Story By: Samali Abdul Razak – Oti Regional Correspondent
THE PEOPLE of Worawora in the Biakoye District of the Oti Region have celebrated the 2026 Akwantutenten Festival to honour their ancestors and commemorate their historic migration from the Ashanti Region to their present settlement.
Held at Ofie Peposo, the ancestral home of the people, the celebration marked another important milestone in the festival’s 25-year history in the district.
The event brought together traditional leaders, residents, visiting dignitaries and delegations from the Asante Kingdom to celebrate the history, culture and sacrifices of the ancestors who founded the Worawora community.
Commemorating the Great Migration
Known locally as “The Great Migration”, the history of the Worawora people dates back to around 1732.
According to the community’s history, their ancestors migrated from Kuntanase in the Ashanti Region, travelling through Atibie, Akwamufie and Nkonya before eventually settling at their present location in Worawora.
This year’s festival featured colourful traditional performances, cultural displays and storytelling sessions that highlighted the struggles, resilience and determination of the ancestors during their long journey.
The activities also provided an opportunity for the younger generation to learn about their roots and appreciate the sacrifices made by their forebears.
Speaking in an interview with Nationaltymes.com, the Nana Kyidomhene of Worawora, Nana Amoako Agyeman, emphasised the spiritual and cultural importance of the festival.
He explained that the Akwantutenten Festival was established to commemorate the historic migration of the ancestors from the Ashanti Region to their present settlement.
According to him, the festival provides an important opportunity for the younger generation to learn about the history and traditions of the people and appreciate the sacrifices that have shaped the development of Worawora.
Paramount Chief Calls for Unity and Development:
The Paramount Chief of the Worawora Traditional Area, Daasebre Sarfo Baah III, said the festival was also aimed at promoting unity among the people and attracting development to the area.
He disclosed that he was committed to supporting young people who wished to pursue higher education, stressing the importance of education in building a better future for the community.
The Paramount Chief also urged the youth to stay away from drug abuse and teenage pregnancy, encouraging them to make responsible choices and focus on their future.
Chief Calls for Investment in Tourism
Beyond its cultural significance, the festival also provided an opportunity to discuss the economic development of Worawora, particularly through tourism.
Daasebre Sarfo Baah III appealed to investors and relevant stakeholders to invest in the community’s tourist attractions to help unlock the area’s economic potential.
He noted that developing the tourism sector would create employment and other economic opportunities for the youth while contributing to the overall development of the traditional area.
Historic Reunion Between Worawora and Kuntanase:
Residents and visitors from both Kuntanase and Worawora described this year’s celebration as historic, particularly because of the reunion between the two communities.
The gathering served as a reminder of their shared ancestry and the longstanding historical connection between the people of the Ashanti and Oti regions.
As the celebrations came to an end, the people of Worawora reaffirmed their commitment to preserving their history, culture and traditions through the Akwantutenten Festival.
They expressed hope that the story of the Great Migration would continue to inspire younger generations and strengthen the bond between Worawora and their ancestral home in Kuntanase.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
