[1] The Oguaa people of Cape Coast celebrate the Fetu Afahye every year because there was once a disease outbreak among the populace that resulted in a large number of fatalities.
Fetu Afahye is an annual festival celebrated by the people and chiefs of the Cape Coast Traditional Area in the Central Region of Ghana.
However, it is believed that the inhabitants of Cape Coast and its environs were able to eliminate this plague with the help of their gods, hence the name "Fetu," originally Efin Tu ("doing away with dirt").
[2] The country's previous colonial administration, specifically Cape Coast, once outlawed the Fetu Afahye and referred to it as "Black Christmas" to denote that it was a bad traditional phenomenon.
The Omanhen (paramount chief) at that time, who is named the Osabarimba Kodwo Mbra V, Okyeame Ekow Atta, debunked this conception as misleading.
During this period of confinement, he meditates and asks for wisdom from the creator (Aboadze) and the ancestors, as well as seeking medical attention where necessary from his physician to enable him come out both physically and mentally fit for the impending activities, such as delivering his tasks for the success of the festival.
A religious ceremony is held in front of Nana Paprata shrine on the Thursday night, with accompanying rituals and dancing ("Adammba") to summon the spirits of the ancestors to enable the priests and priestesses to soothsay.
It is mostly identified as the silk cotton tree where the Omanhen, on the climax day, sits in state with his divisional and sub-chiefs, flanked by the council of elders.
After the state address, the Omanhen walks towards the entrance, flanked by his sub-chiefs and divisional chiefs to Tabir's shrine, where the cow is tied by its limbs.
This particular day attracts a unique and attentive audience for the procession of the Asafo Companies, which usually parade along the street of Cape Coast from Kotokuraba through Chapel Square to the chief's palace.
In view of this, the Omanhen and his divisional chiefs as well as elders attend the church occasion and take the opportunity to announce the day for the next year's celebration.