The Akyem, like many African kingdoms, observe festivals that accentuate the religion of the kingdom. One such festival is Ohum. The Akyem Ohum is a commemorative festival that explicates the religion and origin of the Akyem people. Central to Ohum is River Birem, the spiritual force and fountain source of the existence of the Akyem state. Legend has it that the aboriginal Akyem people led by Okomfo Asare emerged from the depth of River Birem at Bunso with five divine stools. Okyeame (state philosopher), Okomfo (High Priest) Asare emerged from the depth of the river with his body covered with white calico, merekenson (palm frond) held on his left shoulder.
The Ohum festival, which is celebrated twice annually as Ohumkan (first Ohum) and Ohumkyire (second Ohum) has three main aspects. The first is to mark the mythical appearance of chief Okuru Banin I and his men from the river Birem and their migration from that area to their present settlement and also to mourn their past chiefs and elders of the land. The second aspect is to give thanks to the river god Agyempremu Kofi who is believed to be the protector of the people of Tafo (the custodians of the Ohum festival) and its environs. The third aspect is to usher in a new year and launch the eating of new yam.
The festival shows the people’s abilities in drawing inspiration from their ancestors and protective spirits (practices that have been preserved and handed over by deeds and by word of mouth from generation to generation); and combining them with modern elements of their time to produce an entirely joyful event. The festival’s artistic and cultural repertoire includes exotic origin and history, religious activities, comprising rites and rituals, energetic drumming and dances and colourful costumes and regalia.