Nearly every town in Ghana has a kind of festival which it celebrates annually. “Odwira” is the biggest annual festival for the people of Akuapem and Akwamu.
Originally, towns in Akuapem which celebrated this great event were only Akropong, Amanokrom and Aburi. In fact, only the Akans in the area celebrated it. In recent times, however, many things have changed and most Guans, who had “Ohum” as their main festival, now celebrate “Odwira” in their own special way.
Akropong “Odwira” is celebrated exactly 40 days after the last ‘Awukudae’ in the Akan calendar-and nine ‘Awukudaes’ make one full calendar year.
The festivities cover a whole fortnight during which many age-long traditions and customs, which had been handed down by forefathers, are observed.
“Odwira” is an Akan word which literally means purification. It is therefore assumed that the name “Odwira” was adopted principally because it is during this festival that the Omanhene and all occupiers of stools in the area “purify” their stools, ‘’feed’’ their ancestors, thank them for all the “blessings” bestowed on the people during the outgoing year and “pray” to the gods and ancestors for good health, long life and prosperity in the ensuing year.
In short, it is during this festival that fore fathers who, through wars, laid down their lives to save Akuapem are remembered. It is also unique occasion for family and friendly re-unions and the patching up of long-standing rifts, feuds, and petty quarrels.
It is a festival which joins together the people and afford them the opportunity for mirth and jollity. Although, there are few occasions during ‘’Odwira” for mourning and deep remembrance of the departed, the festivities are full of gaiety and grace. The pomp and pageantry which normally characterize the events single out Akuapems as a people who are proud owners of a fountain of rich culture and enviable traditions.