4 September 2008
Thousands of people, from all walks of life, on Tuesday defied a heavy downpour to join the people of Cape Coast celebrate the annual canoe regatta, which forms part of the Fetu Afahye celebrations.
The thick crowd hailed the chiefs and queenmothers, as they arrived at the Fosu Lagoon to lift a one month ban on fishing in the lagoon, amidst drumming and dancing
The ceremony was preceded with the canoe race, which was won by both the Nkum and Bentsir Asafo companies, with each receiving GH¢100 as their prize.
The ceremony was climaxed with the casting of a net in the rejuvenated lagoon, but this time around, rubbish filled the net instead of fish, owing to the weeds that had engulfed the once-beautiful lagoon.
The first and second cast was done, but the net once again caught weeds and empty sachet water plastics and empty cans.
The final net was cast with the expectation that it would make a better catch, but surprisingly the weeds and sachets came up again.
Some residents have interpreted this awkward situation to mean that this year would be a bad year.
The rites to lift the ban on fishing were performed with the pouring of libation, by the Chief Priest, to thank the gods for protecting the people in the area, and also to pray for a bumper harvest season.
Kasapreko, an alcoholic beverage company, sponsored the ceremony. The Oguaa Traditional Council has meanwhile sent a strong word of caution, to people who styled themselves as chiefs, with miniature state umbrellas over them the during Fetu Afahye, to desist from the act, or face full rigours of the laws of the traditional council.
In a press release, signed by the Senior Traditional Council Registrar, Mr J. K. Koranchie, in Cape Coast on Tuesday, it said it had been observed, for many years, that during the Fetu Afahye procession to the durbar grounds, many of these self-styled chiefs join the procession, which is against the laws of the traditional council.
The release further added that many warnings to deter such people from the act, through the various media, have proved futile, adding that the traditional council would not deal lightly with anyone who indulged in the act in this year's festival, which begins from Tuesday 2 to Saturday, September 6.
According to the release, at a meeting held with the security network of the Afahye Planning Committee, it was unanimously decided that under no circumstances should anyone who was not a chief, and had taken the oath with the traditional council and being recognised as such, join this year's procession to the durbar, or portray himself as chief.
It has, therefore, appealed to all to comply with the directive, in order to ensure peaceful and memorable Fetu Afahye celebrations.
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