Photos: Nyanyano Akwambo Festival Promotes Unity Among Natives And Non-natives

It was more than a display of the rich culture of the people of Nyanyano in the Central Region. The 2017 Nyanyano Akwambo Festival was a moment of unity for both indigenes and non-indigenes in the area.

The scene was reconciliatory, a re-enactment of Africa’s communal life that modernity has rudely bucked.

If the mention of communal life conjures vivid images of people gathered under the moonlight to drink in the beauty of their culture, then that was what happened during the festival.

Gomoa Nyanyano is the place, and the Nyanyano Akwambo Festival offered that opportunity.

Nyanyano Akwambo Festival is centuries old, and one of the most colourful cultural celebrations in the whole of the Gomoaland.

The festival revolves around the two Asafo companies - Asafo Tuafo and Dontenfo - who traditionally act as soldiers, scouts, and police.

‘Akwanbo’, a Fante word which literally means ‘clearing the path’ was originally aimed at keeping the surroundings clean. But it has taken up new challenges.

Nyanyano Akwambo conserves and upholds ancient rites and customs. The sense of tradition and responsibility is always passed on to the younger generation.