Oguaa Fetu Afahye 2025 Officially Launched in Cape Coast

Cape Coast has officially launched the 61st edition of the Oguaa Fetu Afahye, marking the beginning of preparations for this year’s festival. The launch event, held on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the Ato Austin Memorial Gardens, brought together traditional leaders, industry players, and stakeholders to usher in the annual celebration, which will climax with a grand durbar from August 31 to September 6, 2025.

The launch ceremony was chaired by Mrs. Charlotte Osei, Esq., with Professor Kobby Mensah, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited, as the guest speaker. The theme for this year’s festival, “Innovate to Elevate: Harnessing the Creative Economy for Sustainable Growth,” was unveiled, emphasizing the role of arts, music, and design in economic development within the Oguaa Traditional Area.

In her address, Mrs. Osei highlighted the importance of innovation in elevating Cape Coast’s creative industries, calling for investment in local talent to achieve global recognition. She stressed that the creative economy could serve as a catalyst for sustainable growth, urging stakeholders to collaborate in scaling up businesses and positioning Cape Coast as a major cultural and economic hub.

The launch featured vibrant cultural performances, including traditional drumming, dancing, and a procession from Zion Park to the Ato Austin Memorial Gardens, showcasing the rich heritage of the Oguaa people.

As part of the ceremony, Oguaa Omanhen, Osabarimba Dr. Kwesi Atta II, and Obaahemaa Ekua Abookye VI honored individuals and institutions for their contributions to the success of the 60th Oguaa Fetu Afahye. The honorees included:

              •            Mr. Kweku Etufaln (CEO of EN.AR Limited)

              •            Dr. James Condua Orleans-Lindsay (CEO of JL Properties)

              •            Mrs. Charlotte Osei

              •            Other notable personalities and institutions

Last year’s festival saw the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as the special guest, a momentous occasion that strengthened cultural ties and unity between the Asante and Fante people. As anticipation builds for this year’s celebration, many are eager to know who the distinguished guest for the 61st Oguaa Fetu Afahye will be.

With the festival approaching, the Oguaa Traditional Council and the Afahye Planning Committee have called on creatives, business leaders, and the general public to actively participate in building strong networks, promoting local enterprises, and transforming the creative sector into a powerful economic force for Cape Coast.

The 2025 Oguaa Fetu Afahye is expected to attract both local and international visitors, featuring a series of cultural, entertainment, and business events that celebrate unity, tradition, and the resilience of the Oguaa community.

Who do you anticipate as the special guest this year? Share your thoughts as Cape Coast prepares for another historic celebration!