The ancient city of Cape Coast, one of Ghana’s historical cities, witnessed a showcase of the rich cultural heritage of the Oguaa people with an exciting, colourful, and traditional event to mark the celebration of the 61st annual Fetu Afahye.

Themed “Innovate to elevate: Harnessing the creative econo­my for sustainable growth”, the festival featured a vibrant lineup of events, interspersed with several cultural performances showcasing the traditions which depict the traditional, historical and ancestral heritage of the land.

It witnessed a colourful proces­sion of chiefs and various Asafo companies from the Mfantsipim School junction through the princi­pal streets of the town to the Jubi­lee Park, accompanied by drumming and traditional dances.

The chiefs and members of the asafo companies were adorned in regal attire symbolising the pride and unity of the community.

Fetu Afahye demonstrates Oguaa’s resilience, unity, and cul­tural pride as the town welcomed indigenes both within and outside, as well as people from far and near, desirous of participating in the festival.

Various public spaces, including eateries and pubs, attracted pa­trons, and streets within the town witnessed bustling events with music blaring from the loud­speakers that had been placed by the roadside.

Bakatue

Prior to the durbar was the Bakatue regatta, a canoe race on the Fosu Lagoon, organ­ised by ATL, a campus-based radio station located within the Univer­sity of Cape Coast (UCC) in collab­oration with the Oguaa Traditional Council.

The event saw a thrilling specta­cle as the three Asafo companies, Nkum No. 4, Bentsir No. 1, and Anaafo No. 2, battled aggressively on the Fosu Lagoon. Nkum No. 4 earned nine points to clinch the trophy, medals, and a cash prize. They were followed by Anaafo No. 2 with five points, while Bentsir No. 1 finished third with four points.

Orange Friday

Friday witnessed what has come to be known as the biggest street carnival in Ghana, known as ‘Or­ange Friday.’

It drew hundreds of people across the country. Clad in orange attires, the patrons gathered and moved through the streets of the town, creating a gridlock.

The Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Osaberim­ba Kwesi Atta II, at the durbar of chiefs to climax the festival ac­knowledged the unifying factor in relation to culture among Africans and stated the need for Africans to take their destinies into their own hands.

He explained that festivals such as Fetu Afahye offer an opportunity for Africans to remind themselves of the future by working hard and embrace the future in order not to be taken by events.

The Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, in a speech read on her behalf, noted that the festival was far more than a ritual or an annual duty, saying, “It is an affirmation of an identity, a home­coming and a powerful testimony to the wisdom and fortitude of our forebears”.

In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, the Olu of Warri State in Nigeria, Ogiame Atuwatse III, indicated that, the only thing holding Africans back was Africans themselves, which he said, was in the area of an African identity, and acting on that identity.

 From David O. Yarboi-Tetteh, Cape Coast

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