, which was attended by chiefs, elders, and people from all walks of life.
The durbar of chiefs and people will showcase their rich culture with a focus on the environment and how environmentally-friendly practices will safeguard the future of the community.
Otoobuor Djan Kwasi II, the Aburihene and the Adontenhene of Akuapem will lead his chiefs from the Adonten Division, and Akuapem Adonten enclaves in other parts of the country will also participate in the durbar, expected to be full of pomp and pageantry. The platform will also be used to raise funds for more development projects in Aburi.
Last Sunday, the Aburihene was joined by other chiefs and people in the Adonten Division to observe the Akwasidae rites in the division’s traditional seat of governance at Nsakye.
According to the spokesperson of the Aburihene, the grand durbar will be graced by the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is also the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), as the special guest, and the Ministers of Road and Highways and Food and Agriculture, Messrs Asenso Boakye and Bryan Acheampong respectively.
The Chairman of the Odwira durbar is Nana Owiredu Wadie, Chief Executive of Kabaka Foundation and Nkosuohene of Kwahu Nkwatia.
The Chairman of the MacDan Group of Companies, Dr. Daniel Mackorley will also grace the occasion.
The Odwira activities as outlined by the Planning Committee included the lighting of the Odwira fire last Monday, the mourning of the departed souls last Tuesday and the feeding of ancestors in River Kobi yesterday.
The spokesperson said there will be feasting and merrymaking today, November 1, 2024, while Otoobuor Djan Kwasi II will sit in state to receive homage from Nananom and citizens. There will also be the homecoming of the citizens of the Adonten Division.
Otoobuor Djan Kwasi II, expatiating on the theme for this year’s Odwira, said the environment has become key in achieving sustainable development.
He reminded the people of the Adonten Division about climate justice and the need for all to exploit our natural resources without damaging the environment, especially forests and water resources.
Otoobuor Djan Kwasi II appealed to his fellow Nananom in mining areas to speak up against galamsey and rally the people to stand up against the few selfish people bent on polluting water resources.
He urged all citizens of Aburi to join him and other chiefs to mark this year’s Odwira and use the occasion to raise funds for the development of Aburi and its environs.