Allegations circulating in certain media outlets that a youth group from Okuapeman has urged the Yagbonwura, King of the Gonja Kingdom, to reject an invitation to the 199th Akuapem Odwira Festival have been firmly dismissed as false and irresponsible.
In a strongly worded statement issued this week, traditional authorities from Okuapeman denounced the reports as “misleading” and “lacking in credibility,” raising serious concerns about the journalistic standards behind their publication.
The release reaffirmed the legitimacy of Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III as the rightful Okuapemhene, noting that his enstoolment has been upheld by both the courts and the Houses of Chiefs.
“Any suggestion to the contrary is baseless and a direct affront to the sanctity of our customs and traditions,” it emphasized.
Under Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III’s stewardship, organizers say the Akuapem Odwira Festival has grown into a major cultural showcase, drawing dignitaries from across Ghana and abroad while reinforcing unity and pride in Akuapem heritage.
Traditional leaders have called on media houses to exercise due diligence and verify information with official sources before publishing stories that could incite tension or misrepresent longstanding cultural institutions.
The statement reads:
“Our attention has been drawn to publications circulating in sections of the media, particularly Peace FM Online and the Ghana News Agency, purporting that a so-called youth group from Okuapeman has called on His Royal Majesty, the Yagbonwura, King of the Gonja Kingdom, to reject an invitation extended to him for the 199th Odwira Festival Celebration.
We wish to state emphatically that these reports are misleading, lack credibility, and raise serious concerns about the journalistic standards applied in their publication.
It is deeply regrettable that such media houses failed to perform the most basic checks with the appropriate authorities, namely:
1.The Okuapeman Traditional Council
2.The Eastern Regional House of Chiefs
3.The National House of Chiefs
These are the only bodies vested with authority in chieftaincy matters, and Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, Okuapehene, is a duly recognized and properly gazetted Paramount Chief and an active member of these institutions.
It is, therefore, irresponsible for any media outlet to entertain claims that seek to undermine his authority without verification from these established institutions.
The attempt to cast doubt on the legitimacy of Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III is not only mischievous but also a direct affront to the sanctity of Okuapeman’s cherished customs and traditions. The courts have spoken, and the relevant Houses of Chiefs have duly recognized him. Any contrary claims are baseless and calculated to sow division.
We further emphasize that under the leadership of Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, the Akuapem Odwira Festival has flourished, attracting both local and international dignitaries, uniting our people, and showcasing the rich heritage of Akuapem to the world.
This year’s 199th Odwira Festival promises to be even greater. More significantly, the year 2026 will mark the 200th Anniversary of the Odwira Festival — a historic milestone that will be celebrated in grand style under the distinguished leadership of Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III.
We call on the media to exercise responsibility by cross-checking facts with recognized authorities before granting space to faceless groups whose sole intent is to mislead the public. Okuapeman deserves accurate reporting, not sensationalism.
NKONKONSA.com
