Okuapemanhene Bans Firearms At Odwira

Antwi Bosiako-Sekyere
The Okuapemanhene, Oseadeayo Addo Danquah, has imposed a ban on the use of firearms (musketry) as part of traditional activities during the forth-coming Odwira and Ohum festivals.

The Okuapemanhene noted that a number of casualties had occurred in the past as a result of the use of the firearms and in most cases, people ended up losing their lives. Stating examples, he mentioned events in the 2013 Odwira durbar during which three people were severely injured and the recent case in Akyem, where a linguist also lost his life.

He questioned why a peaceful or solemn celebration could bring sorrow to some other persons, adding, 'The ban also covers public events such as funerals and other traditional rituals.'

Oseadeyo Addo Danquah announced the ban during the celebration of Awukudae Kese (Adae Butu) which brought together the chiefs and people of the Akuapem Traditional Council to the Okuapemhene's palace in Akropong yesterday.

Awukudae Kese is a celebration which marks the beginning of a six week ban on noise making in the area and precedes the celebration of the annual Odwira festival.

Oseadeyo Addo Danquah who did not mince words during his presentation also warned against any form of acts of violence and immoral behaviour such as prostitution among the youth.

The Okuapemanhene would also celebrate his 40 th anniversary since his ascension to the Ofori Panyin Stool.

He decried the proliferation of the Okuapeman traditions and culture, mentioning specifically the neglect of due process to enstool a chief.

Nana Oseadeyo Addo Danquah also appealed to the Municipal Security Council (MSC) to take steps to ensure that the directives are enforced.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Antwi Bosiako Sekyere, paid glowing tributes to the chiefs and people of Akuapem for their reunification process.

He assured the Okuapemanhene that both the Regional Security Council (RESEC) and the Municipal Assembly would join forces to ensure high security standards within the municipality.

The Nifahene, Nana Otutu Kono, in an earlier development introduced Nana Awuku Bram, the Kyidomhene of Dawu to the Omanhene as the Regent of Dawu.

The chief of Adukrom, also the Nifahene, on behalf of Nana Awuku Bram presented a life ram, a number of alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and an undisclosed amount of money to the Omanhene and the various traditional wings as the custom demands.

By Solomon Ofori and Rocklyn Antonio