The dynamic leader of Abotakyi Akuapem, Nana Kwame Sakyi Ababio II, the esteemed Abotakyi Hene has led his people to colourfully celebrate Ohum 2025.
The festival is under the theme “Celebrating Unity, Culture, and Heritage,” the week-long festivities brought together community members both within and far as well as visitors, fostering a spirit of togetherness and cultural pride.
The festival kicked off with a spirited health walk, where participants marched through the scenic hills of Akuapem. This event not only promoted physical well-being of th participants.
A poignant remembrance of departed souls followed on Monday, allowing families to honor their ancestors. Palm wine and local Gin (Akpeteshi) were poured, for ancesteral spirits and aheartfelt prayers were offered, reflecting on the rich history and traditions that shape the community’s identity. This solemn occasion reminded everyone of the deep connections that transcend generations.
The highlight of the festival was a grand feast for the general public held on Tuesday, where locals and visitors gathered to enjoy an array of traditional dishes. From Mmekwan (palm nut soup) and Fufu as well as Nnwoma with soup, the feast celebrated the culinary heritage of the Abotakyi Akuapem people.
Additionally, participants visited ancestral shrines invoking the dead by paying homage to their forebears. This sacred act of remembrance took place on Wednesday.
In an interview with Nana Kwame Sakyi Ababio II in his Palace on the importance of visiting shrines on Wednesdays during Ohum Festival, he elaborated over 7 importance of it by indicating that it is a way of
preserving forests and water bodies as cultural heritage is crucial for the people of Akuapem for several reasons.
He begun by highlighting that some belief their ancestors lives in the water bodies, forest, mountains including species.
He continued that cultural identity
connection to ancestors which includes forests and water bodies and are often tied to ancestral stories and traditions, reinforcing the cultural identity of the Akuapem people.
Moreover, spiritual significance play major role in many natural sites and are considered sacred, serving as places for worship and spiritual practices.
He urged that Biodiversity Conservation is a
habitat for Species.
He explained that forests and water bodies provide essential habitats for numerous plant and animal species, some of which may hold cultural purposes.
Going further, he touched on the ecological balance. Indicated that preserving these environments helps maintain biodiversity, which is crucial for ecological stability and resilience.
In his view, economic resources sustainable livelihoods because forests offer resources like timber, fruits, and medicinal plants, while water bodies provide fish and other aquatic resources, supporting local economies, tourism, potential cultural heritage, sites attract tourists, by promoting economic growth while fostering medicinal values to the entire world.
He emphasised that Center for plant medicine is in his community which serves as a backbone to Ghana’s health sector and one of the few centres that promotes herbal medicines for Ghana and entire Africa economic growth and an avenue to create employment for many natives.
On traditional knowledge and practices, he opined that
the people of Abotakyi Akuapem have a rich traditional and ecological knowledge that guides sustainable practices in forest and water body management.
Launching deep into the Ohum Wednesday activity, he indicated that it is intergenerational learning process because preserving these environments allows the transmission of knowledge, and practices from one generation to the next.
He said, it promotes Community cohesion,
social bonds, shared stewardship of forests and water bodies which fosters community ties and collaboration among the Okuapeman.
Additionally, Nana Sakyi Ababio II narated that these Cultural Events and Festivals helps to build a solid natural resources which are often central to cultural events, reinforcing community identity and solidarity.
By recognizing and preserving the cultural heritage associated with forests and water bodies, the Abotakyi natives can sustain their identity, traditions, and livelihoods while contributing to environmental conservation. He urged every ghanaian to help iprove the climate since heat is taking over the entire world and the only solution to it is to preserve our natural forests, water bodies and species.
According to Nana Sakyi Ababio II, the 2025 Ohum festival is an avenue of preparation towards his 10th anniversary celebration of his enstoolment in the coming year, but prayed for God’s blessings and ancestral guide.
William Ofori Akwaboa. Abotakyi Akuapem, Eastern Region
0268119140
