People and Places: The Okyenhene

Okyenhene is a title given to the paramount chief of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area in the Eastern Region. He is the highest authority in the traditional hierarchy of the Akyem Abuakwa state and is responsible for the spiritual, cultural and social well-being of the people.

Legend has it that the Akyems (people of Okyeman) were one of the first Akan tribes to migrate southwards after the fall of the ancient Songhai Empire. According to history, all the Akyems initially settled at a common place under a big tree called the ‘Okyen’ before they later separated. 

It is said that the Akyems got their name ‘Okyeni’ or ‘Akyem fo’ (plural) from the Okyen tree – a huge tree under which they first settled. The title ‘Okyenhene’, therefore, is a combination of ‘okyen’ and ‘hene’ (king or chief).

The current Okyenhene is Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin II. He was installed on October 4, 1999, as the 35th Okyenhene to ascend the Ofori Panin stool. This year marks the 25th anniversary of his reign on the Ofori Panin stool, a symbol of the Akyem Abuakwa state.

The Akyem Abuakwa State, which has its capital at Kyebi, was established in the 17th century. It was founded by Okyenhene Ofori Panin Foduo, who is known as the first Okyenhene (King) of the state, in 1640.

At the time, the Okyenhene was a great warrior and leader who united various Akan clans to form the Akyem Abuakwa kingdom. Since then, the state has grown and evolved with a rich history and cultural heritage that continues to thrive today.

Akyem Abuakwa is one of three Akyem states commonly known as ‘Akyem Mansa’, consisting of three independent states, all in the Eastern Region, with a common language, culture, customs and historical background. 

The Abuakwa State is the largest of the three in terms of land size, population and natural resources, followed by Akyem Kotoku, with Akyem Bosome being the third and smallest.