The Okuapeman Odwira festival and implications for sustainable development Samuel Manaseh Yirenkyi School of Creative Arts Department of Music Education 1

Background to the Study This study stems from the fact that traditional performance arts are a source material for, stage directors, playwrights, theatre for development (tfd) experts, film makers and producers among others. Cultural variables continually being interpreted and reshaped in response to coping conditions resulting from social and economic changes. Festivals and rituals in Ghanaian societies The Akuapem Odwira and sustainable development 3

Statement of the Problem A festival may be an event staged by a community to celebrate some uniqueness of the community. Because of this uniqueness various studies have been done on festivals. (Opoku,1970) (Kemevor,1992) (Asihene,1980) (Bame,1991) (Davey,2013) Not much have been done on sustainable developmental potentials the Odwira festival possess. 4

Objectives To identify the historical contexts in which the Akuapem Odwira festival was created. To explore varied ritual activities embedded in the Akuapem Odwira festival. To examine the significance of the Akuapem Odwira festival in the present age. To discuss the developmental implications of Odwira festival. 5

Research Questions What are the historical contexts in which the Akuapem Odwira festival was created? What are the varied ritual activities embedded in the Akuapem Odwira festival that enhance development? What is the significance of the Akuapem Odwira festival in the present age? What are the developmental implications of the Akuapem Odwira festival? 6

Scope of the study The study centred on the Odwira festival by Okuapeman and the implications for sustainable development. 8

Theoretical framework The study is hinged on two frameworks: Indigenous cultural arts are the bonafide property of the cultural heritage of the people (Blocker,1988). Development takes into account many other aspects of life operating in synergy with the economic, political and cultural life which includes environmental, health issues, education, access to information, appropriate technology and science that are relevant to the development aspirations of the people (Awedoba,2007). 9

Literature Review Concept of festivals. (Duku & Kemevor,2014), (Goldblatt,1997),(Getz,2005). Festivals and Communal spirit (Oteng-Yeboa,2005),(Derret,2003). 10

Sustainable development (Snowbal,2008) (Ansu-Kyeremeh,1997) Chieftaincy. (Brobbey,2008) (Addo Dankwa,2004) (Macroe,2001) 11

Methodology Qualitative approach Research Design (Case Study) Population Purposive Sampling (38 participants) Participants Number Chiefs 11 Queen mothers 3 Linguists 4 Rev Minister 1 Teachers 2 Family Heads Youth Leaders 5 Royals 8 Total 38 12

Data collection Instruments Interviews (semi structured and unstructured) Observation Participant observation 13

Findings Research question 1 The Akuapems who were originally celebrating Ohum first celebrated Odwira in the context of war after the Akatamanso war in 1826. 14

Findings Research question 1 Captured regalia(obooman,dadegya,odosu) in possession of Akuapems makes it possible for the celebration of Odwira.   Fig. 1. The Okuapehene okra wearing the oboaman. (Source: S.M. Yirenkyi,2014) 12/13/2016 15

Findings Research question 2 Performance of ritual activities (sesadompe,stool cleansing,ancestral feeding) Fig. 2. Cleansing the white stools. (Source: S.M. Yirenkyi, 2014) Fig. 3. Water for purification (Source: S.M. Yirenkyi,2014) 16

Findings Research question 2 Honour and seek reconciliation with ancestral spirits and lesser gods. Fig. 4. A sacrificial sheep. (Source: S.M. Yirenkyi,2014) Fig. 5.Food (Oto) for the gods and ancestral spirits. (Source: S. M. Yirenkyi,2014) 17

Research question 3 A period for personal growth, skill enhancement and leadership development Fig.6. Youth groups competition. (Source:S.M. Yirenkyi,2014) 18

Findings Research question 3 Family socialisation, volunteerism and group solidarity Fig. 7. Family members. (Source:S. M. Yirenkyi,2014) Fig. 8. Meeting of family members. (Source S. M.Yirenkyi,2014) 19

Findings Research question 4. Renewal of the covenant Fig. 9. Ritual items. (Source:S. M. Yirenkyi,2014) Fig. 10. Possessed maidens.(Source:S.M.Yirenkyi,2014) 20

Findings Research 4 Facilitates the development of the performing, visual arts and tourism. Fig. 11. Dancers leading a procession. (Source: S. M. Yirenkyi,2014) Fig. 12. A cross section of the public. (Source: S.M. Yirenkyi,2014) 21

Conclusions The study concludes that: History through the arts play an important role in the life of Okuapeman. Significant in the preservation of the history, culture and the political might of Okuapeman. 22

Conclusions Ensures the stability of the state. Sustainable development depends on the growth of human culture. Culture is dynamic so are festivals. 23

Recommendations The study recommends that: The festival is of such importance that oral historical narratives should be documented. The youth should be allowed to have access to sacred sites and take part in all ritual activities. 24

Recommendations Emphasis should be placed on the value of culture base to our development thinking by policy makers. Traditional leaders should open discussions with scholars, tourists, christian organisations, researchers, theatre artistes on healthy suggestions to facilitate the sustainance and the development of the Odwira festival. 25

Thank You 26