Sustaining the ‘Koforidua Accord’ for Okuapeman’s unity

One effect of this instability for the paramountcy was that it led to the situation where some paramount chiefs were either destooled or had to abdicate.

For instance, Nana Addo Dankwa I was destooled in 1835 whereas Nana Adum Tokori who succeeded him was exiled to Denmark in 1845. Nana Kwasi Akuffo was also destooled in 1907 but was reinstated in 1920 in place of Nana Ofori Kuma, who was installed in his place but abdicated in 1918. Later in 1942, Nana Ofori Kuma was reinstated. Interestingly, Nana Kwame Fori was destooled in 1949 but was reinstalled in 1959 in place of his immediate successor, Nana Twumhene who was also destooled.

Fragile as it was, the Akuapem state managed to contain these disputes and threats to its cohesion throughout its history. It should be well noted that much as there have been several disputations in Akuapem, it seems to this writer that the 1994 secession was a major one. Available records from history show clearly that it was the first time that three major divisions announced their secession from the mainstream Akuapem paramountcy. It was also the longest time ever that feuding parties kept their separate ways. This writer is of the opinion that if something is not done consciously to keep the Koforidua Peace Pact intact, the next time there is a break, nothing may bring the parties back.

It is the vision of this writer to look at all the disputes of the past, especially the 1994 dispute and see the common threads in all of them together with representatives of all the divisional chiefs and see how best strategies could be mapped out to avert another one. Again, what could be the unifying factor(s) for Akuapem for a very long time to come?

The imperatives

There are five main factors that make it imperative for Akuapem to be peaceful. First is its proximity to Accra, the capital city of Ghana. The second is its salubrious weather, which is very conducive and healthy for human habitation, especially for tourists. Third is its tourist attractions. Two other important reasons that should compel the people to keep united have to do with its rich cultural heritage, as well as the various areas of business potentials that can be explored for investment purposes. 

The reasons are not far-fetched. When one drives out of Accra either through the north, east or west; the closest community is Akuapem. It stretches from Peduase to Adweso. Peduase is just about five kilometres from Ayi Mensah, the last town of the people of Accra towards Akuapem. Due to its proximity to Accra, there are some workers who prefer to live in Akuapem and commute to work in Accra on daily basis. If there is peace, more and more people would love to live on the Akuapem hills.

In terms of  tourism, Akuapem can boast of natural, as well as what could be described as ‘religious’ tourism as a result of the pioneering roles of both the Basel and Scottish missions in Akuapem in the 19th century. The beautiful scenery of Akuapem serves as potential for tourism. There are several natural sites such as springs and waterfalls, stone relics like caves and other natural land forms. These tourism potentials are avenues for investment and can consequently lead to development in the hospitality industry.

The early missionaries of the Basel and Scottish missions established churches, schools, colleges and cocoa plantations. These schools and colleges, which were opened close to two centuries, now serve as tourist attractions. They also bequeathed to the local churches and towns, architectural buildings. Some of the women and men who came as missionaries from Europe in the 19th century died and were buried in Akuapem (notably, Akropong and Aburi). Their tombtones are tourist points. 

Other religious tourist points, whether we like it or not, are the historic shrines found in Awukugua, Larteh, and Obosomase. The shrine of the legendary Okomfo Anokye to date is located at Awukugua, his birthplace. At Larteh, there is the famous Akonedi shrine, which is revered by traditional believers from far and near.  The Kyenku shrine, believed to be the place of covenant for the original inhabitants on the hills and those who came to join them in the early 18th century is located at Obosomase.

Akuapem festivals

Furthermore, the historical, cultural and religious dimensions of the area are more or less interwoven and they blend beautifully. These can be seen in the traditional festivals of the chiefs and people of the area. There are two distinct annual traditional festivals celebrated in Akuapem- namely, Odwira and Ohum. The entire state celebrates Odwira in September or October annually during which all the divisional chiefs and sub chiefs gather at Mpeniase, opposite the Palace for the grand durbar with the king (the Omanhene). Thereafter, the other towns celebrate either Odwira or Ohum as their peculiar history, tradition or culture demands. During these occasions the historical, cultural and religious life of the place are displayed. These occasions attract several patrons and guests to the area and can be used as avenues for promoting investment and development. 

Unfortunately, for the 20 years when chiefs from the three divisions were not participating in the activities of the state, the Odwira festival cannot be said to have attracted the same splendour as before. With the reunification, this year’s festivals had the full representation of the entire state and thus displayed the full cultural heritage of the area. It was a scene to behold in all the divisions and more importantly, at the paramountcy.

If the Akan adage, “Dua eben na etwiw” is true, then naturally, disputations are part of human life. As humans we are bound to disagree but those things should not cause disaffections among us. “Tekrema ne se po ko”, to wit, the tongue and the teeth also fight. It is important to remind us all with this important advice of St. Paul in Rom. 12: 17-18. He stated, “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honourable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

Let us all make our minds that there is no difference between a Guan, an Okerean, and an Akan. We are all one. Let us uphold the unity we are enjoying for we are all one people with a common destiny.

Long live Okuapemman!!!

Long live Ghana!!!

The writer is the Chairperson of the Akuapem Presbytery