The Kumawu Traditional Area under stewardship of Barima Sarfo Tweneboa Kodua, Kumawumanhene and Nana Serwaa Amponsah, Kumawuman Hemaa, will once again come alive as natives and visitors will gather to observe the revered Kumawu Papa Festival, a celebration deeply rooted in Ashanti tradition, spirituality, and communal unity. The festival will honour the ancestors, will strengthen traditional authority, and will promote peace, development, and cultural continuity throughout Kumawu.
Below will be the detailed programme of activities;
Tuesday, March 3 – Opening Activities
The festival will officially commence with a Health Walk, which will promote physical fitness and healthy living among participants. The day will also feature the filming of the historic 2007 Papa Festival at the roundabout, an exercise that will help preserve the cultural heritage of Kumawu for future generations.
Friday, March 6 (Fofie) – Announcement of Papa
On this sacred day, the Omanhene and Nanahemaa, together with chiefs and elders, will leave the Ahennfie in a traditional procession to Baamu, the Denteh Shrine, and Papaase to formally announce the Papa Festival to the gods and ancestors. The day will also mark the official kick-off of the Papa Football Competition, which will be opened by the Barima to encourage unity and youth participation.
Saturday, March 7 – Symposium and Commissioning
A symposium will be held under the theme “Barima Tweneboa Kodua (Asanteman Barima)”, focusing on values such as uniqueness, sacrifice, bravery, and patriotism. The discussions will reflect on leadership and cultural identity. The day will further witness the commissioning of the Papa Kwasi Park Community Complex, which will underscore the festival’s contribution to community development.
Sunday, March 8 (Nkyikwasiɛ) – Cultural Expressions
Women across Kumawu will sing traditional lyrics through the town in the early hours of the morning, a practice that will invoke blessings and unity. The day will climax with the final match of the Papa Football Competition, which will attract enthusiastic support from residents and visitors.
Monday, March 9 – Traditional Cuisine Day
The Kumawuhemaa and Mmaapaninfo will lead the preparation of various traditional dishes at the palace forecourt. This activity will celebrate indigenous culinary heritage and will strengthen communal bonds among the people.
Tuesday, March 10 (Kwabena) – Sanitation and Health
A clean-up exercise will be organised across all towns within the Kumawu Traditional Area to promote environmental cleanliness. This will be followed by health screening at the Royal Palace forecourt, which will provide residents with access to basic medical services.
Friday, March 13 (Nwonafie) – Purification and Prayers
Purification rites will be performed for the Abosom at the palace forecourt to cleanse and spiritually prepare the land for the peak of the festival. In addition, Muslim prayers will be offered in honour of the Papa Festival, reflecting unity and religious tolerance.
Saturday, March 14 (Memenda Dapaa) – Sacred Rites
This spiritually significant day will feature Akom rituals performed by priests and priestesses from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. The Kronti Clan will mount a night vigil around a bonfire at Papaase. At midnight, the sacred “Abammo” pot and Black Stools will be taken from the Stool House to the Annorkosu stream for purification. Upon return, the Black Stools will be kept at the Royal Mausoleum in preparation for the Akwasidae rites.
Sunday, March 15 (Akwasidae) – Grand Durbar
The Omanhene, Nanahemaa, and elders will sit in state at Baamu and later at the Royal Palace to receive visitors from 9:00 am. At 10:30 am, a ceremonial procession will move to Papaase. The day will climax in the evening with special performances by invited artistes.
Monday, March 16 (Adae Dwoada) – Women’s Rites and Celebration
Women will sing traditional songs through the streets of Kumawu as a form of thanksgiving. Customary rites will be performed at the Stool House. The day will end with the Papa Dinner Dance and the crowning of Miss Papa 2026 at 6:00 pm.
Tuesday, March 17 – Farewell to Visitors
The Omanhene, Ohemaa, and Nanonom will sit in state to formally bid farewell to visitors, marking the ceremonial conclusion of the main festival activities.
Sunday, March 22 – Thanksgiving Service
A Non-Denominational Thanksgiving Service will be held at the Kumawu Lorry Station at 9:00 am, where gratitude will be offered to God for a peaceful and successful Papa Festival.
Keep following GH Educate Media for the latest news and updates
