Fetu Afahye diaries: Hundreds join chiefs for Bakatue

Hundreds of excited patrons trooped to the banks of the Fosu lagoon late Tuesday to join traditional authorities of Oguaa for the Bakatue, the performance of rituals to officially lift the ban on fishing in the Fosu lagoon.

This significant cultural act now permits fishers to resume their activities in the lagoon, following a prohibition that took effect on Tuesday, August 6, as part of the preparatory rituals for the Oguaa Fetu Afahye.

In an atmosphere charged with cultural reverence and anticipation, hundreds of residents and visitors gathered along the banks of the lagoon to witness the spiritually potent ceremony. 

The event was climaxed as Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, Paramount Chief of Oguaa cast a fishing net three times into the lagoon to officially declare the ban lifted.

Libation was poured and prayers offered to the gods, seeking their blessings for Oguaaman for a prosperous and successful year ahead.

Other fishermen then followed suit to fish hoping for a good year.

The lifting of the ban was further celebrated with the usual vibrant and colourful regatta, a traditional boat race, involving the ‘Asafo’ companies—militia groups integral to the cultural and historical fabric of the area.

Cape Coast is home to some 77 deities, each according to traditional belief playing a crucial role in the protection and prosperity of the town's indigenes, as emphasized by the traditional leaders. 

These deities are revered as the guardians of the land, believed to influence various aspects of life, ensuring the well-being and continuity of the Oguaa people.

This year's Afahye

The city of Cape Coast will be bustling with people and activities and it celebrates arguably its biggest Fetu festival since the festival's inception 60 years ago.

It will be the 25th anniversary of Osabarimba as paramount chief and be will graced by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

Already on Monday a homecoming carnival was held as part of the Fetu afahye activities.

A trade and investment fair also opened at the Adisadel School Park on Monday and would run till Sunday, September 8.

Wednesday  September 4, is declared youth and kids day. There would be a health screening and visit to sights and sounds in Cape Coast (Tourism day).

On Thursday would be the Royal Dinner and the launch of the Osabarimba Fund.

On Friday, there is the Orange Friday and the Oman purification rites.

The festival would be climaxed on Saturday September 7, with the grand durbar and Sunday a thanksgiving service and football competition.

Meanwhile, all through the week there is a Expo dubbed Afahye in the Park near Lush on the Coast at Bakado.

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