Akwasidae: The rich cultural pageantry of the Ashanti Kingdom

 The rhythmic sounds of the fontomfrom drums echoed through the skies, announc­ing the arrival of the highly an­ticipated Akwasidae celebration. Held every six weeks, this cultural extravaganza is not just a festival; it is a regal display of the Ashanti Kingdom’s heritage, an embodi­ment of unity, and a moment to honour its proud lineage.

This year’s Akwasidae, held at the iconic Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, was a spectacle of gran­deur. The sprawling courtyard was adorned with the colourful kente cloths of attendees, their intricate patterns shimmering in the sun­light. Chiefs and queen mothers arrived with their entourage with each chief’s regalia a dazzling re­flection of power and tradition.

Appellations by court criers her­alds the arrival of the Asantehene through formal announcements, ensuring the crowd remains atten­tive and also declarations, royal messages, blessings, and reminders about the cultural significance of the festival, reinforcing its impor­tance to the Ashanti heritage.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the custodian of Ashanti culture, would finally sit majes­tically on the Golden Stool. He is draped in a vibrant kente cloth and crowned with gold ornaments, symbolised the continuity of a kingdom that has stood tall for centuries.

As he received homage from subjects, chiefs, and dignitaries, the crowd erupted in cheers, a testament to the deep reverence for their monarch.

The celebration was a mix of solemnity and jubilation. The Akom priests led prayers and libations, invoking the spirits of ancestors and asking for guidance and bless­ings. The rituals were punctuated by the enthralling performances of traditional drummers, dancers, and singers who narrated the kingdom’s history through music and move­ment.

Visitors from across the world flocked to Kumasi to witness this extraordinary event. “The ener­gy here is electric,” remarked a tourist from Germany. “It’s not just a festival; it’s a living history lesson.”

Akwasidae is more than just a cultural celebration; it is also an occasion for reconciliation and uni­ty. Families, separated by distance or disputes, use this sacred day to mend bonds and strengthen ties. Communities gather to deliberate on development issues, ensuring progress while remaining anchored in their heritage.

The festival is also a boon for tourism and commerce, where lo­cal artisans displayed their crafts­manship, beads, carvings, pottery, and textiles—while food vendors offered traditional delicacies like fufu with light soup, apapransa and a special traditional khebab.

As the sun set over Manhyia, the festivities showed no signs of waning. The drummers’ beats grew livelier, the dances more animat­ed, and the crowd more jubilant. It was an emotional reminder that Akwasidae is not just a date on a calendar but a celebration of iden­tity, resilience, and the unbreak­able spirit of the Ashanti people.

Indeed, Akwasidae remains a shining example of Ghana’s cultural wealth and a proud beacon of Af­rican heritage. Whether you’re an Ashanti royal, a curious traveller, or simply an admirer of tradition, this festival offers an unforgettable experience that lingers in the heart long after the last drumbeat fades.