A comparative study of Odwira and Ohum festivals among the Akwapim

Abstract

Ghana is endowed with rich traditions and cultures. Some of these traditions and cultures are normally showcased during festivals. Each year festivals are held in various parts of the country to celebrate the heritage of the people. A festival is considered as one of the vital elements in the advancement of culture. Hence, in order for a community to facilitate its cultural growth agenda, it must pay much attention to the activities undertaken during festivals. The Odwira and Ohum festivals, which are celebrated by the people of Akuapem, possess educational, social and religious benefits and more importantly serve the function of transmitting traditional knowledge within the ethnic group. Most people, especially the youth who participate and observe the festivals, have little or no idea about the similarities and differences between these two festivals as far as the activities, arts and cultural values attached to these festivals are concerned. This project aims at a comparative study of Odwira and Ohum festivals which are celebrated by the people of Akuapem in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The study sought to give an account of the celebration of Odwira and Ohum festivals as well as the artistic aspects of the two festivals and the effects they have on the people of Akuapem. The research also sought to establish the similarities and variations in these two festivals (Odwira and Ohum) and recommend the educational aspects contained in them for preservation. The research adopted the qualitative research design in gathering data for the study by using purposive sampling method in selecting the respondents of the study, whereas interviews and observations were the instrumentation used in collecting the data. The descriptive and analytical designs were employed in describing, analyzing and interpreting the data collected based on the objectives of the study. It recommended for the younger generation to visit the various palaces and residences of the chiefs and queen mothers to find out the philosophies and significances of the various rites and rituals that characterize the celebration of Odwira and Ohum festivals. It was recommended that the Akuapem Traditional Council should have a museum or gallery to keep the artworks used in these festivals and train personnel to educate people about the role such artefacts play in the festivals and the artistic elements in relation to their culture. These and other recommendations are meant to encourage the study of the artistic aspects of the two festivals (Odwira and Ohum) their effects on the people of Akuapem and the similarities and variations in these two festivals and the need for the educational aspects in them to be preserved.