Story By Samali Abdul Razak – Oti Regional Correspondent
WORAWORA, in the Biakoye District of the Oti Region, has come alive with culture and tradition as the people celebrated the 2026 Akwantutenten Festival to honour their ancestors’ historic migration from the Ashanti Region.
The celebration, held at Ofie Peposo, the ancestral home of the people, brought together traditional rulers, residents, dignitaries and delegations from the Asante Kingdom to remember the journey and sacrifices of their forefathers.
The festival also marked 25 years of celebrating the historic event in the district.
Remembering the Great Migration:
The history of the Worawora people, popularly known as “The Great Migration”, dates back to around 1732.
Historical accounts indicate that their ancestors migrated from Kuntanase in the Ashanti Region and travelled through Atibie, Akwamufie and Nkonya before finally settling at their present location in Worawora.
This year’s festival featured colourful traditional performances, cultural displays and storytelling sessions that highlighted the struggles, courage and determination of the ancestors during their long journey.
The activities also provided an opportunity for the younger generation to learn about their history, reconnect with their roots and appreciate the sacrifices made by their forefathers.
Speaking in an interview with Nationaltymes.com, the Worawora Kyidomhene, Nana Amoako Agyeman, explained that the Akwantutenten Festival was organised to commemorate the historic migration of the ancestors from the Ashanti Region to their present settlement.
He said the festival was important because it helped preserve the history and traditions of the people while educating the younger generation about their roots and the sacrifices that shaped the community.
Paramount Chief Calls for Unity and Development:
The Paramount Chief of the Worawora Traditional Area, Daasebre Sarfro Baah III, said one of the main reasons for celebrating the festival was to promote unity among the people and attract development to the area.
He assured young people who wished to pursue higher education of his full support, stressing the importance of education in building a better future for the community.
The chief also urged the youth to stay away from drug abuse and teenage pregnancy, warning that such practices could destroy their future and hinder the development of the area.
Chief Calls for Investment in Tourism
Beyond the cultural celebration, Daasebre Sarfro Baah III called on investors and other stakeholders to invest in the tourism potential of Worawora.
He noted that developing the area’s tourist attractions would create jobs and provide business opportunities for the youth.
According to him, investment in tourism would not only boost the local economy but also help preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the people.
Historic Reunion Between Worawora and Kuntanase:
This year’s celebration was particularly significant, as residents and traditional leaders from both Kuntanase and Worawora came together to renew their historical ties.
The reunion was a reminder of the shared ancestry and strong cultural relationship between the two communities in the Ashanti and Oti Regions.
As the celebration came to an end, the people of Worawora reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the Akwantutenten Festival and passing on the story of their ancestors’ historic migration to future generations.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
