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The Techiman Traditional Council has officially launched the 2026 Appor Festival, marking the return of the revered cultural celebration after a six-year suspension caused largely by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ceremony, held at the Techiman Omanhene’s Palace, brought together traditional authorities, political leaders, youth groups, and members of the general public, rekindling excitement ahead of the festival’s full celebration in 2026.
This year’s Appor Festival will be celebrated under the theme “Showcasing Our Heritage and Uniting for Our Ancestral Blessings,” reflecting the need for unity, cultural pride, and renewed commitment to Techiman’s ancestral values after years of disruption.
Speaking at the launch, the Chairman of the 2026 Appor Festival Planning Committee, who also serves as the Bamuhene and Hansuahene of the Techiman Traditional Area, Nana Apenteng Fosu Gyeabour II, described the Appor Festival as a unique platform for accountability and democratic expression.
According to him, the festival allows residents to speak truth to authority by openly criticizing leaders who have underperformed and praising those who have served diligently.
“We are here today purposely to launch the 2026 Appor Festival. This festival is of great importance to us, as it embodies our core traditional customs, culture, and beliefs.
“During the festival, everyone regardless of rank, including the Paramount Chief of Techiman can be constructively criticized. The beauty of this tradition is that those who are criticized or praised openly express appreciation for the honest opinions and feedback they receive.” He said.
He explained that the Appor Festival was suspended for some time due to several challenges, particularly the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that, by the grace of God and with the guidance of the Techiman Traditional Council, led by Oseadeayo Akumfi Ameyaw IV, the festival is set to return this year, bringing renewed hope for cultural revival and unity among the people.
“For some time, the festival was put on hold due to several reasons, particularly the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, by the grace of God and the guidance of the Techiman Traditional Council, led by Oseadeayo Akumfi Ameyaw IV, the festival will return this year.” He stated.
Nana Apenteng Fosu Gyeabour II used the occasion to invite all natives and visitors to actively participate in the festival, which is scheduled to take place from March 7 to March 31, 2026. He further urged the youth to take keen interest in the traditions of Techiman, stressing that the area is widely regarded as the cradle of Akan culture.
Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, Member of Parliament for Techiman South, described the Appor Festival as the true embodiment of democracy and a defining symbol of Techiman’s cultural identity, calling on residents especially the youth to fully participate in this year’s celebration.
The lawmaker said the traditional festival, which is making a return after several years of suspension, has been deeply missed by the people of Techiman.
He further disclosed that beyond its cultural significance, the Appor Festival represents freedom of expression and democratic values that have long been practiced by the people of Techiman.
“We have all deeply missed the Appor Festival. This festival is our identity, and I am very happy that we will celebrate it again this year.
“The truth is that the Appor Festival is the embodiment of democracy, and I am always proud to be a native of Techiman, the city that pioneered democracy through the Appor Festival in our country.”
Hon. Korsah appealed to all residents, both home and abroad, to actively support and participate in the festivities, stressing that the festival belongs to every citizen of Techiman and not only traditional authorities.
“I therefore appeal to all and sundry to come on board for this year’s festivities. The Appor Festival is for all the people of Techiman and not only for our revered chiefs, and I strongly encourage the youth to actively participate in this year’s celebration.”
He urged the people of Techiman to value and preserve their rich cultural heritage, pointing out that some communities with less elaborate traditions still uphold theirs with pride and commitment.
“There are communities in our country whose cultures and customs are not as rich as that of Techiman, yet they uphold their traditions in high esteem and celebrate them with total commitment. I therefore urge the people of Techiman to do the same by fully embracing this year’s Appor Festival.”
Touching on security and logistics, the Techiman South Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Kwaku Adjei Mensah, assured residents of adequate safety and infrastructure during the festival period.
He further disclosed that the maintenance of streetlights within the Techiman Municipality has been awarded to a contractor and will be completed before the start of the festival to guarantee adequate lighting.
“We will protect our traditions at all costs, and I can assure the people of Techiman that throughout the Appor Festival, security will be very tight across the municipality. I also want to put it on record that the maintenance of our streetlights has been awarded to a contractor, and the work will be completed before the commencement of the festival. This will ensure that there will be adequate lighting throughout the municipality during the Appor Festival.” He told the gathering
Hon. Korsah described the Appor Festival as one of the most unique traditional celebrations in Ghana, noting that it offers a rare platform for free expression and accountability.
He explained that the tradition allows for open and constructive criticism of both traditional rulers and political leaders, reinforcing its democratic character.
“The Appor Festival is very unique and stands tall among all festivals in the country because it provides a platform for residents and natives of Techiman to speak the truth to authority.
“During the Appor Festival, chiefs and political leaders are constructively criticized, which clearly shows that Appor is not just a traditional festival but a democratic one.” He disclosed.
The Techiman North District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Adom Johnson, also described the festival as a unique cultural and democratic platform, while commending the active participation of the youth.
“The Appor Festival is unique in this country. Before I was appointed as the Techiman North District Chief Executive, I served as the Techiman Municipal Director for Culture, and during that period, I consistently spoke about the Appor Festival at the National Festival of Arts and Culture.” Hon. Johnson said.
“The celebration of the festival was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is now resuming, which is very good news for us, the people of Techiman. There are communities without traditional festivals that have created their own and celebrate them with great enthusiasm, and we must do the same by fully celebrating this year’s Appor Festival.”
The DCE further praised the youth for their engagement at the launch, noting their role in sustaining the festival for generations to come.
“What I particularly appreciate about the launch of this year’s Appor Festival is the active participation of the youth. Before 2019, when the festival celebrations were suspended, youth participation was low, which was a major concern. However, judging from what I have witnessed today, the level of participation and enthusiasm among the youth convinces me that they will fully partake in this year’s celebrations.” He stated
Source: Ghanaweb.mobi
