The bond between the Oguaa Traditional Area and the Asanteman was further strengthened during the 60th Anniversary Celebration of the Fetu Afahye, where Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II served as the Guest of Honour.
The Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, described Otumfuo as a true friend and emphasized the potential of their friendship to spur development in their respective regions.
During the climax of the Fetu Festival, which also coincided with Osabarima’s 25th anniversary as Oguaamanhen, he called on both kingdoms to unite their efforts to address underdevelopment in areas beyond their territories.
He noted that friendship fosters growth and expressed hope that their collaboration could leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in his address, stressed the importance of Cape Coast as the origin of formal education in the Gold Coast (now Ghana).
He urged the city to reclaim its leadership in education and trade, both of which began in Cape Coast before spreading to other parts of the country.
To further his commitment to education, the Asantehene donated GH₵500,000 to establish the Oguaa Education Trust Fund, aimed at supporting underprivileged students in the region.
This unexpected donation left Osabarima Kwesi Atta II deeply touched, as he acknowledged the genuine friendship between the two leaders.
He vowed to ensure the fund’s proper use and provide periodic updates on its impact.
In a symbolic gesture, Osabarima presented a portrait to Otumfuo, commemorating the Asantehene’s visit.
Juabenhene Nana Otuo Siriboe, receiving the gift on Otumfuo’s behalf, remarked on the evolving nature of their friendship.
Chairperson of the Planning Committee of the celebration, Mrs Charlotte Osei expressed gratitude to the Asantehene and his eminent and large entourage for their presence.
For her part, the British High Commissioner, Harriet Thompson admired as “wonderful” the colours, vibrancy, music, dance, joy and pride the event exuded.
The celebration of the 60th Fetu Afahye, themed “Celebrating the City of Firsts: Our People, Our Future,” featured a colourful procession of the chiefs of the Oguaa Traditional Area and hundreds of their followers for the 60th edition of the Fetu Afahye has begun.
In an unalloyed display of tradition and culture, the colourfully costumed chiefs, carried in elaborately decorated palanquins, are being paraded through the principal streets of the ancient city amid cheers and praises from animated admirers.
It was characterised by drumming and deafening musketry by the seven Asafo Companies.
Along the way, the traditional authorities and their priests made stops at sacred places and perform rites and rituals to invoke their gods and ancestors.
The event was graced by several dignitaries Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice-Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof Jane Naana Opku Agyemang, Vice-Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Founder and Leader of the New Force, Nana Kwame Bediako, the President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, Odeefo Amoakwa Buadu VIII.
