The chiefs and elders of Obakrowa in the Ga South Municipality of the Greater Accra Region marked this year’s Ahobaa Festival over the weekend, honouring the historic sacrifice of Opanyin Ahor whose blood was shed to save their ancestors from a mysterious epidemic.

The celebration also witnessed the installation of eight sub-chiefs to fill vacant stools, as community leaders charged the new office holders to uphold integrity and transparency to attract investors.

The week-long festival was climaxed with rich displays of Ga culture, traditional drumming, durbar of chiefs, and homage to the community’s founding ancestors.

At the heart of the event was a solemn remembrance of Opanyin Ahor, whose selfless act generations ago is credited with ending a strange disease that threatened the survival of the Obakrowa people.

Speaking at the durbar, the chief of Obakrowa, Nii Kwaku Wia IV, emphasised that the Ahobaa Festival is more than a cultural spectacle; it is a reminder of sacrifice, unity, and the collective responsibility to safeguard the community’s heritage.

As part of the grand finale, eight sub-chiefs were enstooled to occupy long-vacant positions within the traditional council.

The new office holders include Oman Kyeame, Atofonye, Stool Secretary, Atofotse, Manye Okyeame, Mantse Okyeame, Senye, and Kantse.

Charging the newly installed chiefs, the Gyaasetse, Nii Archibald Kojo and Abusuapanyin Solomon Twumasi urged them to demonstrate probity, fairness, and commitment to service.

They noted that leadership anchored on integrity will build investor confidence and open doors for development projects in Obakrowa.

“Chieftaincy is about service, not status. If you lead with honesty and protect the interest of the people, investors will see Obakrowa as a safe and progressive community worth partnering with,” one elder stressed.

Community members, residents, and visitors thronged the festival grounds to witness the colourful procession, traditional dances, and libation pouring, reaffirming Obakrowa’s commitment to preserving Ga customs while embracing development.

The festival concluded with prayers for peace, unity, and prosperity for Obakrowa and the Ga South Municipality at large.