Info For Y'all Cape Coast (Oguaa) Fante People As Well As Their Unique Fetu Afakye (Festival)
Cape Coast, also known every bit Cabo Corso yesteryear the Portuguese in addition to Oguaa yesteryear its Fante natives is Ghana`s foremost upper-case missive of the alphabet town in addition to the Central Regional coastal urban center in addition to angling port, in addition to the upper-case missive of the alphabet of Cape Coast Metropolitan District.
Beautiful Cape Coast Fante kids inwards their traditional dress
Cape Coast which is situated on its southward to the Gulf of Republic of Guinea was originally a Guan settlement that has been swallowed yesteryear Fante people in addition to similar a shot reckon themselves every bit total blooded Fantes has from the 16th century changed hands betwixt the British, the Portuguese, the Swedish, the Danish in addition to the Dutch.
Oguaa traditional priests procession during Oguaa Fetu festival inwards Cape Coast, Ghana
Some of the towns inside Cape Coast are: Cape Coast (Pedu/Abora)» Cape Coast (Cape Vars/Ola) » Ekon »Nkanfoa » Kakomdo » Effutu » Akotokyere » Ankaful Village » Anto Essuekyir » Kokoado » Amamuma » Nyinasin » Duakor » Koforidua » Mpeasem » and Amisano etc
The traditional vernacular mention of Cape Coast is Oguaa, from the Fante give-and-take "Gua" pregnant 'market.' The traditions of root of the indigenous inhabitants of the town assert that the Fetu state, of which Cape Coast, Oguaa, is the principal town, was founded yesteryear the Guan, in all likelihood during the thirteenth or fourteenth centuries. More recent immigration of Fante from the Techiman surface area took identify during the fifteenth to eighteenth centuries.
President Obama in addition to her household unit of measurement at Cape Coast Slave Castle beingness led yesteryear Mr Fritz Barffour.
It is believed that Michelle Obama, U.S. First Lady, considers Cape Coast every bit her ancestral home, in addition to on xi July 2009, she took the residual of the foremost household unit of measurement to tour Cape Coast Castle every bit portion of her husband's trip to Cape Coast.
University of Cape Coast, Ghana
Cape Coast is known every bit the Citadel of Education inwards Gold coast (Ghana) in addition to West Africa in addition to is the topographic point of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Ghana's leading academy inwards teaching in addition to research. Cape Vars, every bit it is popularly called, lies on a loma overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It also has 1 of the best Polytechnics inwards Cape Coast Polytechnic (C-POLY).
Adisadel College, 1 of the Cape Coast finest in addition to best schools inwards Ghana.
The urban center also boasts some of Ghana's finest in addition to best secondary in addition to technical schools: Wesley Girls' High Schoo, St. Augustine College, Mfantsipim School (Former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan attended this school), Adisadel College, Aggrey Memorial Senior High School, Republic of Ghana National College, Holy Child Secondary School, Cape Coast Technical Institute in addition to many more.
Cape Coast people dancing at Fetu festival
The surface area is dominated yesteryear batholith stone in addition to is by in addition to large undulating with steep slopes. There are valleys of various streams betwixt the hills, with Kakum beingness the largest stream. The pocket-sized streams destination inwards wetlands, the largest of which drains into the Fosu Lagoon at Bakano. In the northern portion of the district, however, the landscape is suitable for the tillage of various crops
Cape Coast mmensoun (horn) blowers
Demographic Characteristics
Settlement Pattern
The Cape Coast Metropolitan Area had 71 settlements in-1984. Cape Coast was the only noticeable urban centre inwards the Metropoli tan surface area inwards 1984 with a population of 65,763. The 2000, Population in addition to Housing Census returned a figure of 82,291 for the town.
Oguaa people at Cape Coast Beach
Ekon (3,443, Nkanfoa (2,995), Kakomdo (2,628) in addition to Effutu (2,214) are the other fairly large settlements but make non possess whatever urban status every bit yet. Smaller service centres are also emerging such every bit Apewosika (1,547), Ankaful (1,592), Kwaprow (1,473), Essuekyir (1,453), Akotokyere (1,605) in addition to Anto Esuakyir (1,557).
Kakum National Park
The Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly surface area is synonymous with a City District. This is because Cape Coast is the most populous settlement inwards the district with a hierarchy of functions that brand it the nervus centre of economical activity for both the district in addition to the region. About 6% of settlements inwards the Metropolitan Area including Cape Coast, Ekon in addition to Nkanfoa in addition to Kakomdo concern human relationship for nearly 85% of the population of the entire district. Out of the 71 settlements inwards the Municipal area, 54 or 76% of them have got population less than 1,000 persons in addition to concern human relationship for only 10% of the district’s population. Thirty of the settlements (43%) have got population less than 100 persons.
This segment of the settlements accounts for around 2% of the total population. Table 2. gives a summary of the xx largest settlements inwards the district. It is clear that quite a few settlements have got thrived whilst others have got had their populations reducing slightly.
Kotokuraba market, Cape Coast
Housing
Housing is relatively a issue 1 occupation which the CCMA needs to tackle tactfully, promptly in addition to efficiently to enable the municipality in addition to the entire Central Region to live abreast with time. Residential terra firma surface area constitutes a sizeable portion of the terra firma exercise of the Municipality.However, in that location are distinct variations inwards housing character with the various residential areas. The foremost shape residential areas are mostly located inwards terra firma areas that are province owned.
Ariel persuasion of former Cape Coast settlement
These substantial residential areas , including the Ridges, the University of Cape Coast in addition to the various estates developed yesteryear the State Housing Company (SHC) Limited are meliorate serviced with relatively skillful roads, adequate powerfulness render in addition to skillful H2O services. Plot sizes are large with skillful landscape designs every bit good every bit create clean environment.This is to live contrasted with the older parts of the metropolis every bit good every bit the rural areas where houses are by in addition to large of depression character in addition to environmental weather are unsatisfactory. The areas are poorly serviced inwards price of water, powerfulness in addition to telecommunications facilities.
Cape Coast Legion beach close the Castle
Plot sizes are real little in addition to characterized yesteryear unplanned development, high province of disrepair in addition to dingy surroundings. Most of the structures have got outlived their historic catamenia in addition to purposes in addition to are similar a shot a blight to the surrounding areas. These have got largely been the domain in addition to habitation of the pathetic in addition to require upgrading through sound planning in addition to infrastructural provisions.
It is believed that the Social Security in addition to National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) Housing Project for workers at the neighbouring Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem District would move a long way towards ameliorating the electrical current housing occupation facing the Assembly. However, the vision of the CCMA is to attract individual sector partnership for accelerated growth of the housing industry. The State Housing Company (SHC) intends to provide to a greater extent than affordable in addition to choice forms of housing, peculiarly for the Municipality’s ever-growing population.
Kotokuraba Market Road, Cape Coast
The CCMA is looking for individual investors in addition to existent estate developers to play a important role inwards housing construction inwards the Municipality, including a City Centre Development Scheme with planned parking in addition to recreational / leisure spaces. There is also immense investible opportunities for Home Finance, Production of Housing materials, Plant Hiring Facilities in addition to the provision of services.
Fetish priest, Cape Coast
Population size
The population of the Cape Coast Metropolitan surface area (excluding Aggrey Memorial Zion Secondary School) was 54,123 inwards 1960 in addition to 69,495 inwards 1970, giving an inter-censal increment of 28.40%. In 1984 in addition to 2000 the population increased 1 time again to 84,477 in addition to 118,106 respectively, indicating a substantial increment of 39.8% for the 14-year period. The population grew at a charge per unit of measurement of 22% betwixt 1960 in addition to 1970, dropped sharply to 13% betwixt 1970 in addition to 1984 in addition to so rose to 20% betwixt 1984 in addition to 2000.
In 1984, the population of the Metropolitan surface area was 7.5% of the Central Region’s population, but this declined slightly to 7.4 inwards the 2000 Population in addition to Housing Census. Giving the introduce charge per unit of measurement of growth of the population, it is projected that the Metropolitan area’s portion of the Region’s population would non alter significantly inwards the few years ahead. Cape Coast Metropolitan with its 82,291 inhabitants has a disproportionate portion of the Municipal inwards price of both landmass in addition to population.
The town has expanded since 1984 when it returned a population of 65,763 compared with 56,601 inwards 1970. The expansion has virtually engulfed both Pedu in addition to Abura; ii previously satellite villages that are similar a shot almost portion of the urbanised area. The whole Metropolitan surface area is constrained yesteryear availability of terra firma for farming in addition to development. The province of affairs is worse inwards Cape Coast town because of its hilly in addition to undulating topography.
Fisherman mending his cyberspace at Legion Mpoano, Cape Coast
Age-Sex distribution
The male/female ratio is 94.4:100. In 1984, in that location were 42, 855 males every bit against 42,583 females inwards the Municipal area, giving a sexual practice ratio of 100 males to 101 females at the time. In 2000 the figures were 57,367 males in addition to 60,741 females.
Although the larger woman mortal population reflects the national pattern, the phenomenon inwards this metropolis may live attributed firstly to a higher manly mortal out-migration rate; in addition to secondly, to the apace urbanizing nature of he Metropolitan surface area which encourages economically active females to rest dorsum in addition to engage inwards small-scale economical activities. The population pyramid indicates that the Metropolis is largely characterized yesteryear a youthful population with those nether 15-year accounting for 42.2% of the total population. Females fairly out-number males inwards each age-cohort except that of the 0-14 historic catamenia cohort. The ageing cohort (ie.65+) is relatively normal with a tapering of the pyramid at the top, signifying a full general bell-shaped pyramid feature of developing areas. The nature of the population requires that programmes are youth-centred. However, this does non preclude the provision of programmes for the aged such every bit social security, pension in addition to welfare schemes.
Settlement Pattern
The Cape Coast Metropolis has 71 settlements. Cape Coast Township (core) was the only noticeable urban centre inwards the Metropolis inwards 1984 with a population of 65,763. The 2000 Population in addition to Housing census returned a figure of 82,291 for the township. Ekon (3,443), Nkanfoa (2,995), Kakomdo (2,628) in addition to Efutu (2,214) are the other fairly large settlements but make non possess whatever urban status every bit yet. Smaller service centres are also emerging such every bit Apewosika (1,547), Ankaful (1,592), Kwaprow (1,473), Esuekyir (1,453), Akotokyer (1,605) in addition to Anto Esuekyir (1,557).
The Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly surface area is synonymous with a City District. This is because Cape Coast Township is the most populous settlement inwards the Metropolis with a hierarchy of functions that brand it the nervus centre of economical activity for both the District in addition to the Region.About 6% of settlements inwards the Metropolis including Cape Coast, Ekon in addition to Nkafoa in addition to Kakomdo concern human relationship for nearly 85% of the population of the entire Metropolis. Out of the 71 settlements inwards the Metropolitan area, 54 or 76% of them have got populations less that 1,000 persons in addition to concern human relationship for only 10% of the metropolis population. Thirty of the settlements (43%) have got populations of less than 100 persons.
Rural-urban split
The Metropolitan Assembly surface area has a peculiar rural-urban scenario. Cape Coast has been the only urban centre inwards the district since 1960. By 1984 the rural-urban split for the district was 32.3:67.7 every bit against 71.2:28.8 for the part in addition to 63.1:36.9 for the nation.
In the 2000 Population in addition to Housing Census, the rural-urban returns changed slightly to 30.3:69.7 for the metropolis, 62.5:37.5 for the part in addition to 56.2:43.8 for the country. These figures signal that the Metropolitan Assembly surface area is to a greater extent than urbanised than the part in addition to the land respectively, in addition to whatever evolution programme ought to select this into consideration inwards formulating its activities.
Drinking Water
Safe H2O render in addition to sanitation are essential components of whatever intervention programme designed to secure sustained household unit of measurement health. Lack of potable H2O predisposes the population to various preventable diseases.
Fortunately, the Metropolis is quite good served with potable drinking water. All communities inwards the metropolis are served with pipe-borne H2O from the conventional handling flora at Brimsu. Rural supplies shape only 1% of the drinking H2O scheme inwards the Metropolitan surface area in addition to these areas are also good catered for.
Cape Coast woman
Symbol in addition to Appellations of Oguaa (Cape Coast)
Fantse Kasa (language) English linguistic communication version
Oguaa Akoto Oguaa Crabs
Akoto dwerdwerba a Tiny nimble crabs
Woda ban etu ano; guarding their hole
Eduasa a wanye apem koe a, The 30 that fought with thousand, but
Apem enntum hon. the thou could non triumph over them.
Eyee Oguaa den What would you lot make to Oguaa
Na Oguaa annye wo bi! And Oguaa would non make to you?
Oguaa Akoto symbol at London Bridge, Cape Coast
The Crab In Oguaa’s Appellation And Its Emblem
Oguaa Akoto literally translated, way Oguaa crabs. Small, sagacious crabs; the 30 that triumphed over thousands. What would you lot make for Oguaa that it would non homecoming inwards kind? This lucrative enterprise developed along a current referred to every bit "Kotowuraba" or crab stream. The dealers inwards crabs referred to the "Bentsir" surface area inwards front end of the castle every bit "Gua" or marketplace patch the inland hamlet was named "Kotokoraba." Literally, "Ban" way Wall /Castle in addition to "Tsir" way Head or Nkum which is coined from "Nkotum Ekum" or "you cannot kill me." Hence, the town’s residents decided to give credit to the crab in addition to its trade, which established the town-not gold-thus "Oguaa Akoto." Having regard to the nature of the "Kotowuraba" or crab stream, "Nana Kotowuraba" became 1 of the earliest gods of Oguaa, which were reputed to attention for the good beingness of the people.
Twafohembaa of Cape Coast
This current is similar a shot a large drain running from Kotokuraba through London Bridge, Anaafu, in addition to into the sea. Though non given much prominence these days, legend has it that the slaughtering of the bull during the Sultanate of Oman Purification Rites at Prapratam was instituted to commemorate a historic lawsuit when a fellow sacrificed himself inwards "Kotowuraba" to atone for the sins of Oguaa inwards monastic tell to abate a plaque which had beset the town.
The crab also symbolizes military machine tactics used inwards the wars against the Ashanti inwards 1806, 1811, 1814, 1816, 1823 -1824, 1863, 1873 -1874 in addition to 1896. These culminated inwards the claim of the 30 that triumphed over the thousand. It is this powerfulness of the crab to defend itself with cunning in addition to bravery that is symbolized inwards the Cape Coast Crab.
Osabarima Nana Kwesi Atta Oguaa Manhen
As Osaberima Kwesi Atta Oguaa Manhen explained "We are real hospitable but tin also larn vicious when attacked. We gave lands to whites to build the castle in addition to schools, but also led the struggle towards the attainment of independence. Further, nosotros were the foremost topographic point of regime in addition to correspond the cradle of pedagogy inwards Ghana. What volition you lot make to Oguaa that it volition non homecoming inwards kind"?
Queen woman nurture (Twafo division) of Cape Coast inwards her Palanquin
Background History
One schoolhouse of thought claim that the traditional mention of Cape Coast, ‘Oguaa’, which is soundless inwards use, is derived from the Fante give-and-take ‘gua’ (market). During the fourth dimension of Portuguese colonization, Oguaa was named Cabo Corso (Short Cape). Later the mention was changed yesteryear the English linguistic communication to Cape Coast.
Cape Coast Kotokuraba Road. Circa 1910
However, the to a greater extent than convincing evidence shows that Oguaa was a Guan settlement in addition to later got assimilated yesteryear the overwhelming industrious Akans from Bono kingdom who later became known every bit Fantsefo. "Oguaa kingship, it has been explicitly claimed though non substantiated, was patrilineal until the deposition of Omanhen (King) Kofi Amissa inwards 1856, after which matrilineal succession became the vogue..."
"Cape Coast, route to Kotokraba (Hausa town). Circa 1911
Indeed Oguaa was founded yesteryear a Guan (Fetu/Efutu) hunter yesteryear mention Gua, who foremost witnessed the ocean "from the Hill on which the Wesleyan Chapel stands." The give-and-take Oguaa evolved from "egua" inwards the Awutu-be (Effutu) or Guan that way a marketplace or marketplace place. In fact, the site where Bondzie Osimpam in addition to his Awutu-abe people after migrating from Dwoma (Mumford) camped upon reaching Simpa (Winneba) Tsitsitsii eguaso or the ancient market-place or site. The "egua": give-and-take proved that Fante linguistic communication is a borrowed 1 from Awutu in addition to Etsii people the fante came to reckon hence their mention "Fa etsii kasa fo" similar a shot corrupted to Fantsefo.
Cape Coast principal with his married adult woman in addition to subjects. Circa 1911
The collapse of the ancient Republic of Ghana Empire inwards the Sudan, westward of the Niger bed, laid inwards motion a moving ridge of migration southward about the twelfth century. Among the various groups of people that moved southward inwards search of habitable lands were the Fetu (Efutu).
Cape Coast native Fante pastors of Wesleyan Mission. Circa 1910
The kingdom they eventually founded after moving southward through Techiman in addition to Adansi (Akrokeri) dates dorsum to the 14th century, with Efutu which is situated nigh twelve miles northward of introduce Cape Coast every bit its capital.
Legend has it that an early on manly mortal monarch of the Fetu had every bit his principal delicacy, crabs which he tasked his people to provide inwards copious quantities. It was inwards search of this delicacy to delight the king, that his people stumbled on a sheltered bay at the beach, protected yesteryear stone outcrops in addition to yesteryear little running H2O filled with fishes.
Here, they found sufficient quantities of crabs they desired. Some of the people later settled downwardly hither in addition to named the spot ‘Kotoworaba’ (crab hamlet), similar a shot adulterated to ‘Kotokuraba’.
The stone was given the mention Tabir (or Taabi) in addition to till today 1 of the 7 titular gods of Oguaa (Cape Coast). As fourth dimension went by, a little settlement in addition to a marketplace developed at Kotokuraba at which the telephone commutation of other commodities came into beingness too the crab catching occupation.
The mention of Kotokuraba survives till today every bit the biggest marketplace inwards Cape Coast. As a resultant of this development, large numbers of traders from far in addition to close converged at the surface area to sell in addition to purchase wares, in addition to the mention of the settlement became Oguaa.
It must live stated that the Fantes that foremost made incursion to Oguaa were mostly Anomabo people who tin live found today from Anaafo, Jejemu, Savoy,Enyitsewdo, Papratem, to Legion, London Bridge in addition to Kawanopaado areas. The Eguafo, Kommenda in addition to Elmina (also Guans but similar a shot Fantes) people also came to settle about Brenu Akyiam, Ola beach side, Bakaano, Asokyeano in addition to University of Cape Coast surroundings. Then in that location was influx of Denkyira (especially Jukwa) in addition to Twifo people who later came to settle inwards Abura (where Fantes from Abora where already settled) in addition to areas about Wesley Girls High School. This explained why some Cape Coasters deport Akan (Twi) sounding names.
All these migrant engaged inwards merchandise until 1555 when the foremost English linguistic communication manifest reached the Gulf of Guinea, in addition to William Towerson landed at Oguaa. He initiated a catamenia of merchandise betwixt the Europeans in addition to the people of Fetu. Around 1600, a Portuguese grouping acquired a plot of terra firma at Oguaa for 64 shillings, paid for inwards goods in addition to built a Castle on the Rock, Tabir which was a sand structure.
In 1637 the Castle was occupied yesteryear the Dutch who eventually extended it. For the next 27 years it was occupied inwards turns yesteryear the Swedes, the Danes, in addition to 1 time again yesteryear the Dutch until finally inwards 1664 the English linguistic communication took possession of it, with Robert Holmes every bit leader of a articulation forcefulness of English linguistic communication in addition to Danes.
Between the 17th in addition to 19th centuries, at the peak of the Slave Trade until its abolition, Cape Coast Castle which was 1 of the main merchandise posts, played a real of import in addition to historic role.
Cape Coast Muslims, Circa 1910
Besides their duties every bit warriors, the members of the asafo companies were oft assigned to undertake civic responsibilities in addition to also detailed for civil purposes during peaceful periods – they soundless be today.
With the business of the Castle yesteryear the English, the importance of Cape Cast every bit an administrative in addition to commercial centre increased rapidly. Several merchant organizations established their headquarters there.
The 18th century was relatively a serenity catamenia of consolidation, during which Cape Coast enjoyed growing wealth in addition to expansion. However, reverse to this development, the province of affairs inwards Cape Coast became insecure due to the increasing growing inwards importance of the Ashanti Kingdom inland with its upper-case missive of the alphabet Kumasi. And inwards 1805, the Ashantis conquered Cape Coast town, but they failed to capture the Castle.
The belatedly Governor Maxwell, Hausa troops returning from Kumasi to Cape Coasti after 2nd Ashanti Expedition
In monastic tell to stop whatever farther inroads into what they considered their protectorate, the English linguistic communication built ii to a greater extent than fortifications, Fort William (first called Smith’s Tower) on Dawson Hill inwards 1820 in addition to Fort McCarthy on a loma northeast of the Castle inwards 1822. Fort William soundless exists, in addition to is referred to similar a shot every bit the ‘light house’ because the Railway in addition to Ports Authority later used it as a Light House. Fort McCarthy has nevertheless vanished.
Under Governor McCarthy, the English linguistic communication tried to drive the Ashantis back, but the troops were defeated in addition to Cape Coast town cruel a 2d fourth dimension inwards 1824. At Dodowa inwards 1826, however, the Ashantis were defeated, in addition to nether Governor McLean, Cape Coast recovered exclusively in addition to expanded again.
Cape Coast Ashanti Road. Circa 1910
The headquarters of the Wesleyan Mission was so established inwards 1835, in addition to many substantial buildings including the Wesleyan Chapel were after bult. In 1850 the English linguistic communication acquired the Danish prosperities inwards West Africa in addition to inwards the Treaty of Breda inwards 1872 the Dutch also ceded their possessions to the English, who eventually made a strong expedition nether Sir Garnet Wolseley against the Ashantis inwards 1873, leading to the capture of Kumasi inwards Feb 1874.
Stylish Fante adult woman of Cape Coast. Circa 1897
Despite this of import victory albeit, the years after saw Cape Coast deteriorate to an extent the effects of which are soundless beingness manifested today. Under Governor Dr. Rowe, from 1876 – 1877 the topographic point of the Colonial Government of the Gold Coast was transferred to Accra due to climatic in addition to other reasons. The foremost railway projection inwards the Gold Coast (running from the Castle 1 mile inwards the direction of Kumasi) was abandoned.
Cape Coast Back road. Circa 1911
Another of import catastrophe to befall Cape Coast was the construction of the Sekondi Harbour inwards 1888, in addition to the railway link betwixt Sekondi and Kumasi inwards 1903. until this time, Cape Coast had been the most of import port of the Gold Coast for the exportation of cocoa; but after this event, its importance diminished. In 1963 the port was finally closed down.
Mr Kwesi Brew, famous poet from Cape Coast
The establishment of the foremost Secondary School, Mfantsipim inwards the Gold Coast at Cape Coast seems to have got given a signal of some other promise of evolution which gives the town a dissimilar importance in addition to identity every bit the major educational middle of the nation.
Language, in addition to Culture
The people of Cape Coast similar all other Fante people on southern in addition to coastal portion of Republic of Ghana speak Fantse (Fante) language. They are portion of a larger ethnic grouping of people classified every bit Akans inwards Ghana. People who belong to other Ethnic groups in addition to are mostly immigrants similar the Ewes, Gas, Adas, Krobos, Nzemas, Twi-Speaking Akans, in addition to others from the Northern Republic of Ghana reside inwards the Municipality every bit farmers, fishermen, traders, regime workers, commercial drivers, fishermen, traders, regime workers, commercial drivers, in addition to artisans, with others. The entire Municipality constitutes 1 traditional surface area with the Oguaa Omanhen every bit the paramount chief.
The matrilineal scheme of inheritance is practiced. The extended family, otherwise known every bit “ebusua” or clan, is the footing of their social structure. The “odikro” or principal is the political caput of a town or village. The main festival celebrated inwards the Municipality is the Oguaa Fetu Afahye, which is celebrated inwards the foremost Sabbatum of September every year, is watched yesteryear people from all walks of lives, both far in addition to near.
Centre For National Culture
The Cape Coast Center for National Culture moved into its introduce premises inwards 1994. It is located on the Accra – Takoradi main highway, straight opposite the Parks in addition to Gardens’ offices.
Objectives:
(A) To promote, save in addition to projection Ghanaian Culture.
(B) To provide facilities for recreation in addition to entertainment.
The main units of the Centre are an sound visual consult, gramophone museum, eco-tourism consortium, a library, in addition to a theater for performance.
The Centre has, inwards addition, telephone services, a reception, in addition to conference rooms, facilities for performing artists in addition to offices for the personnel. The Centre also hosts the Biennial Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival (PANAFEST), which brings Africans both at habitation in addition to inwards the diaspora together.
The Centre commonly rents out the theater for commercial programmes at going economical rates.
Drummers
FETU AFAHYE
This is the annual festival of the people of Cape Coast (Oguaa Traditional Area). The root of Fetu Afahye dates dorsum to the Fetu Kingdom of the 17th century. The climax is observed on the foremost Sabbatum of September of every year, but every other year, it is merged with the PANAFEST Celebration.
It is usually a calendar week long celebration that precedes the harvest season. Its main purpose is to give thanks to the spirits of Fetu religious belief for the plentiful grab from the ocean in addition to the fruits of the earth, in addition to for their guidance in addition to protection inwards the yesteryear year. This yr 2013, saw the Fri before the main Sabbatum procession of chiefs, was declared every bit "Ekutu Da" (Orange Friday). On that 24-hour interval everybody wears orangish wearing clothing in addition to send parcels in addition to gifts inwards orangish colours.
Activities / Functions:
The ‘Afahye’ has its spiritual, cultural in addition to social significance. Spiritually, it is a fourth dimension for pouring libation to the 77 gods for the harvests from the world in addition to the sea; a catamenia of spiritual renewal for the community; in addition to a catamenia for the renovation for the shrines.
Culturally, however, it is a catamenia for exposition and outdooring of all traditional / social organizations.
Thus, the Asafo companies, 7 inwards all, inwards their multitude of colourful arrays, troop through the streets of Oguaa, with their acrobatic flag bearers in addition to Asafohenfo, or battalion commanders, drumming in addition to dancing in addition to contorting to intricate drum rhythm. Again, for a week, in that location is singing, drumming in addition to dancing inwards the streets of Cape Coast – a existent festive occasion for the entire community.
Socially, it is a fourth dimension for friends in addition to household unit of measurement re-union. There is also a week-long catamenia of carnival in addition to merrymaking celebrated with boat races, a province ball, dances, political speeches, a masquerade, a church building service, a marathon walk in addition to a football game match.
The festival has taken a novel expression inwards modern times, with visitors from all over the world beingness permitted to participate. This means, a much larger issue of people converging into Cape Coast in addition to its surrounding towns in addition to villages for the calendar week long ceremony.
Elder belongings Schnapp to brand libation whenever necessary to appease the gods
Regalia of Chiefs
Regalia of chiefs are of import artifacts inwards the Chieftaincy establishment in addition to inwards Ghanaian society. The exercise of regalia (ornaments of gilded in addition to other items of splendor) brand the chiefs expression unique when they sit down inwards province on occasions such every bit a durbar of chiefs, festival celebrations in addition to other social gatherings.
Festival Carnival
To introduce the wealth in addition to pageantry associated with Akan chieftaincy, the Cape Coast Castle Museum commissioned the replication of regalia for chiefs in addition to queenmothers from the Denkyira surface area of the Central Region.
These replicate regalia included jewellery, sandals, crowns, umbrellas, fans, linguist staff (of various designs with meanings), in addition to palanquins.
Chief with his total regalia
Other original examples of royal regalia exhibited at the museum are province swords, “asimpim” chairs, stools in addition to royal drums drawn from the museum’s permanent collection.
These tin also live found at various palaces of chiefs.
Oguaa drummers
VALUES / CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS
Drumming in addition to Dancing
Drumming in addition to dancing shape an integral portion of the lives of the people inwards the Central Region, Cape Coast Municipality in addition to its environs. There is no durbar of chiefs that drumming in addition to dancing make non select identify to crown the occasion.
Oguaa adult woman performing their latest traditional teasing dance
Similarly, it volition live incomplete for the annual Festival, “Fetu Afahye” of Oguaa Traditional Area to live celebrated without “asafo” companies trooping out inwards procession attired inwards their colourful splendor. For instance, during the ’Afahye Festival’, the 7 Asafo companies, inwards their multitude of colourful arrays, troop through the streets of Oguaa.
Oguaa women inwards their Takua
Starting from companionship posts, with their acrobatic banner bearers in addition to Asafohenfo, or battalion commanders, they drum in addition to trip the calorie-free fantastic toe contorting to intricate drum rhythms. The drums talk, in addition to the banners are tale-teller of ancient glories. This offers amusement to the community in addition to visitors who are largely tourist.
There are various kinds of drums used yesteryear the Fantes (Cape Coasters) which are played on dissimilar occasions.
Traditional (Fetish) priest in addition to priestess
For example, the “ompe” drums are for amusement on secular, populace occasions in addition to for informal relaxation after a day’s work. The drums are played yesteryear specialist drummers, many of whom are fishermen. There are drums that also accompany community choral societies on religious occasions similar church building services such every bit the “tomtom” drum used yesteryear Choirs.
Fontomfrom drummers
Apart from these, calabash rattles, os in addition to ivory side-blown horns, Fe gongs in addition to a multifariousness of other drums in addition to instruments are played inwards the municipality for secular in addition to ritual occasions similar “Afahye Festival" in addition to funeral celebrations.
Birth in addition to Outdooring
The nascency of a kid inwards every gild is a joyous minute inwards the lives of household unit of measurement members in addition to the community at large. Cape Coasters inwards particular concord birthday in addition to outdooring ceremonies inwards high esteem.
It is an Akan custom to introduce the novel born kid to the community on the 8th 24-hour interval next the birth.
The “outdooring” in addition to naming ceremony starts when an elderberry of the father’s household unit of measurement pours libation. The kid is placed on the lap of the household unit of measurement elderberry who dips a finger 3 times into ii spectacles of H2O in addition to gin or schnapps (the preferred libation offering) in addition to puts drops on the natural language of the baby. Each fourth dimension he drops the liquid, H2O or alcohol on the natural language of the kid the elderberry says “nsu a Nsu”, Nsa a Nsa”, pregnant if water, water, if drink, drink.
Oguaa missy with nyenye spiritual leaves
This controversy exhorts the kid to live truthful, honest, objective in addition to firm, calling a spade, a spade. The elderberry also exhorts the kid to alive an honest in addition to upright life. He so announces the child’s mention publicly. The kid so receives the gathering’s congratulation; gifts are presented in addition to nutrient in addition to drinks are shared
with the gathering.
Cape Coast principal stool carriers
Funeral Rites
The funeral of the dead are highly revered in addition to deemed inseparable from the lives of Ghanaians. Death is seen every bit a natural phenomenon which is everywhere in addition to a portion of the cycle of life. An Akan saying confirms this: “Owu adar nndow faakor”, meaning, “the cutlass of expiry does non weed inwards 1 place”.
Cape Coast Asafo dancers
The communities’ mortuary practices are characterized yesteryear a prolonged catamenia of mourning in addition to a serial of rituals that grade the transition of a deceased from the living members of the household unit of measurement in addition to the community to a revered ancestral spirit, whose ties to the living are real much intact.
In contemporary Fante community (Southern Ghanaian) mortuary rites, it is mutual exercise for the trunk to prevarication inwards province for a 24-hour interval or to a greater extent than days (though modernity is changing the tendency to few hours or at most a day). While the trunk lies inwards state, mourners file yesteryear to pay their in conclusion abide by in addition to offering symbolic gifts (usually money, but tin also live gold, lather in addition to cloth) to the deceased for his / her afterlife.
Cape Coast immature girls
Traditional Administration
Traditional Administration of Cape Coast dates dorsum to the 1660s, in addition to is composed of the Omanhen (Paramount Chief), Ahenfo or Mpakamufo (chiefs of various grades or subordinate chiefs), Tufuhen (master of arms), Apanfo or Omanfo (counselors), Asafo-Mpanyinfo (heads of the various companies) in addition to Akyeame (spokesmen).
The Omanhen is the paramount principal of the town. Originally, the line succession was patrilineal, but this was later changed to matrilineal.
Oguaa Ahenfo (Chiefs)
Dates Rulers (title Omanhene)
1729 - 1770 Nana Brempong Codjo
1770 - 1780 Vacant
1780 - 1793 Nana Aggrey I
1793 - 1794 Nana Botty
1794 - 1800 Nana Aggrey II
1800 - 1814 Nana Aggrey III
1814 - 1851 Nana Joseph Aggrey IV (b. c.1774 - d. 1851)
1851 - 1856 Nana Egyir Ansah
Jan 1856 - 28 January 1856 Nana Kofi Amissa
28 January 1856 - xx Feb 1856 Nana Kweku Atta (d. 1856)
16 Mar 1856 - 1865 Nana Kweku Enu (1st time)
Feb 1865 - 1866 Nana John Aggrey V
1866 - 3 Feb 1868 Nana Kweku Enu (2nd time)
1868 - January 1887 Nana Kwesi Atta I (d. 1887)
1887 - 1888 Nana Kojo Mbra I (Albert Ogoe)
1888 - Nana Aggrey VI
.... - .... Nana Mbra II
.... - .... Nana Aggrey VII
.... - .... Nana Aggrey VIII
.... - 1933 Nana Kojo Mbra III (d. 1933)
1933 - 1942 Nana Kojo Mbra IV
1942 - 1948 Nana Aggrey IX
27 July 1948 - 1996 Nana Kodwo Amra V (d. 1996)
1996 - Nana Osabarima Kwesi Atta II
The Omanhen is assisted yesteryear a council referred to every bit Beguafo inwards his day-to-day direction of the town. The council’s membership comprises sure enough hereditary chiefs, supported yesteryear persons elected on merit. The traditional mention for these hereditary chiefs is Mpakamufo who are yesteryear right the counselors to the Omanhen.
The caput of the Mpakamufo is the side yesteryear side to the Omanhen. He is called Ohema-ose-aman-ye-nan (the principal that bears the feet of state). The Omanhen is entitled to ride inwards a palanquin or apakan likewise the mpakamufo.
Benkumhembaa of Cape Coast inwards a palanquin
Traditionally, Cape Coast is divided into 7 Asafo companies. These are Bentsir, Anaafo, Ntsin, Nkum, Brofomba, Akrampa in addition to Amanful. Each asafo companionship is headed yesteryear a superior captain (Supi) in addition to nether him a captain (safohen). Each companionship has its ain consummate organization. In the olden days they were known every bit the “town soldiers” who fought enemies of the province inwards times of war.
Asafo Frankaatownyi
All the 7 companies have got fetish priests in addition to priestesses who are responsible for the spiritual needs of their members in addition to the companionship every bit a whole. These priests in addition to priestesses select attention of the 77 gods (every Fantse town has 77 gods in addition to 77 names for God only similar Jews) of Cape Coast in addition to all rituals pertaining to the gods are performed yesteryear them. In times of state of war they send the god of state of war to the battle field.
They are also heavily involved inwards the Fetu Afahye, the festival of Cape Coast. The Tufuhen (master of arms) is the leader of the asafo companies in addition to is regarded every bit the ‘General Captain’ with the responsibleness of giving orders in addition to directing affairs when state of war breaks out.
H5N1 history scholar 1 time described the asafo companies every bit a “para-military organisation of the town youth” to reckon such communal needs every bit warding off aggression, reaching out to community members in addition to cleaning populace places. These days, these asafos are mostly only seen inwards their total attire during the Afahye period.
The apamfo or the Omanfo (Councillors) are selected based on their intelligence in addition to integrity in addition to ever bring together the Chiefs inwards settling disputes every bit good every bit inwards the full general direction of affairs of the town.
Oguaa divisional principal dancing
There are 7 major clans or Ebusua inwards Cape Coast in addition to their heads play a role inwards the traditional direction of Cape Coast. The caput of each clan is called Ebusuapanyin. The 7 clans are Twidan, Nsona, Anona, Ntwaa-Abadze, Aboradzi, Kona-Ebiradzi in addition to Adwenadze. The Omanhen comes from the Kona-Ebiradze Ebusua. Each indigenous inhabitant of the town belongs to 1 of these clans.
Asafo Frankaatownyi
Contemporary History Of Oguaa Fetu Afahye
"Once 1 time again the nifty in addition to historical OGUAA FETU AFAHYE is upon
us. Our festival reminds us of the yield from woman nurture world in addition to the bounteous resources provided yesteryear the sea. Therefore, allow us give regulation thanks to the ALMIGHTY GOD who has graciously spared us our lives in addition to given us the abundance of the land".
"Afahye fourth dimension is an occasion for pouring libation in addition to sprinkling yam to our forebears in addition to the seventy-seven (77) gods of Oguaa for the portion they played during the yesteryear yr inwards bringing us abundant yields from the terra firma in addition to sea, in addition to for warding off misfortune that would have got befallen the Oguaa State".
As the citizenry of Oguaa Traditional Area celebrate the 42nd milestone of the recommencement of the celebration of Fetu Afahye Festival after it had been banned for to a greater extent than than 3 decades yesteryear the colonialists, it is important to amend hither sure enough false descriptions that have got been attributed to it yesteryear before writers, mostly Christians or Moslems who associate it with fetishism.
This contemporary history is aimed at correcting the misconceptions our colonizers gave our cherished traditional religious belief in addition to festival. The most pop of these fake attributions is its reference every bit "Black Christmas." According to the belatedly Osabarimba Kodwo Mbra V, Okyeame Ekow Atta (reigned from 1948 to 1996), this is a misnomer because it has never been an occasion for Africans to grade the nascency of Christ every bit Christmas does.
Rather, it is similar inwards price of its temporal relation, as a novel calendar yr follows Christmas, the foremost of our African Traditional in addition to religious calendar yr is celebrated during Fetu Afahye.
The belatedly Okyeame Ekow Atta also confirmed that it was out of ignorance that the colonial governors in addition to their missionary allies tagged this of import lawsuit "Black Christmas." They did so inwards an erroneous endeavor to interpret the religious significance of the festival.
Using this biased knowledge, they vainly tried to ban its celebration in addition to oft attempted, without success, to have got it moved to the same catamenia every bit the Christian Yuletide inwards December. Fetu or Efutu was the mention of the Oguaa Traditional Area (Cape Coast) until the upper-case missive of the alphabet was transferred from Efutu town to Cape Coast at the closed of the seventeenth century.
Afahye is observed with the Akan community. Various Akan sub-groups refer to the celebration using dissimilar terms. The Fante community, for example, refers to the celebration every bit "Ahobaa" patch ethnically Ga groups every bit good every bit neighboring communities telephone phone it "Homowo."
Early scholars likened the Afahye to the Hebrew feast of Passover inwards the Old Testament, whereby Hebrews governed yesteryear events inside the sacred yr or changes betwixt agricultural seasons gave religious significance to such events yesteryear conducting sure enough commemorative festivities.
However, recent enquiry demonstrates that it is the Omanhene’s Yam Festival held during belatedly July or the foremost calendar week of August (when the crops are inwards blossom) that deport religious in addition to ritual similarity with Passover.
Notably, Fetu Afahye’s only similarity with Passover is that it claims to grade the foremost of the novel yr according to the sacred agricultural calendar or "Afehyia" which inwards Fante way circled about in addition to returned to starting point. Similarly, Passover marks the foremost calendar month of the sacred year.
The other similarity is the festival’s purification aspect every bit Afahye could live aptly compared to the Feast of Pentecost (shahouth, Lev. 23:15-21), which was celebrated after harvest time, when animals drank in addition to cereal offerings were made to God every bit a way of giving thanks in addition to to seek His approving for some other propitious year.
As before stated most onlookers, especially Europeans, wondered every bit to what significance this ancient custom held for the inhabitants of the Oguaa Traditional Area. To begin, its celebration inwards the foremost of September is important every bit this calendar month marks both the angling in addition to yam harvest time. Outsiders, however, attributed its root to fetish worship.
Imperialist governors did non encourage its celebration because of the firing of musketry close their castles. Any provocative human activity yesteryear 1 Asafo Company against the other could spark off fighting at whatever dot inwards the celebration. Therefore, the colonial administrators were ever inwards a province of apprehension every bit they questioned whether the musketry beingness fired was done so inwards funfair or war.
During an exclusive chat with the belatedly Okyeame Ekow Atta, the Chief Linguist of the Oguaa Traditional Area, the Afahye’s multiple functions were described. He explained that most of the rituals were imbued with social, economical in addition to religious connotations.
He began yesteryear saying that Fetu Afahye represents the catamenia inwards which "the Efutu Year has circled about in addition to is 1 time to a greater extent than with us." This is expressed yesteryear the term "Afehyia" which was later Anglicized in addition to thus referred to every bit "Afahye" yesteryear Foreigners. The Fetu Afahye programme commences with the Omanhene’s Yam Festival, which is marked yesteryear the appearance of novel tubers in addition to when the foremost yield of farms introduce itself. In the instance of angling communities this fourth dimension signifies the foremost of the herring season. This depends on the sacred year, but most oft takes identify inwards belatedly July or early on August.
The next week, the ban on drumming in addition to angling inwards the Fosu Lagoon is imposed. This year, these ceremonies occurred on Tuesday the 24th of July in addition to on the 31st of July, respectfully. On the same 24-hour interval the confinement of the Omanhen ends. The ban on drumming enables the Omanhene in addition to others to repair their drums properly for the impending festival.
More so, the traditional elders, who yesteryear this fourth dimension may have got taken a suspension from courtly activities, volition live meditating in addition to preparing for the occasion. Since they are accustomed to beingness summoned yesteryear drums, they ought non to live disturbed with whatever dissonance of this sort. For the same reason, serenity solitude is required inside the community to enable elders to concentrate on the impending festival.
This also accounts for the ban on funerals every bit most elders are household unit of measurement heads, in addition to every bit such are expected to suspension their resting catamenia to caput affairs of the bereaved in addition to its attached commitments. Thus, it is of import to behaviour funerals after the festival inwards monastic tell to allow uninterrupted residual for elders in addition to others who are preparing for the celebration.
Since harvest fourth dimension is a busy period, the ban on drumming strives to cut back the funfair to the barest minimum to enable the citizens inwards the various vocations to maximize production. When in that location is no music in addition to no booze, all that is left is work. Okyeame Atta also added that the ban on angling inwards the Fosu Lagoon enables the nurture tilapia in addition to other spices to lay eggs in addition to have got them fertilized since during this period, they volition have got reached their reproductive stage. In this way the ritual activities conducted during the festival enforce aquatic agriculture every bit the fingerlings are given ample fourth dimension to mature for consumption.
Moreover, herrings are inwards abundance during this time, so why non save the Tilapia in addition to allow them reproduce more? Such religious sanctions have got farther practical significance. For example, every bit a resultant of frequent rains during this fourth dimension the lagoon may larn flooded making it unsafe for daily activities.
According to Okyeame Atta, the purpose of the Omanhen’s 3 confinement is to enable him to meditate in addition to laid upward himself spiritually in addition to mentally for the occupation ahead. It must live noted that when the ban on drumming is lifted, the 1 on funerals is imposed.
This ceremony is marked yesteryear the Asafo companies, foremost with the Bentsir No. 1 drummer, who volition signal to the others with his drums. This is followed yesteryear the cleansing in addition to renovation of shrines or companionship posts in addition to the burning of turn down inwards bonfires to clear away evil spirits.
This human activity tin also live explained inwards price of environmental in addition to human sanitation every bit the clearing of drains, cans in addition to tins prevents the breeding of mosquitoes that crusade malaria. In ancient times such ailments were described yesteryear sure enough medicine men every bit the laid on of evil spirits.
After the cleansing in addition to white washing of companionship posts (this yr this occurred yesteryear 29th August), the Ahenfie volition live officially opened in addition to visitors who similar a shot wishing to telephone phone on Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II are able to make so.
Friday, 25th August represents the foremost formal harvest of the year. This is marked yesteryear a procession there. On the same 24-hour interval Asafo Companies No. 4 in addition to 7 behaviour their clean-up day, which is followed yesteryear bonfires at their various posts. By Mon 28th August, activities start warming upward every bit the crowd starts trickling in. This tin live measured yesteryear the people who patronize the vigil at Nana Fosu’s shrine, which starts at 8:00 p.m. with traditional priests in addition to priestesses dancing in addition to invoking until the early on hours of Tuesday morning.
Tuesday marks the "Bakatue" or lifting of the ban on angling inwards the Fosu Lagoon in addition to is celebrated amidst firing of musketry in addition to colorful pageantry. After libation is poured, the Omanhen’s cyberspace is cast to declare that the lagoon is similar a shot opened upward for fishing. Great attractions accompany this lawsuit such every bit a boat race in addition to regatta. Okyeame Ekow Atta added that before this ceremony the Lagoon, which may have got began to overflow its banks due to rains making angling highly dangerous, mightiness have got had its ocean destination dredged to free portion of its excess contents into the sea.
The nifty Th marketplace 24-hour interval with its array of farm in addition to ocean products is supposed to live a concluding marketplace 24-hour interval for inhabitants before the festival. Currently the marketplace has been converted into an agricultural present in addition to bonanza demonstrating its growth in addition to modernization every bit various array of products are readily available.
Th nighttime also witnesses a nifty vigil at the Papratam shrine yesteryear traditional priest dances inwards monastic tell to invoke the ancestral spirits in addition to that of the 77 gods of Oguaa for success of the annual coming together of the Traditional Area, which is meant to solicit their guidance inwards the coming year.
Okyeame Ekow Atta noted that "Papratam" literally way opened upward infinite for gatherings or meetings. Osabarimba Kodwo Mbra V explained that the population growth of the Traditional Area inwards recent times has made the Papratam expression too little for the purpose it is meant to serve but attributed this to the fact that when they foremost arrived at Cape Coast or Oguaa from Efutu the town was small, stretching from Nkum about introduce 24-hour interval Victoria Park to Anafo in addition to lower areas such every bit Amanful, etc.
During this era the Papratam tree was the biggest arboreal production that had broad shades so they adopted it every bit the sole coming together ground that was traditionally recognized. Thus, all of import decisions in addition to meetings were held there. In fact, when a principal was enstooled in addition to was going to swear his oath of allegiance it was to live done at Papratam.
Hence, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II on his enstoolment on Saturday, 25th July, 1998 made his foremost appearance inwards province in addition to swearing at the Prapratam.
On the expiry of whatever Omanhen, after a moo-cow has been paraded through the principal streets of the town, they finally come upward to slaughter it at the same place. This was exemplified during the funeral of Osabarimba Kodwo Mbra V inwards 1997. Osabarimba Kodwo Mbrah V confided 1 time again that fifty-fifty when he was a kid before his enstoolment, his fore-bearers notwithstanding, political in addition to secular concerns resolved yesteryear the Traditional Council that all other vital meetings were carried out nether this nifty tree. He emphasized that no coming together is valid if non convened there.
He also explained that out of the recognized seventy-seven (77) gods of Oguaa Traditional Area, Nana Papratam is regarded every bit 1 of the eldest in addition to was hence thought of every bit deputizing for the others. During the era before the advent of Christianity with its concomitant maxim that Jesus Christ was the mediator betwixt human in addition to God, the belief was that it was necessary to overstep requests to the supreme or Almighty God through lesser gods.
Thus, the introduce generations have got inherited in addition to are stoutly maintaining our civilisation in addition to customs every bit handed downwardly to us yesteryear our fore-bearers.
On this same eve of Afahye 24-hour interval in that location are bonfires all the Asafo companies for newly installed Asafohenfo. This does non select identify at their posts similar events, but at some of the numerous schoolhouse parks scattered inwards the municipality. For illustration Intsin No. 3 companionship holds theirs at the A. M. E. Zion School Park at Aboom.
During these bonfires, novel Asafohenfo are expected to display in addition to confirm their combatitive spirits or bravery every bit good every bit their readiness to Pb their people inwards times of crisis. This is demonstrated yesteryear jumping over flames with others ostensibly beingness possessed yesteryear their ancestral spirits patch performing spectacular feats yesteryear walking through the embers of the dismiss barefooted every bit was the instance inwards 1989 yesteryear the African-American Asafo Akyereba. The next day, people were actually amazed to reckon her on the durbar grounds with no bums on her feet!
While the bonfire shows are inwards progress, various brass bands in addition to Kolomashie songs (local folk music constituted yesteryear band instruments playing indigenous stone music) volition live playing through the streets of town. Bands displace from spots of 1 bonfire gathering to another, providing others with alive music to ginger upward their spirits for a change.
The Afahye 24-hour interval takes identify on Saturday, the 1st of September. This is preceded early on inwards the 24-hour interval (by 8:30am) yesteryear the colorful plough out of the Asafo companies inwards the procession of the Omanhen, Chiefs, in addition to people of Oguaa
Traditional Area from Mfantsipim junction through Kotokuraba Road, connecting upward through Commercial Street, so current of air their way yesteryear Royal Lane to Victoria Park, the durbar ground. On arrival at the Durbar Grounds, the Omanhen goes about to admit seasonal greetings in addition to thank you lot from the guests.
He later sits inwards province to have the special invitee speaker. After Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II in addition to his chiefs have got returned the Guest Speaker’s felicitations, in that location is the pouring of libation yesteryear Omankyeame followed yesteryear the Omanhen’s welcome address. The invitee Speaker so addresses the gathering with the colorful display of Asafo companies bringing downwardly the drapery on this good acclaimed Grand Durbar.
Modernization has brought nigh the introduction of the special Afahye State Dance at the Cape Coast Town Hall with the crowning
of Miss Afahye during the peace of the nighttime when folkloric dances of the former times play on the Sabbatum eve of the Afahye. Following Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II with all his traditional chiefs, Asafohenfo in addition to elders volition circular off the festival with a Thanksgiving Service at the Chapel Square on Sunday.
Later inwards the afternoon in that location volition live a football game tally at Siwdu Park, which is most oft betwixt local rivals, such every bit the Cape Coast Mysterious Dwarfs in addition to Cape Venomous Vipers. Another fun lawsuit that takes identify on Dominicus is the beach party. The whole Fetu Afahye celebration is so rounded off with a coming together betwixt Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, the Afahye Committee in addition to the various representatives of the Oguaa Akoto Societies.
This modern interpretation of our cherished festival has larn real of import inwards the human face of recent confrontations betwixt religious groups, especially Christians in addition to Muslims, because when it comes to the observation of sure enough rites concerning our traditional festivals, they claim these observances are fetish.
However, it is hoped that this contemporary exposition volition move a long way to disabuse this notion. Further, they should empathize that during ancient times when in that location were non whatever safety forcefulness or police push clitoris to enforce socio-political norms, Asafo Companies maintained peace in addition to security. During this fourth dimension in that location was a demand for these norms in addition to taboos to live backed yesteryear religious sanction (as Asafo Companies were) inwards the absence of police push clitoris inwards monastic tell for laws to live obeyed in addition to accepted yesteryear society.
Emancipation Day Celebration
Introduction
The Emancipation Day is a 24-hour interval laid aside to commemorate the incidence of injustice in addition to atrocities meted out to all dark people inwards the diaspora in addition to all other human beingness through whatever shape of slavery during the catamenia of the abominable Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Hitherto, the 24-hour interval had been commemorated mainly inwards the Caribbean Area countries.
Republic of Ghana has thus larn the foremost African province to grade Emancipation Day. This was made possible during a see to the Caribbeans yesteryear a Government delegation when the thought for Ghanaians to commemorate the 24-hour interval was discussed in addition to approved.
Emancipation Day essentially dwells on the memorable August 1, 1834 when the British Government yesteryear an Act of Parliament, abolished Slave Trade in addition to slavery inwards all its colonies. This legislation brought to an destination this barbaric in addition to inhuman activity.
Abolishing the slave merchandise meant slaves were beingness farther emancipated from physical (beating with hot irons); mental (banning of native language, culture, religious belief in addition to history – changing the way of perceiving things); social in addition to genetic (raping women with the added sick of turning children of raped African women against their ain household unit of measurement members) in addition to tortures.
Ghana’s Emancipation Day was foremost celebrated with a serial of week-long activities betwixt 25th July in addition to 2nd August, 1998. As portion of the activities to commemorate the event, a “Matyrs Day Interment of the Runaway Slave” was held at Assin Manso inwards the Assin District of the Central Region on 31st, July 1998.
Assin Manso was selected for its long history with the Slave Trade in addition to its identification every bit the location of the slave marketplace with evidence of the activity inwards several unmarked graves in addition to the Slave River. The town is also inevitable every bit a landmark on the Slave Route Project to link the slave markets inwards the northward in addition to other places inwards Republic of Ghana to the Cape Coast in addition to Elmina Castle, every bit the cardinal dot during the slave trade.
With Assin Manso in addition to the district similar a shot placed on the map of the World, the surface area volition move along to attract visitors all over the world to the town, the District, the Cape Coast Municipality in addition to Elmina. Emancipation, however, is real much participated inwards yesteryear Africans, African-Americans, Jamaicans in addition to other blacks inwards the diaspora, who recognize Africa every bit their ancestoral home, in addition to Republic of Ghana every bit their identify of embarkation into the world at large. Unlike PANAFEST, Emancipation is held annually.
Tourism Attractions
Ghana’s stocks of historic in addition to traditional buildings are 2d to none inwards the Sub-Saharan Africa. These monuments are protected yesteryear legislation, in addition to are properly cared for yesteryear the GMMB, inwards whose custody they are. Of those national monuments, ii groups have got been designated yesteryear UNESCO, nether the World Heritage Convention [to which Republic of Ghana was 1 of the foremost African countries to subscribe], every bit World Heritage Monuments: the groups of forts in addition to castles inwards the in addition to the grouping of Asante traditional buildings [Obosomfie, or ‘fetish houses’].
Of all the cities in addition to towns of Ghana, Cape Coast, the upper-case missive of the alphabet of the Gold Coast colony until 1877 has the most extensive surviving historic gist of pre- 1900 building, in addition to the greatest potential for revitalization in addition to economical regeneration through repair, rehabilitation, in addition to where necessary, reconstruction, of the existing edifice stock. A Visual survey carried out some years ago, inwards association with the Urban Conservation Study commissioned yesteryear CEDECOM from the Department of Architecture of UST, Kumasi, identified nigh 750 no longer habitable rooms inwards the existing housing stock inwards the historic core, contained inside Beulah Lane, Aboom Road, Aboom Wells, Kotokuraba Road, Ashanti Road, Sam Road, in addition to the coastline betwixt the Town Hall in addition to Amanful Methodist Church.
Cape Coast is an ancient in addition to historic town: in addition to its role inwards Ghana’s history a long in addition to honourable one, despite its soundless evident associations with the slave trade. Although a dependency of the Fante province of Fetu inwards the xvi century, the marketplace of Oguaa was flourishing when William Towerson , the English linguistic communication navigator, visited ‘Don John’s town’ inwards 1555, in addition to when Paul de Marees documented it inwards 1600. Future generations of Ghanaian schoolhouse children ought to live able to written report the roots of their country’s evolution every bit a modern land yesteryear visiting its historic sites, in addition to places associated with key figures inwards Ghanaian history.
For many years, the Castle has served every bit an educational resource, a role beingness significantly extended in addition to heighten nether the introduce Natural Resource Conservation in addition to Historic Preservation Project, funded yesteryear USAID, every bit portion of the Central Region Integrated Development Programme. But the town, that has grown upward over the yesteryear 3 hundred years, exterior the walls of the Castle, has hardly begun to live exploited every bit an educational resource. There is hence the demand for an integrated tourism in addition to local economical evolution programme to live developed for Cape Coast to harness the potentials of the town.
Besides the Castle in addition to Forts in addition to related Historic Buildings in addition to attractions, the Municipality could also boast of an Ostrich Farm at Efutu Mampong, Wetlands for birds at Duakor, Crocodile Pond at Bebianeha (Hans Cottage), Lagoons in addition to Good beaches available for development.
Tourism is a service-based manufacture and, every bit such, has been an of import factor inwards service-sector growth. Tourism is also a composite manufacture product, which has real strong linkages with many sectors of the economy. In Ghana, tourism is the most apace growing sub-sector of the service sector. In 1993, the services sector’s contribution to gross domestic product was 46.5% every bit against 41.5% for agriculture. In 2002 the service sector grew yesteryear 4.7%, the same for manufacture but to a greater extent than than the 4.1 % registered yesteryear agriculture.
Tourism, which inwards the 1970’s was completely insignificant inwards the national accounts, has similar a shot grown to live the 3rd largest earner of unusual exchange, after mining in addition to cocoa sub-sectors. Indeed, it is similar a shot the largest growing manufacture inwards the services sector.
The tourism manufacture provides nigh 10% of total annual unusual telephone commutation in addition to has engaged upward to 400,000 people inwards direct in addition to back upward services. Ghana’s serious approach to developing tourism potential is manifested inwards her annual tourist arrivals.
In 1994, Ghana’s tourist arrivals of 208,000 was 2d to Senegal inwards the West African Sub-region. In 2001 the issue rose to 400,000, bringing inwards about $400 million. In the African region, Republic of Ghana ranks 8 inwards unusual telephone commutation earnings from tourism in addition to ranks 3rd to Namibia in addition to South Africa inwards the charge per unit of measurement of growth of the tourism industry. The Central Region has a comparative payoff inwards tourism potential. This is seen mainly inwards heritage tourism, including the following:
Historical heritage efforts in addition to castles along its coastal line,
Ancient traditions, festivals in addition to artisan products,
Unique natural heritage of pristine ecological systems that have got been preserved every bit National Parks for eco-tourism promotion, e.g. the Kakum National Park.
The Cape Coast Municipal Area is fortunate to live the cardinal focus of all tourist activitiesof the Central Region. Activities either emanate from Cape Coast or they destination inwards Cape Coast resulting inwards the improvement of the local economic scheme through tourist expenditure.The Cape Coast Castle is 1 of 3 of Ghana’s World-Class historic structures. The other ii are Elmina Castle in addition to Fort St. Jago.
Other tourist activities are far advanced towards enhancing total tourism evolution inwards the region. Some of these are the protection of 360sqkms of tropical wood known every bit Kakum/Assin Attandanso Forest in addition to Game Park.
Current Tourism Development inwards Cape Coast
Tourism inwards the Central Region is based on ii of import regional resources -the historic castles in addition to forts, in addition to the Kakum/Attandanso Natural Forest in addition to Park. These major attractive sites give ascension to the demand in addition to patronage of hotels in addition to restaurants.
The Cape Coast Castle is 1 of 3 castles in addition to forts given the World Heritage protection, conservation in addition to preservation status. This was done through a grant of $5.6 1000000 signed on August 27, 1991 yesteryear USAID/GHANA in addition to Mid West Universities Consortium for International Resource Conservation in addition to Historic Preservation Project (NRCHP).
The Kakum/Attandano Natural Forest in addition to Park is nether the National Resource Conservation factor of the projection whilst the Castles in addition to Fort St. Jago comprise the Historic Preservation Component (HP). The Cape Coast Castle inwards particular, has undergone a lot of physical evolution focusing on exterior wall rendering, lime washing in addition to replacement of windows.
The most important interior evolution has been the training of museum rooms. No doubtfulness visitors of dissimilar nationalities in addition to categories move along to live attracted to Cape Coast in addition to Elmina castles. In 2001, expatriates inwards Republic of Ghana accounted for nearly 10% of the total domestic visitors compared to 5% inwards 1995. Generally, it has to live said that visitations to the ii castles have got improved substantially since 1994.
Cape Coast town boast of illustrious sons in addition to daughters that were movers in addition to shakers of Gold Coast in addition to similar a shot Ghana`s socio-economic in addition to political powers. Some of their people are:
Rev. Dr. Philip Quarcoo: 1741-1816; foremost African clergy of the Church of England.
Dr. Samuel George Duker: 1905-1994; LRCP Edin LRCS Edin LRFPS Glasg; pioneering physician
Hon. Robert Hutchison: 1828-1863; statesman, soldier, philanthropist.
Hon. John Sarbah: 1834-1892; educationist, merchant, industrialist.
Rev. Mark Christian Hayford: 1863-1935; author, founder of Gold Coast Baptist Church in addition to the Christian Army of the Gold Coast.
Rev. Samuel Richard Brew Attoh-Ahuma: 1863-1921; clergyman, nationalist, pioneering Pan-Africanist.
John Coleman de-Graft Johnson: 1884-1956; secretarial assistant of Native Affairs, anthropologist.
Prophet Jemisimiham Jehu-Appiah: 1892-1948; founder of Musama Disco Christo Church inwards Africa.
William Esuman Gwira Kobina Sekyi: 1892-1956; lawyer, politician, author.
Thomas Frederic Edward Jones: 1850-1927; petitioned Queen Victoria nigh Lands Bill.
Hon. James Cheetham: 1834-1902; merchant, fellow member of the Legislative Council of the Gold Coast.
Thomas Frederic Edward Jones: 1850-1927; petitioned Queen Victoria nigh Lands Bill.
Rev. Andrew William Parker: 1840-1912; conscientious nationalist, fought inwards the Ashanti Expedition.
Joseph Peter Brown: 1843-1932; patriot, statesman.
Prince James Hutton Brew: 1844-1915; solicitor.
Henry Van Hein: 1858-1928; President of the Aboriginal Rights Protection Society.
Hon. William Ward-Brew, OBE: 1878-1943; lawyer, VP of Aborigines' Rights Protection Society.
George Edward Moore: 1879-1950; recipient of the Ashanti Medal, executive fellow member of the Aborigines' Rights Protection Society.
John Mensah-Sarbah 1864-1910; barrister, author, published Fanti Customary Laws.
Charles Emmanuel Graves: 1884-1929; musicologist, composer.
Sir James Henley Coussey, KBE: 1895-1958; High Court judge, chairman of the Coussey Commission, president of the West Africa Court of Appeal.
Kofi Bentsi-Enchill: 1895-1948; textiles tycoon, philanthropist.
Dr. Henry Mercer-Ricketts: 1895-1980; MB ChB Edin; pioneering physician.
King John Aggery Essien: 1809-1899; King of Cape Coast, pioneer Pan-Africanist.
Chief James Robert Thompson: 1810-18-86; pioneering educationist
Beautiful Cape Coast Fante kids inwards their traditional dress
Cape Coast which is situated on its southward to the Gulf of Republic of Guinea was originally a Guan settlement that has been swallowed yesteryear Fante people in addition to similar a shot reckon themselves every bit total blooded Fantes has from the 16th century changed hands betwixt the British, the Portuguese, the Swedish, the Danish in addition to the Dutch.
Oguaa traditional priests procession during Oguaa Fetu festival inwards Cape Coast, Ghana
Some of the towns inside Cape Coast are: Cape Coast (Pedu/Abora)» Cape Coast (Cape Vars/Ola) » Ekon »Nkanfoa » Kakomdo » Effutu » Akotokyere » Ankaful Village » Anto Essuekyir » Kokoado » Amamuma » Nyinasin » Duakor » Koforidua » Mpeasem » and Amisano etc
The traditional vernacular mention of Cape Coast is Oguaa, from the Fante give-and-take "Gua" pregnant 'market.' The traditions of root of the indigenous inhabitants of the town assert that the Fetu state, of which Cape Coast, Oguaa, is the principal town, was founded yesteryear the Guan, in all likelihood during the thirteenth or fourteenth centuries. More recent immigration of Fante from the Techiman surface area took identify during the fifteenth to eighteenth centuries.
President Obama in addition to her household unit of measurement at Cape Coast Slave Castle beingness led yesteryear Mr Fritz Barffour.
It is believed that Michelle Obama, U.S. First Lady, considers Cape Coast every bit her ancestral home, in addition to on xi July 2009, she took the residual of the foremost household unit of measurement to tour Cape Coast Castle every bit portion of her husband's trip to Cape Coast.
University of Cape Coast, Ghana
Cape Coast is known every bit the Citadel of Education inwards Gold coast (Ghana) in addition to West Africa in addition to is the topographic point of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Ghana's leading academy inwards teaching in addition to research. Cape Vars, every bit it is popularly called, lies on a loma overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It also has 1 of the best Polytechnics inwards Cape Coast Polytechnic (C-POLY).
Adisadel College, 1 of the Cape Coast finest in addition to best schools inwards Ghana.
The urban center also boasts some of Ghana's finest in addition to best secondary in addition to technical schools: Wesley Girls' High Schoo, St. Augustine College, Mfantsipim School (Former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan attended this school), Adisadel College, Aggrey Memorial Senior High School, Republic of Ghana National College, Holy Child Secondary School, Cape Coast Technical Institute in addition to many more.
Cape Coast people dancing at Fetu festival
The surface area is dominated yesteryear batholith stone in addition to is by in addition to large undulating with steep slopes. There are valleys of various streams betwixt the hills, with Kakum beingness the largest stream. The pocket-sized streams destination inwards wetlands, the largest of which drains into the Fosu Lagoon at Bakano. In the northern portion of the district, however, the landscape is suitable for the tillage of various crops
Cape Coast mmensoun (horn) blowers
Demographic Characteristics
Settlement Pattern
The Cape Coast Metropolitan Area had 71 settlements in-1984. Cape Coast was the only noticeable urban centre inwards the Metropoli tan surface area inwards 1984 with a population of 65,763. The 2000, Population in addition to Housing Census returned a figure of 82,291 for the town.
Oguaa people at Cape Coast Beach
Ekon (3,443, Nkanfoa (2,995), Kakomdo (2,628) in addition to Effutu (2,214) are the other fairly large settlements but make non possess whatever urban status every bit yet. Smaller service centres are also emerging such every bit Apewosika (1,547), Ankaful (1,592), Kwaprow (1,473), Essuekyir (1,453), Akotokyere (1,605) in addition to Anto Esuakyir (1,557).
Kakum National Park
The Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly surface area is synonymous with a City District. This is because Cape Coast is the most populous settlement inwards the district with a hierarchy of functions that brand it the nervus centre of economical activity for both the district in addition to the region. About 6% of settlements inwards the Metropolitan Area including Cape Coast, Ekon in addition to Nkanfoa in addition to Kakomdo concern human relationship for nearly 85% of the population of the entire district. Out of the 71 settlements inwards the Municipal area, 54 or 76% of them have got population less than 1,000 persons in addition to concern human relationship for only 10% of the district’s population. Thirty of the settlements (43%) have got population less than 100 persons.
This segment of the settlements accounts for around 2% of the total population. Table 2. gives a summary of the xx largest settlements inwards the district. It is clear that quite a few settlements have got thrived whilst others have got had their populations reducing slightly.
Kotokuraba market, Cape Coast
Housing
Housing is relatively a issue 1 occupation which the CCMA needs to tackle tactfully, promptly in addition to efficiently to enable the municipality in addition to the entire Central Region to live abreast with time. Residential terra firma surface area constitutes a sizeable portion of the terra firma exercise of the Municipality.However, in that location are distinct variations inwards housing character with the various residential areas. The foremost shape residential areas are mostly located inwards terra firma areas that are province owned.
Ariel persuasion of former Cape Coast settlement
These substantial residential areas , including the Ridges, the University of Cape Coast in addition to the various estates developed yesteryear the State Housing Company (SHC) Limited are meliorate serviced with relatively skillful roads, adequate powerfulness render in addition to skillful H2O services. Plot sizes are large with skillful landscape designs every bit good every bit create clean environment.This is to live contrasted with the older parts of the metropolis every bit good every bit the rural areas where houses are by in addition to large of depression character in addition to environmental weather are unsatisfactory. The areas are poorly serviced inwards price of water, powerfulness in addition to telecommunications facilities.
Cape Coast Legion beach close the Castle
Plot sizes are real little in addition to characterized yesteryear unplanned development, high province of disrepair in addition to dingy surroundings. Most of the structures have got outlived their historic catamenia in addition to purposes in addition to are similar a shot a blight to the surrounding areas. These have got largely been the domain in addition to habitation of the pathetic in addition to require upgrading through sound planning in addition to infrastructural provisions.
It is believed that the Social Security in addition to National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) Housing Project for workers at the neighbouring Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem District would move a long way towards ameliorating the electrical current housing occupation facing the Assembly. However, the vision of the CCMA is to attract individual sector partnership for accelerated growth of the housing industry. The State Housing Company (SHC) intends to provide to a greater extent than affordable in addition to choice forms of housing, peculiarly for the Municipality’s ever-growing population.
Kotokuraba Market Road, Cape Coast
The CCMA is looking for individual investors in addition to existent estate developers to play a important role inwards housing construction inwards the Municipality, including a City Centre Development Scheme with planned parking in addition to recreational / leisure spaces. There is also immense investible opportunities for Home Finance, Production of Housing materials, Plant Hiring Facilities in addition to the provision of services.
Fetish priest, Cape Coast
Population size
The population of the Cape Coast Metropolitan surface area (excluding Aggrey Memorial Zion Secondary School) was 54,123 inwards 1960 in addition to 69,495 inwards 1970, giving an inter-censal increment of 28.40%. In 1984 in addition to 2000 the population increased 1 time again to 84,477 in addition to 118,106 respectively, indicating a substantial increment of 39.8% for the 14-year period. The population grew at a charge per unit of measurement of 22% betwixt 1960 in addition to 1970, dropped sharply to 13% betwixt 1970 in addition to 1984 in addition to so rose to 20% betwixt 1984 in addition to 2000.
In 1984, the population of the Metropolitan surface area was 7.5% of the Central Region’s population, but this declined slightly to 7.4 inwards the 2000 Population in addition to Housing Census. Giving the introduce charge per unit of measurement of growth of the population, it is projected that the Metropolitan area’s portion of the Region’s population would non alter significantly inwards the few years ahead. Cape Coast Metropolitan with its 82,291 inhabitants has a disproportionate portion of the Municipal inwards price of both landmass in addition to population.
The town has expanded since 1984 when it returned a population of 65,763 compared with 56,601 inwards 1970. The expansion has virtually engulfed both Pedu in addition to Abura; ii previously satellite villages that are similar a shot almost portion of the urbanised area. The whole Metropolitan surface area is constrained yesteryear availability of terra firma for farming in addition to development. The province of affairs is worse inwards Cape Coast town because of its hilly in addition to undulating topography.
Fisherman mending his cyberspace at Legion Mpoano, Cape Coast
Age-Sex distribution
The male/female ratio is 94.4:100. In 1984, in that location were 42, 855 males every bit against 42,583 females inwards the Municipal area, giving a sexual practice ratio of 100 males to 101 females at the time. In 2000 the figures were 57,367 males in addition to 60,741 females.
Although the larger woman mortal population reflects the national pattern, the phenomenon inwards this metropolis may live attributed firstly to a higher manly mortal out-migration rate; in addition to secondly, to the apace urbanizing nature of he Metropolitan surface area which encourages economically active females to rest dorsum in addition to engage inwards small-scale economical activities. The population pyramid indicates that the Metropolis is largely characterized yesteryear a youthful population with those nether 15-year accounting for 42.2% of the total population. Females fairly out-number males inwards each age-cohort except that of the 0-14 historic catamenia cohort. The ageing cohort (ie.65+) is relatively normal with a tapering of the pyramid at the top, signifying a full general bell-shaped pyramid feature of developing areas. The nature of the population requires that programmes are youth-centred. However, this does non preclude the provision of programmes for the aged such every bit social security, pension in addition to welfare schemes.
Settlement Pattern
The Cape Coast Metropolis has 71 settlements. Cape Coast Township (core) was the only noticeable urban centre inwards the Metropolis inwards 1984 with a population of 65,763. The 2000 Population in addition to Housing census returned a figure of 82,291 for the township. Ekon (3,443), Nkanfoa (2,995), Kakomdo (2,628) in addition to Efutu (2,214) are the other fairly large settlements but make non possess whatever urban status every bit yet. Smaller service centres are also emerging such every bit Apewosika (1,547), Ankaful (1,592), Kwaprow (1,473), Esuekyir (1,453), Akotokyer (1,605) in addition to Anto Esuekyir (1,557).
The Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly surface area is synonymous with a City District. This is because Cape Coast Township is the most populous settlement inwards the Metropolis with a hierarchy of functions that brand it the nervus centre of economical activity for both the District in addition to the Region.About 6% of settlements inwards the Metropolis including Cape Coast, Ekon in addition to Nkafoa in addition to Kakomdo concern human relationship for nearly 85% of the population of the entire Metropolis. Out of the 71 settlements inwards the Metropolitan area, 54 or 76% of them have got populations less that 1,000 persons in addition to concern human relationship for only 10% of the metropolis population. Thirty of the settlements (43%) have got populations of less than 100 persons.
Rural-urban split
The Metropolitan Assembly surface area has a peculiar rural-urban scenario. Cape Coast has been the only urban centre inwards the district since 1960. By 1984 the rural-urban split for the district was 32.3:67.7 every bit against 71.2:28.8 for the part in addition to 63.1:36.9 for the nation.
In the 2000 Population in addition to Housing Census, the rural-urban returns changed slightly to 30.3:69.7 for the metropolis, 62.5:37.5 for the part in addition to 56.2:43.8 for the country. These figures signal that the Metropolitan Assembly surface area is to a greater extent than urbanised than the part in addition to the land respectively, in addition to whatever evolution programme ought to select this into consideration inwards formulating its activities.
Drinking Water
Safe H2O render in addition to sanitation are essential components of whatever intervention programme designed to secure sustained household unit of measurement health. Lack of potable H2O predisposes the population to various preventable diseases.
Fortunately, the Metropolis is quite good served with potable drinking water. All communities inwards the metropolis are served with pipe-borne H2O from the conventional handling flora at Brimsu. Rural supplies shape only 1% of the drinking H2O scheme inwards the Metropolitan surface area in addition to these areas are also good catered for.
Cape Coast woman
Symbol in addition to Appellations of Oguaa (Cape Coast)
Fantse Kasa (language) English linguistic communication version
Oguaa Akoto Oguaa Crabs
Akoto dwerdwerba a Tiny nimble crabs
Woda ban etu ano; guarding their hole
Eduasa a wanye apem koe a, The 30 that fought with thousand, but
Apem enntum hon. the thou could non triumph over them.
Eyee Oguaa den What would you lot make to Oguaa
Na Oguaa annye wo bi! And Oguaa would non make to you?
Oguaa Akoto symbol at London Bridge, Cape Coast
The Crab In Oguaa’s Appellation And Its Emblem
Oguaa Akoto literally translated, way Oguaa crabs. Small, sagacious crabs; the 30 that triumphed over thousands. What would you lot make for Oguaa that it would non homecoming inwards kind? This lucrative enterprise developed along a current referred to every bit "Kotowuraba" or crab stream. The dealers inwards crabs referred to the "Bentsir" surface area inwards front end of the castle every bit "Gua" or marketplace patch the inland hamlet was named "Kotokoraba." Literally, "Ban" way Wall /Castle in addition to "Tsir" way Head or Nkum which is coined from "Nkotum Ekum" or "you cannot kill me." Hence, the town’s residents decided to give credit to the crab in addition to its trade, which established the town-not gold-thus "Oguaa Akoto." Having regard to the nature of the "Kotowuraba" or crab stream, "Nana Kotowuraba" became 1 of the earliest gods of Oguaa, which were reputed to attention for the good beingness of the people.
Twafohembaa of Cape Coast
This current is similar a shot a large drain running from Kotokuraba through London Bridge, Anaafu, in addition to into the sea. Though non given much prominence these days, legend has it that the slaughtering of the bull during the Sultanate of Oman Purification Rites at Prapratam was instituted to commemorate a historic lawsuit when a fellow sacrificed himself inwards "Kotowuraba" to atone for the sins of Oguaa inwards monastic tell to abate a plaque which had beset the town.
The crab also symbolizes military machine tactics used inwards the wars against the Ashanti inwards 1806, 1811, 1814, 1816, 1823 -1824, 1863, 1873 -1874 in addition to 1896. These culminated inwards the claim of the 30 that triumphed over the thousand. It is this powerfulness of the crab to defend itself with cunning in addition to bravery that is symbolized inwards the Cape Coast Crab.
Osabarima Nana Kwesi Atta Oguaa Manhen
As Osaberima Kwesi Atta Oguaa Manhen explained "We are real hospitable but tin also larn vicious when attacked. We gave lands to whites to build the castle in addition to schools, but also led the struggle towards the attainment of independence. Further, nosotros were the foremost topographic point of regime in addition to correspond the cradle of pedagogy inwards Ghana. What volition you lot make to Oguaa that it volition non homecoming inwards kind"?
Queen woman nurture (Twafo division) of Cape Coast inwards her Palanquin
Background History
One schoolhouse of thought claim that the traditional mention of Cape Coast, ‘Oguaa’, which is soundless inwards use, is derived from the Fante give-and-take ‘gua’ (market). During the fourth dimension of Portuguese colonization, Oguaa was named Cabo Corso (Short Cape). Later the mention was changed yesteryear the English linguistic communication to Cape Coast.
Cape Coast Kotokuraba Road. Circa 1910
However, the to a greater extent than convincing evidence shows that Oguaa was a Guan settlement in addition to later got assimilated yesteryear the overwhelming industrious Akans from Bono kingdom who later became known every bit Fantsefo. "Oguaa kingship, it has been explicitly claimed though non substantiated, was patrilineal until the deposition of Omanhen (King) Kofi Amissa inwards 1856, after which matrilineal succession became the vogue..."
"Cape Coast, route to Kotokraba (Hausa town). Circa 1911
Indeed Oguaa was founded yesteryear a Guan (Fetu/Efutu) hunter yesteryear mention Gua, who foremost witnessed the ocean "from the Hill on which the Wesleyan Chapel stands." The give-and-take Oguaa evolved from "egua" inwards the Awutu-be (Effutu) or Guan that way a marketplace or marketplace place. In fact, the site where Bondzie Osimpam in addition to his Awutu-abe people after migrating from Dwoma (Mumford) camped upon reaching Simpa (Winneba) Tsitsitsii eguaso or the ancient market-place or site. The "egua": give-and-take proved that Fante linguistic communication is a borrowed 1 from Awutu in addition to Etsii people the fante came to reckon hence their mention "Fa etsii kasa fo" similar a shot corrupted to Fantsefo.
Cape Coast principal with his married adult woman in addition to subjects. Circa 1911
The collapse of the ancient Republic of Ghana Empire inwards the Sudan, westward of the Niger bed, laid inwards motion a moving ridge of migration southward about the twelfth century. Among the various groups of people that moved southward inwards search of habitable lands were the Fetu (Efutu).
Cape Coast native Fante pastors of Wesleyan Mission. Circa 1910
The kingdom they eventually founded after moving southward through Techiman in addition to Adansi (Akrokeri) dates dorsum to the 14th century, with Efutu which is situated nigh twelve miles northward of introduce Cape Coast every bit its capital.
Legend has it that an early on manly mortal monarch of the Fetu had every bit his principal delicacy, crabs which he tasked his people to provide inwards copious quantities. It was inwards search of this delicacy to delight the king, that his people stumbled on a sheltered bay at the beach, protected yesteryear stone outcrops in addition to yesteryear little running H2O filled with fishes.
Here, they found sufficient quantities of crabs they desired. Some of the people later settled downwardly hither in addition to named the spot ‘Kotoworaba’ (crab hamlet), similar a shot adulterated to ‘Kotokuraba’.
The stone was given the mention Tabir (or Taabi) in addition to till today 1 of the 7 titular gods of Oguaa (Cape Coast). As fourth dimension went by, a little settlement in addition to a marketplace developed at Kotokuraba at which the telephone commutation of other commodities came into beingness too the crab catching occupation.
Cape Coast stylish adult woman with a unique hairstyle. Circa 1910
The mention of Kotokuraba survives till today every bit the biggest marketplace inwards Cape Coast. As a resultant of this development, large numbers of traders from far in addition to close converged at the surface area to sell in addition to purchase wares, in addition to the mention of the settlement became Oguaa.
It must live stated that the Fantes that foremost made incursion to Oguaa were mostly Anomabo people who tin live found today from Anaafo, Jejemu, Savoy,Enyitsewdo, Papratem, to Legion, London Bridge in addition to Kawanopaado areas. The Eguafo, Kommenda in addition to Elmina (also Guans but similar a shot Fantes) people also came to settle about Brenu Akyiam, Ola beach side, Bakaano, Asokyeano in addition to University of Cape Coast surroundings. Then in that location was influx of Denkyira (especially Jukwa) in addition to Twifo people who later came to settle inwards Abura (where Fantes from Abora where already settled) in addition to areas about Wesley Girls High School. This explained why some Cape Coasters deport Akan (Twi) sounding names.
Aristocratic Cape Coast Fante Woman. Circa 1897
All these migrant engaged inwards merchandise until 1555 when the foremost English linguistic communication manifest reached the Gulf of Guinea, in addition to William Towerson landed at Oguaa. He initiated a catamenia of merchandise betwixt the Europeans in addition to the people of Fetu. Around 1600, a Portuguese grouping acquired a plot of terra firma at Oguaa for 64 shillings, paid for inwards goods in addition to built a Castle on the Rock, Tabir which was a sand structure.
Cape Coast adult woman with her awesome hairstyle. Circa 1910
In 1637 the Castle was occupied yesteryear the Dutch who eventually extended it. For the next 27 years it was occupied inwards turns yesteryear the Swedes, the Danes, in addition to 1 time again yesteryear the Dutch until finally inwards 1664 the English linguistic communication took possession of it, with Robert Holmes every bit leader of a articulation forcefulness of English linguistic communication in addition to Danes.
Cape Coast women. Circa 1910
Between the 17th in addition to 19th centuries, at the peak of the Slave Trade until its abolition, Cape Coast Castle which was 1 of the main merchandise posts, played a real of import in addition to historic role.
Cape Coast Muslims, Circa 1910
Besides their duties every bit warriors, the members of the asafo companies were oft assigned to undertake civic responsibilities in addition to also detailed for civil purposes during peaceful periods – they soundless be today.
With the business of the Castle yesteryear the English, the importance of Cape Cast every bit an administrative in addition to commercial centre increased rapidly. Several merchant organizations established their headquarters there.
The 18th century was relatively a serenity catamenia of consolidation, during which Cape Coast enjoyed growing wealth in addition to expansion. However, reverse to this development, the province of affairs inwards Cape Coast became insecure due to the increasing growing inwards importance of the Ashanti Kingdom inland with its upper-case missive of the alphabet Kumasi. And inwards 1805, the Ashantis conquered Cape Coast town, but they failed to capture the Castle.
The belatedly Governor Maxwell, Hausa troops returning from Kumasi to Cape Coasti after 2nd Ashanti Expedition
In monastic tell to stop whatever farther inroads into what they considered their protectorate, the English linguistic communication built ii to a greater extent than fortifications, Fort William (first called Smith’s Tower) on Dawson Hill inwards 1820 in addition to Fort McCarthy on a loma northeast of the Castle inwards 1822. Fort William soundless exists, in addition to is referred to similar a shot every bit the ‘light house’ because the Railway in addition to Ports Authority later used it as a Light House. Fort McCarthy has nevertheless vanished.
Under Governor McCarthy, the English linguistic communication tried to drive the Ashantis back, but the troops were defeated in addition to Cape Coast town cruel a 2d fourth dimension inwards 1824. At Dodowa inwards 1826, however, the Ashantis were defeated, in addition to nether Governor McLean, Cape Coast recovered exclusively in addition to expanded again.
Cape Coast Ashanti Road. Circa 1910
The headquarters of the Wesleyan Mission was so established inwards 1835, in addition to many substantial buildings including the Wesleyan Chapel were after bult. In 1850 the English linguistic communication acquired the Danish prosperities inwards West Africa in addition to inwards the Treaty of Breda inwards 1872 the Dutch also ceded their possessions to the English, who eventually made a strong expedition nether Sir Garnet Wolseley against the Ashantis inwards 1873, leading to the capture of Kumasi inwards Feb 1874.
Stylish Fante adult woman of Cape Coast. Circa 1897
Despite this of import victory albeit, the years after saw Cape Coast deteriorate to an extent the effects of which are soundless beingness manifested today. Under Governor Dr. Rowe, from 1876 – 1877 the topographic point of the Colonial Government of the Gold Coast was transferred to Accra due to climatic in addition to other reasons. The foremost railway projection inwards the Gold Coast (running from the Castle 1 mile inwards the direction of Kumasi) was abandoned.
Cape Coast Back road. Circa 1911
Another of import catastrophe to befall Cape Coast was the construction of the Sekondi Harbour inwards 1888, in addition to the railway link betwixt Sekondi and Kumasi inwards 1903. until this time, Cape Coast had been the most of import port of the Gold Coast for the exportation of cocoa; but after this event, its importance diminished. In 1963 the port was finally closed down.
Mr Kwesi Brew, famous poet from Cape Coast
The establishment of the foremost Secondary School, Mfantsipim inwards the Gold Coast at Cape Coast seems to have got given a signal of some other promise of evolution which gives the town a dissimilar importance in addition to identity every bit the major educational middle of the nation.
Language, in addition to Culture
The people of Cape Coast similar all other Fante people on southern in addition to coastal portion of Republic of Ghana speak Fantse (Fante) language. They are portion of a larger ethnic grouping of people classified every bit Akans inwards Ghana. People who belong to other Ethnic groups in addition to are mostly immigrants similar the Ewes, Gas, Adas, Krobos, Nzemas, Twi-Speaking Akans, in addition to others from the Northern Republic of Ghana reside inwards the Municipality every bit farmers, fishermen, traders, regime workers, commercial drivers, fishermen, traders, regime workers, commercial drivers, in addition to artisans, with others. The entire Municipality constitutes 1 traditional surface area with the Oguaa Omanhen every bit the paramount chief.
The matrilineal scheme of inheritance is practiced. The extended family, otherwise known every bit “ebusua” or clan, is the footing of their social structure. The “odikro” or principal is the political caput of a town or village. The main festival celebrated inwards the Municipality is the Oguaa Fetu Afahye, which is celebrated inwards the foremost Sabbatum of September every year, is watched yesteryear people from all walks of lives, both far in addition to near.
Centre For National Culture
The Cape Coast Center for National Culture moved into its introduce premises inwards 1994. It is located on the Accra – Takoradi main highway, straight opposite the Parks in addition to Gardens’ offices.
Objectives:
(A) To promote, save in addition to projection Ghanaian Culture.
(B) To provide facilities for recreation in addition to entertainment.
The main units of the Centre are an sound visual consult, gramophone museum, eco-tourism consortium, a library, in addition to a theater for performance.
The Centre has, inwards addition, telephone services, a reception, in addition to conference rooms, facilities for performing artists in addition to offices for the personnel. The Centre also hosts the Biennial Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival (PANAFEST), which brings Africans both at habitation in addition to inwards the diaspora together.
The Centre commonly rents out the theater for commercial programmes at going economical rates.
Drummers
FETU AFAHYE
This is the annual festival of the people of Cape Coast (Oguaa Traditional Area). The root of Fetu Afahye dates dorsum to the Fetu Kingdom of the 17th century. The climax is observed on the foremost Sabbatum of September of every year, but every other year, it is merged with the PANAFEST Celebration.
It is usually a calendar week long celebration that precedes the harvest season. Its main purpose is to give thanks to the spirits of Fetu religious belief for the plentiful grab from the ocean in addition to the fruits of the earth, in addition to for their guidance in addition to protection inwards the yesteryear year. This yr 2013, saw the Fri before the main Sabbatum procession of chiefs, was declared every bit "Ekutu Da" (Orange Friday). On that 24-hour interval everybody wears orangish wearing clothing in addition to send parcels in addition to gifts inwards orangish colours.
Oguaa missy dancing at Fetu festival
Activities / Functions:
The ‘Afahye’ has its spiritual, cultural in addition to social significance. Spiritually, it is a fourth dimension for pouring libation to the 77 gods for the harvests from the world in addition to the sea; a catamenia of spiritual renewal for the community; in addition to a catamenia for the renovation for the shrines.
Culturally, however, it is a catamenia for exposition and outdooring of all traditional / social organizations.
Thus, the Asafo companies, 7 inwards all, inwards their multitude of colourful arrays, troop through the streets of Oguaa, with their acrobatic flag bearers in addition to Asafohenfo, or battalion commanders, drumming in addition to dancing in addition to contorting to intricate drum rhythm. Again, for a week, in that location is singing, drumming in addition to dancing inwards the streets of Cape Coast – a existent festive occasion for the entire community.
Socially, it is a fourth dimension for friends in addition to household unit of measurement re-union. There is also a week-long catamenia of carnival in addition to merrymaking celebrated with boat races, a province ball, dances, political speeches, a masquerade, a church building service, a marathon walk in addition to a football game match.
The festival has taken a novel expression inwards modern times, with visitors from all over the world beingness permitted to participate. This means, a much larger issue of people converging into Cape Coast in addition to its surrounding towns in addition to villages for the calendar week long ceremony.
Elder belongings Schnapp to brand libation whenever necessary to appease the gods
Regalia of Chiefs
Regalia of chiefs are of import artifacts inwards the Chieftaincy establishment in addition to inwards Ghanaian society. The exercise of regalia (ornaments of gilded in addition to other items of splendor) brand the chiefs expression unique when they sit down inwards province on occasions such every bit a durbar of chiefs, festival celebrations in addition to other social gatherings.
Festival Carnival
To introduce the wealth in addition to pageantry associated with Akan chieftaincy, the Cape Coast Castle Museum commissioned the replication of regalia for chiefs in addition to queenmothers from the Denkyira surface area of the Central Region.
These replicate regalia included jewellery, sandals, crowns, umbrellas, fans, linguist staff (of various designs with meanings), in addition to palanquins.
Chief with his total regalia
Other original examples of royal regalia exhibited at the museum are province swords, “asimpim” chairs, stools in addition to royal drums drawn from the museum’s permanent collection.
These tin also live found at various palaces of chiefs.
Oguaa drummers
VALUES / CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS
Drumming in addition to Dancing
Drumming in addition to dancing shape an integral portion of the lives of the people inwards the Central Region, Cape Coast Municipality in addition to its environs. There is no durbar of chiefs that drumming in addition to dancing make non select identify to crown the occasion.
Oguaa adult woman performing their latest traditional teasing dance
Similarly, it volition live incomplete for the annual Festival, “Fetu Afahye” of Oguaa Traditional Area to live celebrated without “asafo” companies trooping out inwards procession attired inwards their colourful splendor. For instance, during the ’Afahye Festival’, the 7 Asafo companies, inwards their multitude of colourful arrays, troop through the streets of Oguaa.
Starting from companionship posts, with their acrobatic banner bearers in addition to Asafohenfo, or battalion commanders, they drum in addition to trip the calorie-free fantastic toe contorting to intricate drum rhythms. The drums talk, in addition to the banners are tale-teller of ancient glories. This offers amusement to the community in addition to visitors who are largely tourist.
There are various kinds of drums used yesteryear the Fantes (Cape Coasters) which are played on dissimilar occasions.
Traditional (Fetish) priest in addition to priestess
For example, the “ompe” drums are for amusement on secular, populace occasions in addition to for informal relaxation after a day’s work. The drums are played yesteryear specialist drummers, many of whom are fishermen. There are drums that also accompany community choral societies on religious occasions similar church building services such every bit the “tomtom” drum used yesteryear Choirs.
Fontomfrom drummers
Apart from these, calabash rattles, os in addition to ivory side-blown horns, Fe gongs in addition to a multifariousness of other drums in addition to instruments are played inwards the municipality for secular in addition to ritual occasions similar “Afahye Festival" in addition to funeral celebrations.
Birth in addition to Outdooring
The nascency of a kid inwards every gild is a joyous minute inwards the lives of household unit of measurement members in addition to the community at large. Cape Coasters inwards particular concord birthday in addition to outdooring ceremonies inwards high esteem.
It is an Akan custom to introduce the novel born kid to the community on the 8th 24-hour interval next the birth.
The “outdooring” in addition to naming ceremony starts when an elderberry of the father’s household unit of measurement pours libation. The kid is placed on the lap of the household unit of measurement elderberry who dips a finger 3 times into ii spectacles of H2O in addition to gin or schnapps (the preferred libation offering) in addition to puts drops on the natural language of the baby. Each fourth dimension he drops the liquid, H2O or alcohol on the natural language of the kid the elderberry says “nsu a Nsu”, Nsa a Nsa”, pregnant if water, water, if drink, drink.
This controversy exhorts the kid to live truthful, honest, objective in addition to firm, calling a spade, a spade. The elderberry also exhorts the kid to alive an honest in addition to upright life. He so announces the child’s mention publicly. The kid so receives the gathering’s congratulation; gifts are presented in addition to nutrient in addition to drinks are shared
with the gathering.
Cape Coast principal stool carriers
Funeral Rites
The funeral of the dead are highly revered in addition to deemed inseparable from the lives of Ghanaians. Death is seen every bit a natural phenomenon which is everywhere in addition to a portion of the cycle of life. An Akan saying confirms this: “Owu adar nndow faakor”, meaning, “the cutlass of expiry does non weed inwards 1 place”.
Cape Coast Asafo dancers
The communities’ mortuary practices are characterized yesteryear a prolonged catamenia of mourning in addition to a serial of rituals that grade the transition of a deceased from the living members of the household unit of measurement in addition to the community to a revered ancestral spirit, whose ties to the living are real much intact.
In contemporary Fante community (Southern Ghanaian) mortuary rites, it is mutual exercise for the trunk to prevarication inwards province for a 24-hour interval or to a greater extent than days (though modernity is changing the tendency to few hours or at most a day). While the trunk lies inwards state, mourners file yesteryear to pay their in conclusion abide by in addition to offering symbolic gifts (usually money, but tin also live gold, lather in addition to cloth) to the deceased for his / her afterlife.
Cape Coast immature girls
Traditional Administration
Traditional Administration of Cape Coast dates dorsum to the 1660s, in addition to is composed of the Omanhen (Paramount Chief), Ahenfo or Mpakamufo (chiefs of various grades or subordinate chiefs), Tufuhen (master of arms), Apanfo or Omanfo (counselors), Asafo-Mpanyinfo (heads of the various companies) in addition to Akyeame (spokesmen).
The Omanhen is the paramount principal of the town. Originally, the line succession was patrilineal, but this was later changed to matrilineal.
Oguaa Ahenfo (Chiefs)
Dates Rulers (title Omanhene)
1729 - 1770 Nana Brempong Codjo
1770 - 1780 Vacant
1780 - 1793 Nana Aggrey I
1793 - 1794 Nana Botty
1794 - 1800 Nana Aggrey II
1800 - 1814 Nana Aggrey III
1814 - 1851 Nana Joseph Aggrey IV (b. c.1774 - d. 1851)
1851 - 1856 Nana Egyir Ansah
Jan 1856 - 28 January 1856 Nana Kofi Amissa
28 January 1856 - xx Feb 1856 Nana Kweku Atta (d. 1856)
"Ornocke Ata [Quaccoe Attah]. King of Cape Coast." 1856 -1857
16 Mar 1856 - 1865 Nana Kweku Enu (1st time)
Feb 1865 - 1866 Nana John Aggrey V
1866 - 3 Feb 1868 Nana Kweku Enu (2nd time)
1868 - January 1887 Nana Kwesi Atta I (d. 1887)
1887 - 1888 Nana Kojo Mbra I (Albert Ogoe)
1888 - Nana Aggrey VI
.... - .... Nana Mbra II
.... - .... Nana Aggrey VII
.... - .... Nana Aggrey VIII
.... - 1933 Nana Kojo Mbra III (d. 1933)
1933 - 1942 Nana Kojo Mbra IV
1942 - 1948 Nana Aggrey IX
27 July 1948 - 1996 Nana Kodwo Amra V (d. 1996)
1996 - Nana Osabarima Kwesi Atta II
The Omanhen is assisted yesteryear a council referred to every bit Beguafo inwards his day-to-day direction of the town. The council’s membership comprises sure enough hereditary chiefs, supported yesteryear persons elected on merit. The traditional mention for these hereditary chiefs is Mpakamufo who are yesteryear right the counselors to the Omanhen.
The caput of the Mpakamufo is the side yesteryear side to the Omanhen. He is called Ohema-ose-aman-ye-nan (the principal that bears the feet of state). The Omanhen is entitled to ride inwards a palanquin or apakan likewise the mpakamufo.
Benkumhembaa of Cape Coast inwards a palanquin
Traditionally, Cape Coast is divided into 7 Asafo companies. These are Bentsir, Anaafo, Ntsin, Nkum, Brofomba, Akrampa in addition to Amanful. Each asafo companionship is headed yesteryear a superior captain (Supi) in addition to nether him a captain (safohen). Each companionship has its ain consummate organization. In the olden days they were known every bit the “town soldiers” who fought enemies of the province inwards times of war.
Asafo Frankaatownyi
All the 7 companies have got fetish priests in addition to priestesses who are responsible for the spiritual needs of their members in addition to the companionship every bit a whole. These priests in addition to priestesses select attention of the 77 gods (every Fantse town has 77 gods in addition to 77 names for God only similar Jews) of Cape Coast in addition to all rituals pertaining to the gods are performed yesteryear them. In times of state of war they send the god of state of war to the battle field.
They are also heavily involved inwards the Fetu Afahye, the festival of Cape Coast. The Tufuhen (master of arms) is the leader of the asafo companies in addition to is regarded every bit the ‘General Captain’ with the responsibleness of giving orders in addition to directing affairs when state of war breaks out.
H5N1 history scholar 1 time described the asafo companies every bit a “para-military organisation of the town youth” to reckon such communal needs every bit warding off aggression, reaching out to community members in addition to cleaning populace places. These days, these asafos are mostly only seen inwards their total attire during the Afahye period.
The apamfo or the Omanfo (Councillors) are selected based on their intelligence in addition to integrity in addition to ever bring together the Chiefs inwards settling disputes every bit good every bit inwards the full general direction of affairs of the town.
Oguaa divisional principal dancing
There are 7 major clans or Ebusua inwards Cape Coast in addition to their heads play a role inwards the traditional direction of Cape Coast. The caput of each clan is called Ebusuapanyin. The 7 clans are Twidan, Nsona, Anona, Ntwaa-Abadze, Aboradzi, Kona-Ebiradzi in addition to Adwenadze. The Omanhen comes from the Kona-Ebiradze Ebusua. Each indigenous inhabitant of the town belongs to 1 of these clans.
Asafo Frankaatownyi
Contemporary History Of Oguaa Fetu Afahye
"Once 1 time again the nifty in addition to historical OGUAA FETU AFAHYE is upon
us. Our festival reminds us of the yield from woman nurture world in addition to the bounteous resources provided yesteryear the sea. Therefore, allow us give regulation thanks to the ALMIGHTY GOD who has graciously spared us our lives in addition to given us the abundance of the land".
"Afahye fourth dimension is an occasion for pouring libation in addition to sprinkling yam to our forebears in addition to the seventy-seven (77) gods of Oguaa for the portion they played during the yesteryear yr inwards bringing us abundant yields from the terra firma in addition to sea, in addition to for warding off misfortune that would have got befallen the Oguaa State".
As the citizenry of Oguaa Traditional Area celebrate the 42nd milestone of the recommencement of the celebration of Fetu Afahye Festival after it had been banned for to a greater extent than than 3 decades yesteryear the colonialists, it is important to amend hither sure enough false descriptions that have got been attributed to it yesteryear before writers, mostly Christians or Moslems who associate it with fetishism.
This contemporary history is aimed at correcting the misconceptions our colonizers gave our cherished traditional religious belief in addition to festival. The most pop of these fake attributions is its reference every bit "Black Christmas." According to the belatedly Osabarimba Kodwo Mbra V, Okyeame Ekow Atta (reigned from 1948 to 1996), this is a misnomer because it has never been an occasion for Africans to grade the nascency of Christ every bit Christmas does.
Rather, it is similar inwards price of its temporal relation, as a novel calendar yr follows Christmas, the foremost of our African Traditional in addition to religious calendar yr is celebrated during Fetu Afahye.
The belatedly Okyeame Ekow Atta also confirmed that it was out of ignorance that the colonial governors in addition to their missionary allies tagged this of import lawsuit "Black Christmas." They did so inwards an erroneous endeavor to interpret the religious significance of the festival.
Using this biased knowledge, they vainly tried to ban its celebration in addition to oft attempted, without success, to have got it moved to the same catamenia every bit the Christian Yuletide inwards December. Fetu or Efutu was the mention of the Oguaa Traditional Area (Cape Coast) until the upper-case missive of the alphabet was transferred from Efutu town to Cape Coast at the closed of the seventeenth century.
Afahye is observed with the Akan community. Various Akan sub-groups refer to the celebration using dissimilar terms. The Fante community, for example, refers to the celebration every bit "Ahobaa" patch ethnically Ga groups every bit good every bit neighboring communities telephone phone it "Homowo."
Early scholars likened the Afahye to the Hebrew feast of Passover inwards the Old Testament, whereby Hebrews governed yesteryear events inside the sacred yr or changes betwixt agricultural seasons gave religious significance to such events yesteryear conducting sure enough commemorative festivities.
However, recent enquiry demonstrates that it is the Omanhene’s Yam Festival held during belatedly July or the foremost calendar week of August (when the crops are inwards blossom) that deport religious in addition to ritual similarity with Passover.
Notably, Fetu Afahye’s only similarity with Passover is that it claims to grade the foremost of the novel yr according to the sacred agricultural calendar or "Afehyia" which inwards Fante way circled about in addition to returned to starting point. Similarly, Passover marks the foremost calendar month of the sacred year.
The other similarity is the festival’s purification aspect every bit Afahye could live aptly compared to the Feast of Pentecost (shahouth, Lev. 23:15-21), which was celebrated after harvest time, when animals drank in addition to cereal offerings were made to God every bit a way of giving thanks in addition to to seek His approving for some other propitious year.
As before stated most onlookers, especially Europeans, wondered every bit to what significance this ancient custom held for the inhabitants of the Oguaa Traditional Area. To begin, its celebration inwards the foremost of September is important every bit this calendar month marks both the angling in addition to yam harvest time. Outsiders, however, attributed its root to fetish worship.
Imperialist governors did non encourage its celebration because of the firing of musketry close their castles. Any provocative human activity yesteryear 1 Asafo Company against the other could spark off fighting at whatever dot inwards the celebration. Therefore, the colonial administrators were ever inwards a province of apprehension every bit they questioned whether the musketry beingness fired was done so inwards funfair or war.
During an exclusive chat with the belatedly Okyeame Ekow Atta, the Chief Linguist of the Oguaa Traditional Area, the Afahye’s multiple functions were described. He explained that most of the rituals were imbued with social, economical in addition to religious connotations.
He began yesteryear saying that Fetu Afahye represents the catamenia inwards which "the Efutu Year has circled about in addition to is 1 time to a greater extent than with us." This is expressed yesteryear the term "Afehyia" which was later Anglicized in addition to thus referred to every bit "Afahye" yesteryear Foreigners. The Fetu Afahye programme commences with the Omanhene’s Yam Festival, which is marked yesteryear the appearance of novel tubers in addition to when the foremost yield of farms introduce itself. In the instance of angling communities this fourth dimension signifies the foremost of the herring season. This depends on the sacred year, but most oft takes identify inwards belatedly July or early on August.
The next week, the ban on drumming in addition to angling inwards the Fosu Lagoon is imposed. This year, these ceremonies occurred on Tuesday the 24th of July in addition to on the 31st of July, respectfully. On the same 24-hour interval the confinement of the Omanhen ends. The ban on drumming enables the Omanhene in addition to others to repair their drums properly for the impending festival.
More so, the traditional elders, who yesteryear this fourth dimension may have got taken a suspension from courtly activities, volition live meditating in addition to preparing for the occasion. Since they are accustomed to beingness summoned yesteryear drums, they ought non to live disturbed with whatever dissonance of this sort. For the same reason, serenity solitude is required inside the community to enable elders to concentrate on the impending festival.
This also accounts for the ban on funerals every bit most elders are household unit of measurement heads, in addition to every bit such are expected to suspension their resting catamenia to caput affairs of the bereaved in addition to its attached commitments. Thus, it is of import to behaviour funerals after the festival inwards monastic tell to allow uninterrupted residual for elders in addition to others who are preparing for the celebration.
Since harvest fourth dimension is a busy period, the ban on drumming strives to cut back the funfair to the barest minimum to enable the citizens inwards the various vocations to maximize production. When in that location is no music in addition to no booze, all that is left is work. Okyeame Atta also added that the ban on angling inwards the Fosu Lagoon enables the nurture tilapia in addition to other spices to lay eggs in addition to have got them fertilized since during this period, they volition have got reached their reproductive stage. In this way the ritual activities conducted during the festival enforce aquatic agriculture every bit the fingerlings are given ample fourth dimension to mature for consumption.
Moreover, herrings are inwards abundance during this time, so why non save the Tilapia in addition to allow them reproduce more? Such religious sanctions have got farther practical significance. For example, every bit a resultant of frequent rains during this fourth dimension the lagoon may larn flooded making it unsafe for daily activities.
According to Okyeame Atta, the purpose of the Omanhen’s 3 confinement is to enable him to meditate in addition to laid upward himself spiritually in addition to mentally for the occupation ahead. It must live noted that when the ban on drumming is lifted, the 1 on funerals is imposed.
This ceremony is marked yesteryear the Asafo companies, foremost with the Bentsir No. 1 drummer, who volition signal to the others with his drums. This is followed yesteryear the cleansing in addition to renovation of shrines or companionship posts in addition to the burning of turn down inwards bonfires to clear away evil spirits.
This human activity tin also live explained inwards price of environmental in addition to human sanitation every bit the clearing of drains, cans in addition to tins prevents the breeding of mosquitoes that crusade malaria. In ancient times such ailments were described yesteryear sure enough medicine men every bit the laid on of evil spirits.
After the cleansing in addition to white washing of companionship posts (this yr this occurred yesteryear 29th August), the Ahenfie volition live officially opened in addition to visitors who similar a shot wishing to telephone phone on Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II are able to make so.
Friday, 25th August represents the foremost formal harvest of the year. This is marked yesteryear a procession there. On the same 24-hour interval Asafo Companies No. 4 in addition to 7 behaviour their clean-up day, which is followed yesteryear bonfires at their various posts. By Mon 28th August, activities start warming upward every bit the crowd starts trickling in. This tin live measured yesteryear the people who patronize the vigil at Nana Fosu’s shrine, which starts at 8:00 p.m. with traditional priests in addition to priestesses dancing in addition to invoking until the early on hours of Tuesday morning.
Tuesday marks the "Bakatue" or lifting of the ban on angling inwards the Fosu Lagoon in addition to is celebrated amidst firing of musketry in addition to colorful pageantry. After libation is poured, the Omanhen’s cyberspace is cast to declare that the lagoon is similar a shot opened upward for fishing. Great attractions accompany this lawsuit such every bit a boat race in addition to regatta. Okyeame Ekow Atta added that before this ceremony the Lagoon, which may have got began to overflow its banks due to rains making angling highly dangerous, mightiness have got had its ocean destination dredged to free portion of its excess contents into the sea.
Oguaa Asafo frankaatownyi (flag dancer)
The nifty Th marketplace 24-hour interval with its array of farm in addition to ocean products is supposed to live a concluding marketplace 24-hour interval for inhabitants before the festival. Currently the marketplace has been converted into an agricultural present in addition to bonanza demonstrating its growth in addition to modernization every bit various array of products are readily available.
Th nighttime also witnesses a nifty vigil at the Papratam shrine yesteryear traditional priest dances inwards monastic tell to invoke the ancestral spirits in addition to that of the 77 gods of Oguaa for success of the annual coming together of the Traditional Area, which is meant to solicit their guidance inwards the coming year.
Okyeame Ekow Atta noted that "Papratam" literally way opened upward infinite for gatherings or meetings. Osabarimba Kodwo Mbra V explained that the population growth of the Traditional Area inwards recent times has made the Papratam expression too little for the purpose it is meant to serve but attributed this to the fact that when they foremost arrived at Cape Coast or Oguaa from Efutu the town was small, stretching from Nkum about introduce 24-hour interval Victoria Park to Anafo in addition to lower areas such every bit Amanful, etc.
During this era the Papratam tree was the biggest arboreal production that had broad shades so they adopted it every bit the sole coming together ground that was traditionally recognized. Thus, all of import decisions in addition to meetings were held there. In fact, when a principal was enstooled in addition to was going to swear his oath of allegiance it was to live done at Papratam.
Hence, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II on his enstoolment on Saturday, 25th July, 1998 made his foremost appearance inwards province in addition to swearing at the Prapratam.
On the expiry of whatever Omanhen, after a moo-cow has been paraded through the principal streets of the town, they finally come upward to slaughter it at the same place. This was exemplified during the funeral of Osabarimba Kodwo Mbra V inwards 1997. Osabarimba Kodwo Mbrah V confided 1 time again that fifty-fifty when he was a kid before his enstoolment, his fore-bearers notwithstanding, political in addition to secular concerns resolved yesteryear the Traditional Council that all other vital meetings were carried out nether this nifty tree. He emphasized that no coming together is valid if non convened there.
He also explained that out of the recognized seventy-seven (77) gods of Oguaa Traditional Area, Nana Papratam is regarded every bit 1 of the eldest in addition to was hence thought of every bit deputizing for the others. During the era before the advent of Christianity with its concomitant maxim that Jesus Christ was the mediator betwixt human in addition to God, the belief was that it was necessary to overstep requests to the supreme or Almighty God through lesser gods.
Thus, the introduce generations have got inherited in addition to are stoutly maintaining our civilisation in addition to customs every bit handed downwardly to us yesteryear our fore-bearers.
On this same eve of Afahye 24-hour interval in that location are bonfires all the Asafo companies for newly installed Asafohenfo. This does non select identify at their posts similar events, but at some of the numerous schoolhouse parks scattered inwards the municipality. For illustration Intsin No. 3 companionship holds theirs at the A. M. E. Zion School Park at Aboom.
During these bonfires, novel Asafohenfo are expected to display in addition to confirm their combatitive spirits or bravery every bit good every bit their readiness to Pb their people inwards times of crisis. This is demonstrated yesteryear jumping over flames with others ostensibly beingness possessed yesteryear their ancestral spirits patch performing spectacular feats yesteryear walking through the embers of the dismiss barefooted every bit was the instance inwards 1989 yesteryear the African-American Asafo Akyereba. The next day, people were actually amazed to reckon her on the durbar grounds with no bums on her feet!
While the bonfire shows are inwards progress, various brass bands in addition to Kolomashie songs (local folk music constituted yesteryear band instruments playing indigenous stone music) volition live playing through the streets of town. Bands displace from spots of 1 bonfire gathering to another, providing others with alive music to ginger upward their spirits for a change.
The Afahye 24-hour interval takes identify on Saturday, the 1st of September. This is preceded early on inwards the 24-hour interval (by 8:30am) yesteryear the colorful plough out of the Asafo companies inwards the procession of the Omanhen, Chiefs, in addition to people of Oguaa
Traditional Area from Mfantsipim junction through Kotokuraba Road, connecting upward through Commercial Street, so current of air their way yesteryear Royal Lane to Victoria Park, the durbar ground. On arrival at the Durbar Grounds, the Omanhen goes about to admit seasonal greetings in addition to thank you lot from the guests.
He later sits inwards province to have the special invitee speaker. After Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II in addition to his chiefs have got returned the Guest Speaker’s felicitations, in that location is the pouring of libation yesteryear Omankyeame followed yesteryear the Omanhen’s welcome address. The invitee Speaker so addresses the gathering with the colorful display of Asafo companies bringing downwardly the drapery on this good acclaimed Grand Durbar.
of Miss Afahye during the peace of the nighttime when folkloric dances of the former times play on the Sabbatum eve of the Afahye. Following Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II with all his traditional chiefs, Asafohenfo in addition to elders volition circular off the festival with a Thanksgiving Service at the Chapel Square on Sunday.
Later inwards the afternoon in that location volition live a football game tally at Siwdu Park, which is most oft betwixt local rivals, such every bit the Cape Coast Mysterious Dwarfs in addition to Cape Venomous Vipers. Another fun lawsuit that takes identify on Dominicus is the beach party. The whole Fetu Afahye celebration is so rounded off with a coming together betwixt Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, the Afahye Committee in addition to the various representatives of the Oguaa Akoto Societies.
This modern interpretation of our cherished festival has larn real of import inwards the human face of recent confrontations betwixt religious groups, especially Christians in addition to Muslims, because when it comes to the observation of sure enough rites concerning our traditional festivals, they claim these observances are fetish.
However, it is hoped that this contemporary exposition volition move a long way to disabuse this notion. Further, they should empathize that during ancient times when in that location were non whatever safety forcefulness or police push clitoris to enforce socio-political norms, Asafo Companies maintained peace in addition to security. During this fourth dimension in that location was a demand for these norms in addition to taboos to live backed yesteryear religious sanction (as Asafo Companies were) inwards the absence of police push clitoris inwards monastic tell for laws to live obeyed in addition to accepted yesteryear society.
Emancipation Day Celebration
Introduction
The Emancipation Day is a 24-hour interval laid aside to commemorate the incidence of injustice in addition to atrocities meted out to all dark people inwards the diaspora in addition to all other human beingness through whatever shape of slavery during the catamenia of the abominable Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Hitherto, the 24-hour interval had been commemorated mainly inwards the Caribbean Area countries.
Republic of Ghana has thus larn the foremost African province to grade Emancipation Day. This was made possible during a see to the Caribbeans yesteryear a Government delegation when the thought for Ghanaians to commemorate the 24-hour interval was discussed in addition to approved.
Emancipation Day essentially dwells on the memorable August 1, 1834 when the British Government yesteryear an Act of Parliament, abolished Slave Trade in addition to slavery inwards all its colonies. This legislation brought to an destination this barbaric in addition to inhuman activity.
Abolishing the slave merchandise meant slaves were beingness farther emancipated from physical (beating with hot irons); mental (banning of native language, culture, religious belief in addition to history – changing the way of perceiving things); social in addition to genetic (raping women with the added sick of turning children of raped African women against their ain household unit of measurement members) in addition to tortures.
Ghana’s Emancipation Day was foremost celebrated with a serial of week-long activities betwixt 25th July in addition to 2nd August, 1998. As portion of the activities to commemorate the event, a “Matyrs Day Interment of the Runaway Slave” was held at Assin Manso inwards the Assin District of the Central Region on 31st, July 1998.
Assin Manso was selected for its long history with the Slave Trade in addition to its identification every bit the location of the slave marketplace with evidence of the activity inwards several unmarked graves in addition to the Slave River. The town is also inevitable every bit a landmark on the Slave Route Project to link the slave markets inwards the northward in addition to other places inwards Republic of Ghana to the Cape Coast in addition to Elmina Castle, every bit the cardinal dot during the slave trade.
With Assin Manso in addition to the district similar a shot placed on the map of the World, the surface area volition move along to attract visitors all over the world to the town, the District, the Cape Coast Municipality in addition to Elmina. Emancipation, however, is real much participated inwards yesteryear Africans, African-Americans, Jamaicans in addition to other blacks inwards the diaspora, who recognize Africa every bit their ancestoral home, in addition to Republic of Ghana every bit their identify of embarkation into the world at large. Unlike PANAFEST, Emancipation is held annually.
Tourism Attractions
Ghana’s stocks of historic in addition to traditional buildings are 2d to none inwards the Sub-Saharan Africa. These monuments are protected yesteryear legislation, in addition to are properly cared for yesteryear the GMMB, inwards whose custody they are. Of those national monuments, ii groups have got been designated yesteryear UNESCO, nether the World Heritage Convention [to which Republic of Ghana was 1 of the foremost African countries to subscribe], every bit World Heritage Monuments: the groups of forts in addition to castles inwards the in addition to the grouping of Asante traditional buildings [Obosomfie, or ‘fetish houses’].
Of all the cities in addition to towns of Ghana, Cape Coast, the upper-case missive of the alphabet of the Gold Coast colony until 1877 has the most extensive surviving historic gist of pre- 1900 building, in addition to the greatest potential for revitalization in addition to economical regeneration through repair, rehabilitation, in addition to where necessary, reconstruction, of the existing edifice stock. A Visual survey carried out some years ago, inwards association with the Urban Conservation Study commissioned yesteryear CEDECOM from the Department of Architecture of UST, Kumasi, identified nigh 750 no longer habitable rooms inwards the existing housing stock inwards the historic core, contained inside Beulah Lane, Aboom Road, Aboom Wells, Kotokuraba Road, Ashanti Road, Sam Road, in addition to the coastline betwixt the Town Hall in addition to Amanful Methodist Church.
For many years, the Castle has served every bit an educational resource, a role beingness significantly extended in addition to heighten nether the introduce Natural Resource Conservation in addition to Historic Preservation Project, funded yesteryear USAID, every bit portion of the Central Region Integrated Development Programme. But the town, that has grown upward over the yesteryear 3 hundred years, exterior the walls of the Castle, has hardly begun to live exploited every bit an educational resource. There is hence the demand for an integrated tourism in addition to local economical evolution programme to live developed for Cape Coast to harness the potentials of the town.
Tourism is a service-based manufacture and, every bit such, has been an of import factor inwards service-sector growth. Tourism is also a composite manufacture product, which has real strong linkages with many sectors of the economy. In Ghana, tourism is the most apace growing sub-sector of the service sector. In 1993, the services sector’s contribution to gross domestic product was 46.5% every bit against 41.5% for agriculture. In 2002 the service sector grew yesteryear 4.7%, the same for manufacture but to a greater extent than than the 4.1 % registered yesteryear agriculture.
Tourism, which inwards the 1970’s was completely insignificant inwards the national accounts, has similar a shot grown to live the 3rd largest earner of unusual exchange, after mining in addition to cocoa sub-sectors. Indeed, it is similar a shot the largest growing manufacture inwards the services sector.
The tourism manufacture provides nigh 10% of total annual unusual telephone commutation in addition to has engaged upward to 400,000 people inwards direct in addition to back upward services. Ghana’s serious approach to developing tourism potential is manifested inwards her annual tourist arrivals.
In 1994, Ghana’s tourist arrivals of 208,000 was 2d to Senegal inwards the West African Sub-region. In 2001 the issue rose to 400,000, bringing inwards about $400 million. In the African region, Republic of Ghana ranks 8 inwards unusual telephone commutation earnings from tourism in addition to ranks 3rd to Namibia in addition to South Africa inwards the charge per unit of measurement of growth of the tourism industry. The Central Region has a comparative payoff inwards tourism potential. This is seen mainly inwards heritage tourism, including the following:
Historical heritage efforts in addition to castles along its coastal line,
Ancient traditions, festivals in addition to artisan products,
Unique natural heritage of pristine ecological systems that have got been preserved every bit National Parks for eco-tourism promotion, e.g. the Kakum National Park.
The Cape Coast Municipal Area is fortunate to live the cardinal focus of all tourist activitiesof the Central Region. Activities either emanate from Cape Coast or they destination inwards Cape Coast resulting inwards the improvement of the local economic scheme through tourist expenditure.The Cape Coast Castle is 1 of 3 of Ghana’s World-Class historic structures. The other ii are Elmina Castle in addition to Fort St. Jago.
Other tourist activities are far advanced towards enhancing total tourism evolution inwards the region. Some of these are the protection of 360sqkms of tropical wood known every bit Kakum/Assin Attandanso Forest in addition to Game Park.
Current Tourism Development inwards Cape Coast
Tourism inwards the Central Region is based on ii of import regional resources -the historic castles in addition to forts, in addition to the Kakum/Attandanso Natural Forest in addition to Park. These major attractive sites give ascension to the demand in addition to patronage of hotels in addition to restaurants.
The Cape Coast Castle is 1 of 3 castles in addition to forts given the World Heritage protection, conservation in addition to preservation status. This was done through a grant of $5.6 1000000 signed on August 27, 1991 yesteryear USAID/GHANA in addition to Mid West Universities Consortium for International Resource Conservation in addition to Historic Preservation Project (NRCHP).
The Kakum/Attandano Natural Forest in addition to Park is nether the National Resource Conservation factor of the projection whilst the Castles in addition to Fort St. Jago comprise the Historic Preservation Component (HP). The Cape Coast Castle inwards particular, has undergone a lot of physical evolution focusing on exterior wall rendering, lime washing in addition to replacement of windows.
The most important interior evolution has been the training of museum rooms. No doubtfulness visitors of dissimilar nationalities in addition to categories move along to live attracted to Cape Coast in addition to Elmina castles. In 2001, expatriates inwards Republic of Ghana accounted for nearly 10% of the total domestic visitors compared to 5% inwards 1995. Generally, it has to live said that visitations to the ii castles have got improved substantially since 1994.
Cape Coast town boast of illustrious sons in addition to daughters that were movers in addition to shakers of Gold Coast in addition to similar a shot Ghana`s socio-economic in addition to political powers. Some of their people are:
Rev. Dr. Philip Quarcoo: 1741-1816; foremost African clergy of the Church of England.
Dr. Samuel George Duker: 1905-1994; LRCP Edin LRCS Edin LRFPS Glasg; pioneering physician
Hon. Robert Hutchison: 1828-1863; statesman, soldier, philanthropist.
Hon. John Sarbah: 1834-1892; educationist, merchant, industrialist.
Rev. Mark Christian Hayford: 1863-1935; author, founder of Gold Coast Baptist Church in addition to the Christian Army of the Gold Coast.
Rev. Samuel Richard Brew Attoh-Ahuma: 1863-1921; clergyman, nationalist, pioneering Pan-Africanist.
John Coleman de-Graft Johnson: 1884-1956; secretarial assistant of Native Affairs, anthropologist.
Prophet Jemisimiham Jehu-Appiah: 1892-1948; founder of Musama Disco Christo Church inwards Africa.
William Esuman Gwira Kobina Sekyi: 1892-1956; lawyer, politician, author.
Thomas Frederic Edward Jones: 1850-1927; petitioned Queen Victoria nigh Lands Bill.
Hon. James Cheetham: 1834-1902; merchant, fellow member of the Legislative Council of the Gold Coast.
Thomas Frederic Edward Jones: 1850-1927; petitioned Queen Victoria nigh Lands Bill.
Rev. Andrew William Parker: 1840-1912; conscientious nationalist, fought inwards the Ashanti Expedition.
Joseph Peter Brown: 1843-1932; patriot, statesman.
Prince James Hutton Brew: 1844-1915; solicitor.
Henry Van Hein: 1858-1928; President of the Aboriginal Rights Protection Society.
Hon. William Ward-Brew, OBE: 1878-1943; lawyer, VP of Aborigines' Rights Protection Society.
George Edward Moore: 1879-1950; recipient of the Ashanti Medal, executive fellow member of the Aborigines' Rights Protection Society.
John Mensah-Sarbah 1864-1910; barrister, author, published Fanti Customary Laws.
Charles Emmanuel Graves: 1884-1929; musicologist, composer.
Sir James Henley Coussey, KBE: 1895-1958; High Court judge, chairman of the Coussey Commission, president of the West Africa Court of Appeal.
Kofi Bentsi-Enchill: 1895-1948; textiles tycoon, philanthropist.
Dr. Henry Mercer-Ricketts: 1895-1980; MB ChB Edin; pioneering physician.
King John Aggery Essien: 1809-1899; King of Cape Coast, pioneer Pan-Africanist.
Chief James Robert Thompson: 1810-18-86; pioneering educationist
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