Oguaa holds durbar to climax Fetu Afahye today

Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II

Fetu Afahye, a unique cultural festival of the chiefs and people of the Oguaa Traditional Area in the Central Region will be climaxed today.

Unlike previous festivals, this year’s event has so far generated massive patronage throughout the days with merrymaking and other night life activities on some streets of the once capital of the Gold Coast.

The festival which normally witness various cultural performances is held to mark a bumper harvest season and to thank the 77 deities of the Oguaa Traditional Area.

This year’s festival is on the theme: ‘Celebrating the city of the first.’

Today’s durbar of chiefs will be graced by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as the special guest. The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, is also expected to attend the climax of the festival.

This year, being an election year will also attract notable political leaders in the country as they are expected to use their presence to increase their appeal among residents and well-wishers.

This year’s festival which is the 60th edition and the 25th anniversary  of the installation of Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, as Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area.

Series of activities were put in place by the organising committee to ensure that this year’s Fetu Afahye leaves a lasting memory in the hearts and minds of residents as well as patrons and well-wishers.

Among some of the activities is the regatta on the Fosu Lagoon which was supported by ATL FM, a University of Cape Coast campus-based radio station.

It was attended by members of the traditional council, residents, and visitors.

The 2024 ATL FM Oguaa Fetu Afahye Regatta is an annual canoe race between the three main Asafo companies namely: Nkum Number 4, Bentsir Number 1, and Anaafo Number 2.

At the end of the regatta, Nkum No 4 came up tops and they received cash, medals and a trophy as their prize.

Anafo Number 2 and Bentsir Number 1 followed in second and third, respectively.

In an interview, a member of the ATL FM Events Committee, Emmanuel Buckman, gave his general impression about the programme, saying the turnout was one of a kind. 

The regatta was followed by the Bakatue (the “opening of the lagoon”) ritual.

Prior to the various programme of activities, there was a special homecoming carnival and a drama night to officially kick-start the celebration of the festival.

The event attracted splendid performances from notable groups including masquerades.

One of the outstanding performances was by Cape Vibes Brass Band as they rendered captivating renditions of various songs to the admiration of all.

From David O. Yarboi-Tetteh, Cape Coast