The Omanhene of the Breman Essiam Traditional Area, Odeefuo Afankwa III, has declared the start of this year's Donkese Afahye, which will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the enstoolment of the Queenmother, Nana Efua Esiwaa II and also raise funds to complete the Nana Efua Esiwaa II Cultural Centre.
The Nana Efua Esiwaa II Cultural Centre is a project initiated by the queenmother from her private resources and inaugurated on July 26, 2020, by Odeefuo Amoakwa Boadu, with support from the current Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.
A ban on drumming, dancing and noise-making has consequently taken effect ahead of the two-day festival, scheduled for July 25 and 26, 2026.
This year’s celebration is on the theme: "Esiaman on the path to greatness: Celebrating two decades of a Queenmother's dedicated leadership of service, sacrifice, wisdom and strength."
Dignitaries expected include President John Dramani Mahama, Vice-President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Dr Samuel Ato Duncan, Dr Louisa Hannah Bisiw, Odeefuo Amoakwa Boadu, Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi, Obrempong Nyanful Krampah XI, among others.
Donkese Afahye
Addressing the gathering at the omanhene's palace, Odeefuo Afankwa III said the festival, “Donkese" means "Sacred Bell" — a legacy left by their ancestors, was celebrated annually at the end of July to honour the heritage and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the traditional area.
On the Sacred Bell, he said tradition held that it descended from heaven to their forefathers and had since been preserved for successive generations.
"History has it that the bell descended from heaven to our forefathers, and we have protected it to date. That is why it is sacred. This bell is sacred to us. That is why we call our festival Donkese," he said.
He said the bell bore inscriptions that had not yet been deciphered and was exhibited to the public only during the annual festival and on special occasions, making it one of the traditional area's unique tourist attractions.
Odeefuo Afankwa III further explained that the people of Breman Essiam migrated from Breman in the Ashanti Region before settling in the Central Region, a history which accounted for the mixture of Fante and Twi spoken in the area, adding that Essiam and Esikuma were historically related communities, with Essiam regarded as the senior.
Youth
Odeefuo Afankwa III also urged the youth to stay away from drugs and other social vices and rather concentrate on their education.
"I urge the youth of Ghana to stay away from drugs and other social vices. Focus on your education because you are the future leaders of this country," he said.
The omanhene also called on Ghanaians to support the government in succeeding, saying that the success or failure of any government has implications for every citizen.
Activities
Activities lined up for the celebration include quiz competitions, fun games, cooking competitions, an exhibition of the Sacred Bell, a Yellow Friday street carnival, a denominational thanksgiving service and a grand durbar at the Breman Catholic Park to raise funds for the cultural centre.
