The Concerned Nkusukum Youth and Citizens Movement, a community advocacy group, is urging the traditional council of Nkusukum to return the Odambea Festival to its original August schedule, aiming for a revitalised and grand celebration in 2025.

The recent Odambea Festival, which took place in October this year, saw a notable drop in attendance and lacked the usual vibrancy that has long defined this iconic event.

High-profile guests, including former President John Mahama and Vice President Dr. Bawumia, were also absent, despite previous announcements.

The Concerned Nkusukum Youth attributes this outcome to the change in timing and has advocated strongly for a return to the August celebration that holds deep cultural significance.

Earlier this year, the Concerned Nkusukum Youth submitted a formal petition to the Omanhene of Nkusukum and the traditional council, emphasising the historical and cultural importance of the August date.

The petition highlights that the original timing could potentially draw larger crowds and attract dignitaries, thereby enhancing the festival's stature.

One reason given by the traditional council for shifting the date to October was an overlap with the Abeadze Dominase Festival in August.

However, the shift did not yield the anticipated boost in attendance. Instead, it created a scenario where the Abeadze Dominase Festival attracted high-level dignitaries, while the Odambea Festival fell short of prominent representation.

The Concerned Nkusukum Youth stresses that while timing plays a role, thoughtful planning, effective coordination, and stronger community engagement are equally essential for the festival’s success.

"This is more than a date change," said a spokesperson for the Concerned Nkusukum Youth and Citizens Movement.

"This is about honoring our heritage and preserving traditions that have sustained us for generations. We believe that by restoring the festival to August, we can unlock its full potential and make Odambea a celebrated occasion for all."

The group’s petition underscores the need for strategic planning and organization to raise the festival’s appeal.

They argue that a well-coordinated Odambea Festival could stimulate tourism, benefit the local economy, and foster community pride. A consistent August date would also increase the likelihood of attracting high-profile figures, including the president and vice president, and welcome visitors from across the region.

In his address at this year’s festival, the Omanhene of Nkusukum acknowledged the petition and assured the community that the council would give due consideration to the concerns raised.

This assurance has rekindled hope among community members, with many seeing 2025 as a pivotal opportunity to restore the festival’s original timing.

The Concerned Nkusukum Youth remain steadfast in their mission, encouraging the traditional council to address the logistical and organisational issues outlined in their petition.

They believe that simply holding the festival is not enough—it must reflect the pride, dignity, and grandeur that define the Nkusukum people.

Looking ahead to 2025, the group is optimistic that with thoughtful decisions, effective planning, and unified community support, the Odambea Festival can be reestablished in August as a vibrant symbol of Nkusukum heritage and pride for generations to come.