Kumasi, Ghana – The Asanteman community came alive yesterday as Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), joined H.E. John Dramani Mahama, traditional leaders, and other dignitaries at the Manhyia Palace to celebrate the Akwasidae Kɛse festival.
The grand occasion, presided over by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, brought together Asante paramount chiefs and sub-chiefs from across the kingdom to celebrate culture, tradition, and unity.
The event showcased rich Asante heritage through traditional rites, royal pageantry, and vibrant displays of unity among the people.
Sharing moments from the celebration, Dr. Okrah captioned his post: “A royal is everywhere.”
The Akwasidae Kɛse festival remains one of the most significant traditional events on the Asante calendar, reinforcing cultural identity and the enduring authority of the Golden Stool.
Brief About the Akwasidae
Akwasidae is a sacred traditional festival celebrated by the Asante people every six weeks on a Sunday known as Akwasida. The festival is deeply rooted in the Asante calendar and serves as a period for spiritual reflection, ancestral remembrance, and renewal of allegiance to the Golden Stool.
During Akwasidae, the Asantehene enters the state to receive homage from chiefs, queen mothers, elders, and subjects. Libation is poured to honor departed ancestors, and traditional rituals are performed to seek protection, peace, and prosperity for the Asante Kingdom.
The celebration also provides an opportunity for the Asantehene to address matters of governance, unity, and development. Through these gatherings, disputes are resolved, loyalty is reaffirmed, and the bond between the monarchy and the people is strengthened.
Akwasidae is marked by elaborate royal regalia, traditional drumming, horn blowing, and the performance of age-old rites that highlight the richness of Asante culture. The presence of chiefs in full traditional attire reflects the hierarchy, authority, and dignity of the Asante chieftaincy institution.
Beyond its ceremonial importance, Akwasidae serves as a platform for social interaction and cultural education, particularly for the younger generation. It reinforces Asante values, preserves history, and promotes cultural continuity in an era of rapid modernization.
