In this article we be discussing the History behind The Akwambo Festival of Ghana and everything you need to know.
The Akwambo Festival
The Akwambo festival of Ghana is usually celebrated by the chiefs and peoples of Agona Nyakrom and Agona Swedru in the Central region of Ghana. The festival is celebrated every August. The Akwambo means “path-clearing”.
The Akwambo festival usually takes on whole week of celebration to commemorate the journey and arrival of the founding settlers of the four towns of Gyinankoma, Ekrawfo, Atakwaa, and Otabenadze.
Akwambo was first observed by the migrant ancestors of these people, whose major role when they arrived in a new place was clearing paths to the rivers, farms, and other communal places, consequently, a day was set aside for this purpose and all those that used these paths were to gather and embark on the exercise.
The following day, the whole community assembles at the ancestral shrines and libation is poured by the chief to the ancestral spirits to thank them for their protection during the previous year and then request for more blessings, abundant rainfall, and a good harvest for the ensuing year.
At the stream or riverside where some of the sacrifices are offered, alligators and other species of fish come out to enjoy the mashed yams sprinkled on the water.
With their bodies smeared with clay, the people then parade with twigs and tree branches through the town in groups amidst drumming, dancing, and firing of musketry.
During this time, the inhabitants create a song to tease or mock those that Steal within the year. But they will not mention the person’s name.
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Video Credit: Tour Ghana
Durbar
A durbar is usually held near the end of the Akwambo festival. Community leaders and chiefs are carried on coveredlitters in a procession of drummers, dancers, singers, musicians, and soldiers. A public reception follows, during whichspeeches are made by politicians and other dignitaries. Also at this time community members may bring forward anyconcerns or problems needing the leaders’ attention.
There is a vigil kept at night and patronized mainly by the youth. It is a time when people come together to renew family and social ties. Performing groups, which are dormant are revitalized and new groups initiated.
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