The Oti Region stands as a vibrant microcosm of Ghana, boasting a rich blend of cultures and traditions. Home to twenty-one paramountcies, the region is characterized by approximately 25 distinct ethnic groups and dialects. Among these, the Guan-speaking communities—such as the Krachi, Nchumuru/Chonke, Buem, Nkonya, Asante, Akyode, Adele, and Ntrobo—play a prominent role. In addition, migrant groups like the Konkombas, Ewes, Dagombas, Hausa, and Kotokoli contribute to the cultural mosaic. Religiously, the region is predominantly Christian (65%), followed by Islam (25%) and indigenous African traditional beliefs (10%).
Cultural Celebrations
The people of Oti actively celebrate a variety of festivals that draw both local and international visitors. Notable among these are the Yam Festival in the Akyode and Chonke areas, the Nanaba/Dente Akwambo Festival of the Krachi, the Sankyiba Festival celebrated by the chiefs and residents of Nkonya Wuropong, and the Akwantutenten Festival of the Worawora community.
Yam Festival
Known locally as Gyogyi, the annual Yam Festival is a cornerstone event for the Akyode people. This celebration not only highlights their distinctive cultural identity but also underscores their contributions to socio-political and economic development. The festival’s climax, Gyogyible, is a communal expression of gratitude for the supernatural blessing believed to have transformed wild yams into the highly productive varieties cherished by the Akyode, symbolized by the revered Brukum Stool.
Nanaba Festival and the Kete Dance
Historical accounts reveal that the celebrated Kete dance, often associated with the Asante, actually originates from the Kete-Krachi people. Originally performed by local hunters, the dance was later adopted by the Asante after their conquest, a cultural exchange subtly marked by the cloth draped over the Kete drums, known as “sum ne mogya” or “Darkness and Blood.”
Akwantutenten Festival
Revived by the Akan chiefs and people of Warowaro, the Akwantutenten Festival commemorates their historic migration from Ashanti lands to their present settlement. The festivities climax with a colorful durbar of chiefs on a Saturday, during which leaders receive homage from thousands of citizens and visitors. A symbolic pilgrimage to the original settlement atop the hills further enriches this vibrant cultural event.
Tourism in the Oti Region
The region is also home to several promising tourist attractions that highlight its natural beauty and historical significance.
Kyabobo National Park
Pronounced “CHAY-a-bobo,” this 220-square-kilometer park is one of Ghana’s newest eco-tourism destinations. Located in the Nkwanta district of northern Volta near the Togo border and established in 1997, Kyabobo National Park is internationally recognized for its mountainous conservation areas, breathtaking vistas, and pristine wilderness. The park is also home to Mount Dzebobo, Ghana’s second-highest peak, which offers stunning views of Lake Volta.
Shiare Waterfalls and the Hanging Village
In the mountainous Breast area of the Oti Region lies the ancient village of Shiare, part of the Nkwanta South Municipal District. Known as “The Hanging Village,” Shiare is believed to be nearly 900 years old, with oral traditions recounting its settlers’ migration from Ejisu in the Ashanti region. Nestled amid the Breast Mountains, the villagers maintain traditional religious practices while also accommodating Christian believers.
Their uniquely terraced homes, constructed from rock and clay along the natural contours of the mountain, lend the village its distinctive charm.
The Breast Mountains
Within the Breast Mountains, the village of Shiare not only stands out for its rich heritage but also for its traditional leadership. While the chief of nearby Kromase is known as the Kromase Wura, Shiare’s leader is referred to as the Shiare Wura or Osulewura, meaning “king of the kingdom.”
Together, these cultural and natural treasures illustrate why the Oti Region is often described as a microcosm of Ghana—a dynamic area where diversity, history, and tradition converge.
