Asantehene to Visit Volta Region

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II will this week make a historic royal visit to the Worawora Township in the Volta Region to attend the Akwantutenten Festival.

The Omanhene of Worawora traditional area, Daasebre Asare-Baah III flanked by his sub-chiefs announced in Accra yesterday at a press conference.

He said the Asantehene has accepted to attend a grand durbar of chiefs and people of the traditional area, adding that it is to climax a weeklong program of activities marking the festival. He dropped the hint that the president, Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor would also be attending as a special guest.

The Akwantutenten Festival is celebrated annually to honour the long journey of the ancestors of Asante who settled at Worawora. Initially the vicinity was named "Ewareware," literally meaning long, long journey, and this has been corrupted to Worawora.

The Omanhene said the festival is also intended to attract investors and tourists to bring development and income to the town.

"You would therefore realise that the Akwantutenten Festival is really unique. It has a lot to teach our young ones about courage, hardwork and honesty. The festival is also intended to open up our area to tourists and other visitors. It also enables us to take stock and strategise for development."

The Daasebre Asare-Baah III said for about 300 years that the Asantes migrated to the Volta region they have never lost track of their origin and are hooked to the culture of Asante. For instance the people celebrate Akwasidae including Akwasidae kese, Dwoada Forwuo, Awukudae, Fiada Fofie and Memeneda Dapaa.

Around 1732 during the reign of Asante King Opoku Ware I family heads and clans took their people to settle elsewhere in a bid to acquire more lands for the kingdom. During this long migration some of the Asantes settled at the Volta Region. They lived there to replenish themselves because of the depletion of their numbers due to the long hazardous journey and wars.