The Chief of Buoyem and Oyoko of the Techiman Traditional Area, Daasebre Ameyaw Kwarteng Amaniampong II, has described the 2026 Appor Festival as extraordinary, commending the high level of youth participation in this year’s celebrations.
He made the remarks during the climax of the festival in Techiman, where thousands of residents, indigenes, and visitors thronged the streets to partake in the cultural festivities.
According to him, the active involvement of the youth in the festival’s activities demonstrates renewed interest in the preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the Techiman Traditional Area, making this year’s edition particularly remarkable.
He explained that the songs performed during the festival serve as a medium through which the youth and the wider community express both criticism and commendation of leaders in Techiman for their actions and inactions, which either contribute to the growth of the area or hinder its development.
”This year’s Appor Festival has been extraordinary. The rate at which the youth have participated in the festival makes it remarkable.
”All the songs they are singing are a form of criticizing and commending leaders in Techiman for their actions and inactions, which either help Techiman grow and develop or hinder its development.” He stated.
The Buoyemhene noted that the unique nature of the Appor Festival provides a rare and valuable platform for residents and indigenes of Techiman to constructively criticize their leaders without fear or intimidation.
”The unique nature of the festival is that it provides an opportunity for residents and indigenes of Techiman to constructively criticize leaders without any fear or intimidation.”
He further explained that traditional leaders pay close attention to the messages conveyed through these songs, stressing that the feedback gathered during the festival is taken seriously and used as a guide to improve governance and leadership.
He added that areas of concern raised by the people are addressed, while positive acknowledgements are also used to strengthen ongoing efforts by traditional authorities in promoting development within the Techiman Traditional Area.
”The truth is that we, the traditional leaders, take note of whatever our people express through songs during the festival. We use their feedback to improve on areas they are not satisfied with and also to strengthen areas they have commended us on.
Source: Elvisanokye.com