Cape Coast, Ghana is gearing up for the annual Oguaa Fetu Afahye festival, which was recently launched by the Oguaa Traditional Council. This year’s event, set to take place on the first Saturday of September, will be celebrated under the theme “Celebrating our Educational Institutions for the Enhancement of Ghana.”
During the festival launch, cultural performances were given by seven Asafo companies and other cultural troupes. Speaking at the event, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, Omanhen of Oguaa Traditional Area, called on parents and guardians to invest in the education of their children, as quality education is not solely dependent on the output of teachers, but also on the support of parents to enhance teaching and learning.
He lamented the poor performance of many pupils in Junior High Schools in the area, which often leads to them not gaining admission to first-class academic institutions. Osabarima Kwesi Atta also called on corporate bodies and philanthropists to support the festival, reminding the community to obey the customs and practices and keep their surroundings clean.
Mr. Perry Mensah, the Chairman of the Afahye Planning Committee, emphasized the importance of the festival as a conduit for reviving and redeveloping Cape Coast, a once socio-economically vibrant and culturally rich metropolis.
This year’s festival will include a vigil at Bakado Beach, which will also host a regatta for the Asafo companies, a youth colloquium, and a children and gender activism day. However, residents are reminded to obey the ban on drumming and noisemaking, particularly religious organizations, to ensure peace during the festival.
All in all, the Oguaa Fetu Afahye festival is an important celebration for the people of Cape Coast, as it promotes their rich cultural heritage and traditions. It also serves as an opportunity to showcase the educational institutions in the area, which are integral to the development of Ghana.