The Eastern Region, a tapestry of lush forests and rolling hills, is home to the Akuapem and Akyem peoples. This region, known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural tapestry, is a place where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with the natural environment. The gentle slopes of the Akuapem Ridge provide a backdrop for vibrant festivals and enduring customs. The primary languages are Akuapem Twi and Akyem Twi, both dialects of Akan.

Historical Context and Migration Patterns:

• The Akuapem and Akyem people are Akan subgroups with distinct histories and traditions. The region’s history is intertwined with the broader Akan migration patterns and the development of various Akan states.

Festivals:

• Odwira Festival (Akuapem): A grand celebration of the yam harvest and ancestral reverence, the Akuapem Odwira Festival is a spectacle of drumming, dancing, and royal processions. The streets come alive with vibrant colours and rhythmic sounds as chiefs and their retinues pay homage to their heritage.
• Ohum Festival (Akyem): A festival of thanksgiving for the bounty of the land, the Akyem Ohum Festival is marked by rituals, feasting, and communal celebrations. The people express their gratitude for the yam harvest and seek blessings for continued prosperity.
• Dipo festival: Dipo is celebrated by the people of Manya and Yilo Krobo in the town of Krobo-Odumase and Somanya, about 80km North of Accra. The mode of celebration is that adolescent girls are adorned in beautiful beads and half naked near nudity. The festival initiates such girls into womanhood.
• Akwantukese- This festival is celebrated by the chiefs and people of the New Juaben traditional Area. It is a period of consecration of black stools, invocation of the blessings of ancestral spirits and show of appreciation to the gods for their guidance.

Fabrics, Textiles, and Fashion:

• Handwoven cloths, with their intricate patterns and vibrant colours, are a hallmark of Eastern Region artistry. These fabrics, often used for ceremonial attire, showcase the skill and creativity of local weavers. The patterns often carry symbolic meanings.

Indigenous Architecture:

• Traditional houses, with their mud-brick walls and thatched roofs, are designed to blend harmoniously with the natural environment. These structures, adapted to the hilly terrain, provide comfortable living spaces and reflect the region’s architectural ingenuity.

Traditional Games & Sports:

• Hillside games and activities, reflecting the region’s topography, provide entertainment and foster community spirit. These games, often involving physical agility and skill, are passed down through generations.

Traditional Dances & Folklore:

• Dances accompanied by drumming and storytelling, often related to the region’s history and natural environment, are an integral part of Eastern Region culture. These performances, filled with rhythmic movements and expressive gestures, preserve the region’s oral traditions. The use of the ‘Apentemma’ drum is very common.

Local Food: Fufu, palm nut soup, and various yam dishes are staples.

Craftsmanship: Carving of wooden stools, and beads.

Folklore and Oral Traditions:

• Folklore often reflects the region’s connection to the forest environment and the importance of agriculture. Proverbs are used to teach social values and guide behaviour.

Traditional Religion and Spirituality:

• Traditional Akan religion is practised, involving the worship of a Supreme Being (Nyame), ancestral spirits, and various deities associated with nature. Rituals are performed to honour ancestors and seek their blessings.

Contemporary Cultural Expressions:

• Highlife music has been influenced by the region’s musical traditions. The Aburi Botanical Gardens and other cultural sites attract visitors.

Regional Variation in Craftsmanship:

Carving of wooden stools is a specialised craft, with different designs and symbols representing different clans or lineages. Bead making involves the use of various materials, with different colours and patterns conveying different meanings.