Odwira Festival @200: Akuapem North MCE pledges infrastructure boost, 24-hour jobs for Amanokrom

Amanokrom became the centre of attraction as chiefs and people gathered for the grand durbar of the Akuapem Odwira Festival in the Eastern Region.

The durbar formed part of activities marking the 200-year milestone of the Odwira Festival and was held under the distinguished patronage of HRM Oyeeman Okoforobour Osim Kwatia II, Gyasehene of Okuapem and Chief of Amanokrom.

The festival, themed “20 Years Of Odwira, Honouring Our Heritage, Securing Our Future,” brought together chiefs, queen mothers, traditional leaders, political figures and hundreds of citizens, including members of the Okuapeman diaspora.

The ceremony featured the paying of homage to chiefs and elders, distribution of Gyasehene customary drinks, and a grand procession of chiefs through the streets of Amanokrom. The customary pouring of libation by Okyeamepanyin Osei Manu ushered in the resonant rhythms of the Fontomfrom talking drums.

The colourful procession included the Twafohene, Ankyeasehene, Akyeamehene, Adawsohene, Dodowahene, Poribonhene, Bretuhene, Osomanyawa, Gyasehene, Asonahene, Gyasewahene, Gyasehemea, Akyempemhene and the Ankobeahene.

MCE Addresses Roads, Jobs and Government Support

Addressing the gathering, the Municipal Chief Executive for Akuapem North, John Kumordzi, centred his message on roads, job creation and government support for the community.

On roads, he stated:

“Roads are a major factor for economic boost. Government has heeded to your plea last year, and your one-way road which was very deplorable is now in good shape.”

On future development, he assured:

“I promise to channel allocated funds to your end for infrastructural development.”

He added that job creation for the youth remains a priority:

“I will also create jobs for the youth.”

Mr. Kumordzi disclosed that the Regional Minister would soon visit the community to engage residents and assess their needs.

“I assure you that the Regional Minister will soon visit to have interactions, know your needs and allocate funds respectively.”

He encouraged residents to maintain confidence in the Mahama-led administration, saying:

“I entreat all to trust the Mahama-led administration. I will not turn deaf ears to you.”

Road Safety and 24-Hour Economy

On road safety, the MCE announced plans to install speed ramps to reduce accidents.

Touching on the government’s 24-hour economy policy, he highlighted ongoing work at Adawso:

“Construction has already commenced at Adawso. You will hugely benefit from it. Business spaces will be located to you.”

He, however, expressed concern about challenges affecting the project:

“Some Adawso residents do not seem to comprehend for smooth construction flow.”

He appealed to traditional authorities:

“I plead with the Chief to ensure peace and calmness since the project is for a good cause.”

Support for the festival

On behalf of the Regional Minister, the MCE presented GH¢10,000 and cartons of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to support the festival.

He concluded with advice to the youth:

“I advise the youth to be disciplined to avoid unhealthy circumstances.”

The chiefs and people of Amanokrom expressed gratitude to the MCE and the Regional Minister for their support and assurances at the durbar.