Kranka (B/A) Oct. 4, GNA - The chiefs and people of Kranka in the Nkoranza North of the Brong Ahafo Region will commence their five-day annua= l Dapaawukuo Yam festival of the chiefs and people on Wednesday, October 12. Nana Owusu Agyemang, Fetish Priest in charge of Brakune shrine told th= e Ghana News Agency at Kranka on Monday that the celebration would enhance activities of the holy place.

Nana Agyemang said during the festival a number of people from all walks of life would visit the shrine to seek spiritual assistance, support and protection against evil spirits. Giving a brief history of the shrine, the fetish priest said it originated from Nkanon near Wa in Upper West Region and is well-known in Nkoranza Traditional Area. "It is capable of overcoming the powers of witchcraft. He said Brakune Shrine has immense spiritual powers capable of compelling people 93to confess before the fetish priest whenever a wizard or a witch should fall into the trap of the fetish god". Nana Agyemang said the main activities of the festival would include drumming and dancing by the various fetish priests and priestesses serving the shrine.

The Chief Fetish Priest said during the celebration he would be led by the elders of the community to visit River Amennasu, the source of drinking water of people in the area to pour libation to endorse the people's beli= ef that the ancestors of the area enjoyed great benefits from the stream. He said he would personally donate to support on-going development projects in the community at this year's festival. As part of the celebration, Nana Agyemang announced a special meeting of the community to be held on Friday October 13, during which the communit= y leaders would announce the development agenda for the year to seek approval from the people before implementation. He urged all citizens of Kranka to take note of the date of the festival and visit home to contribute towards its success.