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The Chief of Nsawam, Nana Kwamina Ansah I, has hosted Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, Okuapemhene, and Otoobour Djan Kwasi II, Akuapem Adontenhene, at the Nsawam Palace for discussions ahead of this year’s Odwira Festival.
The visit brought together traditional leaders, elders, and community members to reaffirm our shared commitment to preserving our rich cultural heritage, promoting unity, and supporting the development of our communities.
The visit forms part of engagements to strengthen unity within the Akuapem State as preparations for the annual festival get underway.
Call for Unity and Clarity on Chieftaincy Hierarchy
Speaking to the congregation, Nana Kwamina Ansah I expressed gratitude to the visiting chiefs and underscored the need for peace in Akuapem.
"On behalf of my father, Gyan Kwasi, who enstooled me, it will be good history for Akuapemman and Nsawam to host this year’s Odwira Festival," he said.
He appealed to Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III to help bring the entire family together.
"In all, we need peace, unity and love for Akuapem State. Oseadeeyo, we are ready to worship you," Nana Ansah I stated.
However, he raised concerns about chieftaincy hierarchy, calling for proper orientation to prevent disputes.
"Our main problem is hierarchy. Please, you and my father Otoobour Djan Kwasi must train us so everyone will know his position. When that happens, chieftaincy fights will end. As for me, I came because of love and truth. What I will see and what I know is what I will say. What I will say is thank you for the love you have shown to us. We will worship you always," he added.
Okuapemhene Urges Respect for Nsawam Stool
In his response, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III said he had longed to visit Nsawam following the installation of Nana Kwamina Ansah I
"I was hungry to visit Nsawam, especially after the installation of Nana Ansah. But because there was no chief, I could not. Now that I am speaking, there is a Chief," he said.
The Okuapemhene advised the people to accord Nana Ansah I the respect due his office.
"Everybody should know that the Nsawam Chief is the elder of this community. Those who were in the community before he came does not mean you know more than him. No. He is sitting on your ancestors’ biggest chair as king. He needs respect," Oseadeeyo Akuffo III emphasized.
He referenced the 1992 Constitution and the Chieftaincy Act, noting that government had previously helped resolve hierarchy issues in the area.
"In every community there is a leader," he said, and directed that any person who disturbs the Nsawam Chief in the discharge of his duties should be reported to him.
The Okuapemhene also stressed the importance of education for chiefs in modern governance and traditional administration.
"Adontemman is Shining, Okuapemman is Rising."
Palace officials say the discussions are expected to guide preparations for the Odwira Festival, which remains a key cultural event for promoting unity, heritage and development in the Akuapem State.
Akuapem Adontenhene Addresses Land Dispute
Otoobour Djan Kwasi II, Akuapem Adontenhene, also addressed the gathering and made a pronouncement on a lingering land issue.
He made it clear that the portion of land in front of the Nsawam prison causing misunderstanding between Nsawam and Dobro belongs to Nsawam.
The declaration is expected to help ease tensions and promote peaceful coexistence between the two communities.
