The Member of Parliament for Kumawu, Ernest Yaw Anim, has called on traditional authorities, government institutions, security agencies and development partners to lend their full support to the revival of the Papa Nantwie Festival, which returns this month after nearly two decades of suspension.
Addressing journalists ahead of the official relaunch in Kumawu on March 3, 2026, the MP stressed that the festival goes beyond a customary ritual on the traditional calendar.
“The Papa Nantwie Festival is a spiritual and cultural expression of the past, present and shared future of the Kumawu community,” he said.
He described the celebration as a time for reflection and remembrance, when the people honour the courage, sacrifice and unity of their forebears who defended the land and shaped the values of excellence, integrity and social responsibility that define Kumawu today.
According to him, the festival serves as a unifying force for indigenes both at home and abroad, fostering peace, solidarity and a renewed sense of belonging.
He added that it also provides an important platform for cultural education, particularly for the younger generation.
“Papa Nantwie Festival is as much about preserving our identity as it is about promoting development and social cohesion,” he noted.
The MP paid tribute to Nana Tweneboa Kodua I, the historic figure at the heart of the festival, whose self-sacrifice played a pivotal role in Asante’s victory over Denkyira overlordship. He said the celebration honours the enduring legacy of patriotism, bravery and selfless leadership associated with the revered chief.
He outlined key activities for the month-long event, including customary rites and propitiatory ceremonies at the stool house, where prayers will be offered to the ancestral blackened stools to seek guidance and blessings for the community.
Other highlights include a symbolic public bravery contest, as well as community-led initiatives such as environmental clean-up exercises and tree-planting projects.
Explaining the nearly 19-year hiatus, the MP said the festival was suspended following the death of the late paramount chief, Barima Asumadu Sakyi, who passed away on July 11, 2007, at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital after a short illness. In keeping with Kumawu tradition, the celebration was put on hold as a mark of respect.
He described the late chief’s 34-year reign, from 1973 to 2007, as a period marked by stability and strong cultural continuity.
The festival will officially run from March 3 to March 15, under the theme: “Bravery, Unity, Identity: The Enduring Spirit of Our Ancestors.”
“This marks the renaissance of an important cultural tradition after almost 20 years of silence,” the MP said.
“While we honour our traditions and mourn our leaders with dignity, this revival affirms that our culture remains vibrant and resilient.”
Beyond its cultural significance, he noted that the festival presents substantial opportunities for tourism promotion, investment partnerships, networking and local economic growth, positioning Kumawu prominently on the national stage.
The MP therefore urged all stakeholders to collaborate to ensure the 2026 edition is a resounding success.
He also encouraged the people of Kumawu, especially the youth, to embrace and uphold the enduring values of bravery, peace and dignity passed down by their ancestors.