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Akwasidae: The rich cultural pageantry of the Ashanti Kingdom
The rhythmic sounds of the fontomfrom drums echoed through the skies, announcing the arrival of the highly anticipated Akwasidae celebration. Held every six weeks, this cultural extravaganza is not just a festival; it is a regal display of the Ashanti Kingdom’s heritage, an embodiment of unity, and a moment to honour its proud lineage.
This year’s Akwasidae, held at the iconic Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, was a spectacle of grandeur. The sprawling courtyard was adorned with the colourful kente cloths of attendees, their intricate patterns shimmering in the sunlight. Chiefs and queen mothers arrived with their entourage with each chief’s regalia a dazzling reflection of power and tradition.
Appellations by court criers heralds the arrival of the Asantehene through formal announcements, ensuring the crowd remains attentive and also declarations, royal messages, blessings, and reminders about the cultural significance of the festival, reinforcing its importance to the Ashanti heritage.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the custodian of Ashanti culture, would finally sit majestically on the Golden Stool. He is draped in a vibrant kente cloth and crowned with gold ornaments, symbolised the continuity of a kingdom that has stood tall for centuries.
As he received homage from subjects, chiefs, and dignitaries, the crowd erupted in cheers, a testament to the deep reverence for their monarch.
The celebration was a mix of solemnity and jubilation. The Akom priests led prayers and libations, invoking the spirits of ancestors and asking for guidance and blessings. The rituals were punctuated by the enthralling performances of traditional drummers, dancers, and singers who narrated the kingdom’s history through music and movement.
Visitors from across the world flocked to Kumasi to witness this extraordinary event. “The energy here is electric,” remarked a tourist from Germany. “It’s not just a festival; it’s a living history lesson.”
Akwasidae is more than just a cultural celebration; it is also an occasion for reconciliation and unity. Families, separated by distance or disputes, use this sacred day to mend bonds and strengthen ties. Communities gather to deliberate on development issues, ensuring progress while remaining anchored in their heritage.
The festival is also a boon for tourism and commerce, where local artisans displayed their craftsmanship, beads, carvings, pottery, and textiles—while food vendors offered traditional delicacies like fufu with light soup, apapransa and a special traditional khebab.
As the sun set over Manhyia, the festivities showed no signs of waning. The drummers’ beats grew livelier, the dances more animated, and the crowd more jubilant. It was an emotional reminder that Akwasidae is not just a date on a calendar but a celebration of identity, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of the Ashanti people.
Indeed, Akwasidae remains a shining example of Ghana’s cultural wealth and a proud beacon of African heritage. Whether you’re an Ashanti royal, a curious traveller, or simply an admirer of tradition, this festival offers an unforgettable experience that lingers in the heart long after the last drumbeat fades.
News
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Addresses Parliament.
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur has disclosed that in 2021, Ghana was issued a yellow card by the European Union after being identified as a non-compliant third country in the fight against illegal fishing activities.
According to the Minister, the government, through the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, has engaged the European Union(EU) through the Ghana European Union dialogue, to address the concerns raised by the European Union(EU).
The engagement included the implementation of an action plan, periodic update report and validation exercises.
“We are happy to report that Ghana has made significant progress in resolving key concerns, primarily related to lapses in the regulatory framework, fisheries enforcement, and traceability,” she stated.
Also, she emphasized that a review of pending actions indicates that the enactment of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Bill, along with its accompanying regulations, remains critical to enhancing fisheries governance in Ghana.
She further informed the House that the Ministry has already submitted the Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Bill, 2025, to the House.
The bill was later referred to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Cocoa Affairs for consideration.
The Minister made this statement in response to a question posed by Member of Parliament for Atwima Mponua, Seth Osei-Akoto, regarding the immediate measures the ministry is implementing to sanitize Ghana’s fishing sector in the light of the European Union’s warning that Ghana could face a potential red card.
News
Gender Minister assesses leap cash grand payment
The Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has undertaken a monitoring visit to payment centers in the Greater Accra Region to observe the ongoing disbursement of cash grants under the 96th cycle of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme.
Her visit underscores the Ministry’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and the effective delivery of social protection interventions.
A total of 269 beneficiaries from communities such as Gbawe, Mandela, New Weija, Tetegu, Weija Leprosarium, Weija, and Wiaboman converged at the Weija Leprosarium to access their LEAP cash grants.
This monitoring exercise aligns with the Minister’s pledge to oversee the nationwide disbursement of the 96th LEAP payment cycle.
During her visit, she interacted with both beneficiaries and payment agents to assess the efficiency of the process and address any emerging challenges.
Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey announced that the Government, through the Ministry, has commenced the indexation of the LEAP cash grant against inflation—a policy reform aimed at preserving the real value of the grant and cushioning poor households against economic shocks.
The revised LEAP grant amounts are as follows:
One-member household: increased from GH₵256 to GH₵320.00
Two-member household: increased from GH₵304 to GH₵380.00
Three-member household: increased from GH₵352 to GH₵440.00
Four or more-member household: increased from GH₵424 to GH₵530.00
Addressing the media, the Minister reiterated that the LEAP Programme provides vital financial support to extremely poor households with vulnerable individuals—including orphans and vulnerable children, persons with severe disabilities, elderly individuals aged 65 and above, as well as pregnant women and nursing mothers with infants under one year.
She emphasized that the Government of H.E. John Dramani Mahama is determined to reduce the cost of living by making the right and appropriate decisions to stimulate economic growth and development for all.
“The Government is taking measures to enhance the real value of the LEAP cash grant and its impact on key development indicators such as nutrition, health, schooling, productive investment, and social inclusion,” she stated.
The Minister encouraged beneficiaries to prioritize critical needs such as household nutrition, children’s education, and income-generating activities. While LEAP offers short-term financial relief, she urged them to also work toward long-term financial stability.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to strengthening social protection interventions, the Minister highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable households across the country.
The LEAP Programme, a flagship initiative under the Ministry, provides bi-monthly cash grants to extremely poor households to support their essential needs. The ongoing 96th payment cycle aims to reach thousands of beneficiaries nationwide.
The Minister’s monitoring visit forms part of a nationwide exercise to ensure all eligible beneficiaries receive their cash grants in a timely and efficient manner.
