The youth of Nkusukum in the Central Region have expressed concerns about the cultural and historical disruption by changing the Odambea Festival from August to September.

Their advocacy for returning the festival to its traditional August date follows a petition submitted by the Concerned Nkusukum Youth & Citizens for Development.

According to the youth, the Odambea Festival has been celebrated in August for generations, aligning with their traditional agricultural cycle and community activities.

This was contained in a statement signed by the leader, Ernest De-Graft Egyir, of the Concerned Nkusukum Youth and Citizens.

The youth argue that moving the festival severs historical connections and diminishes its cultural significance.

They stress that returning Odambea to August would honour their past and ensure that their traditions continue to thrive for future generations.

“We are also concerned about potential reductions in participation. August is a time when many Nkusukum people, both local and abroad, return home for the festival. Shifting the date could alienate those who plan their schedules around August, and adapting to a new date poses logistical challenges that may affect the festival’s success.

“One reason cited for the date change is its overlap with the festival of the Abeadze Dominase traditional area. While we respect neighbouring traditions, we strongly disagree that this should necessitate changing our festival’s date. The Odambea festival is central to our cultural identity, and we believe we can honour both festivals with careful planning and dialogue without disrupting our own traditions,” the statement read.

The youth also raised concerns about their exclusion from the decision-making process, noting that they are essential to the future of their traditions and that their involvement is crucial.

Additionally, they expressed worries that changing the festival date could cause division within the Nkusukum Paramountcy, emphasising that the festival has been a unifying event and that altering its timing could foster discord and diminish community cohesion.

“Our petition calls for restoring the festival to its original August date. We propose solutions like enhanced community consultation, better marketing strategies, and greater youth engagement to ensure the festival’s success and cultural relevance.

“To our esteemed chiefs, we respectfully urge you to consider the voices of your people. The Odambea festival is a cornerstone of our identity, and its August timing is deeply embedded in our cultural practices. Moving it disrupts this connection and risks eroding a vital part of our heritage. We seek your support in maintaining the festival’s traditional timing.”

In regards to the press conference, there was a procession through the principal streets of Saltpond, where residents registered their displeasure with the date change.

They were clad in red and held placards with inscriptions such as "Bring Back Nkusukum Odambea to August," "Reviving Traditions, Celebrating Unity," among others.