The head of the Akonedi Shrine at Larteh, Osofo Adjei Mantey, has performed rites leading to the lifting of a two week ban on noise making in the township and ushering in of the Krontihenes Ohum festival.
The Krontihenes Ohum festival which is also referred to as “iba” among the people of Larteh started on Monday, November 4, 2013. It would be climaxed with a durbar of chiefs and people on Saturday, November 9, 2013, under the theme: “Uplifting the Cultural Identity and Socio-economic development of the community”.
Nana Akoi Odianim V said the theme for the festival is very relevant because it would help the young ones grow up appreciating their cultural values which according to him would make them unique as well as give them their identity.
He added that children should not be aliens to their rich cultural values and sent a message to schools to engage in various cultural competitions to enable them to qualify for very attractive prizes such as television sets, computers and cash prizes.
The Krontihene further mentioned that the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in Larteh would organize health screening and public education on lifestyles that ensure good health.
He also explained that Larteh as an Akuapem community has a tradition of celebrating Odwira and Ohum festivals at different dates in the year.
The Krontihene explained that Odwira is a victory festival whose origin dates back to the battle of Akatamanso while Ohum festival seeks to unite the people.
Nana Akoi Odianim continued that during the seven day period for the celebrations, the chiefs, heads of families and elders would settle old scores among the people and would also engage in the performance of a number of traditional activities in their bid to appeasing the gods and asking for their blessings in the coming year.
Source: GhanaWeb
