The Techiman Times

Citizens Raise Strong Concerns at Techiman 2026 Apo) Festival

The annual Apoo Festival in Techiman became more than a celebration of culture this year as citizens used the traditional platform to voice serious concerns about land management, local business opportunities, and leadership accountability in the traditional area.

During the festival, which traditionally allows residents to openly criticize wrongdoing through songs, satire, and public commentary, several pressing issues affecting the community were highlighted.

Specific Issues Raised by the Citizens:
1. Sale of lands around the Tano River to foreign developers
Citizens complained that lands around the Tano River are being sold to Chinese developers, raising fears about loss of ancestral lands and environmental risks.

2. Harassment by land guards
People accused some land guards of harassing and intimidating legitimate landowners, creating insecurity and disputes over land ownership.

3. Natives being priced out of markets and business spaces
Concerns were raised that local residents are being pushed out of market stores and other business infrastructure because rents and prices are becoming too high for indigenous people.

3. Traditional leaders pursuing personal interests
Some citizens criticized certain traditional authorities for allegedly pursuing personal benefits rather than the collective interest of the Techiman Traditional Area.

4. Reckless and uncontrolled sale of land
There were complaints about the indiscriminate selling of communal lands, which threatens future development and land security for the people.

3. Natives sidelined in the allocation of resources
Citizens also alleged that indigenous people are being marginalized when opportunities, resources, and development projects are distributed.

Conclusion
The Apo) Festival serves as a cultural platform where people in Techiman can freely express grievances and criticize social or leadership issues so that both traditional authorities and political leaders can address them for the development of the area.

Visit Techiman Cultural heritage website. We invite the content, corrections and recommendations from the Public.

Nkwantananso Cultural Center of Techiman Introduction to the history and cultures of Techiman

Launching is on 9th January.

Our Great Festival is Back!!

"Ghana needs a comprehensive resetting in the development of our cultural industries, especially the promotion of Ghanaian food, languages, dance and music. The NDC had very good ideas in the 2024 manifesto but very little have been done in the last 8 months to implement them. Replacing "AKWAABA" Twi word, which have been heavily marketed internationally to promote tourism into Ghana, is frankly myopic and anti-resetting. Akwaaba is now not just an Akan word, it now represents the Ghanaian Hospitality like the Smock or kente. The NDC Party must be very careful with these policies which could be perceived as an anti-Akan agenda"- Edward Twum Anane (Executive Director, Anane Institute)

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