The Osiahene of the Osu Traditional Area, Nii Nortey Osiahene IV, has appealed to all citizens, royal households, and residents of Osu to uphold peace and solidarity in anticipation of this year’s War God procession — a sacred and long-standing spiritual tradition that strengthens the community’s ancestral ties.
In a statement ahead of the event, Nii Nortey emphasized that the ritual procession of the War God, known traditionally as Osu Gyinmankɔgyɛ, holds deep spiritual meaning and should not be confused with political motives or internal conflicts.
“Each year, the War God’s journey through Osu is symbolic — it unifies our people, connects our divisions, and offers spiritual protection for our land,” he noted.
The two-week ritual includes ceremonial visits to spiritually significant locations, such as the Osu Castle, and main quarters like Kinkawe, Alata, Ashante, and Anorhor. Along the path, the War God pays homage to various deities, including Ubami at Alata, Okumagan at Anorhor, and Kwiku at Ashante, before returning to its spiritual base.
The Osiahene highlighted that the route taken by the War God is steeped in history and must be honoured accordingly.
“This is not just about the Castle. These are spiritually connected places that the deity must visit. That is the heart of Osu Gyinmankɔgyɛ,” he explained.
He also addressed public misconceptions surrounding the ceremony, urging residents not to view the procession with fear or suspicion.
“This is not war, and it is not chaos. It is our tradition. If you are not part of it, do not obstruct it. Let the process unfold with dignity and peace,” he urged.
Nii Nortey, who has led as Osiahene for the past 12 years, reaffirmed his commitment to tradition, noting that he was raised in Osu Kinkawe, one of the key quarters central to the ritual.
He concluded with a heartfelt call for unity among all royal families and clans.
“Let us open our hearts and receive our deities. Our ancestors taught us that the War God begins its journey from Kinkawe, proceeds to the Castle, then to Baachuna — the house of prophecy — before continuing to Anorhor. This path is sacred and belongs to all of us.”
The War God ritual remains one of Osu’s most revered annual spiritual events, symbolizing a deep connection to heritage, identity, and communal strength.
