At a ceremony steeped in history, tradition and reverence, Nananom of Atebubu have unveiled the statue of the legendary warrior king, Osahene Ampon Yirenkyi, at the Piabire Palace, immortalising the man who founded Saaman No. 1 and No. 2 (present-day Atebubu).
The legend remains one of the greatest military leaders in the history of the Bono and Asante kingdoms.
The unveiling of the statue of Osahene Ampon Yirenkyi forms part of the Atebubu paramountcy’s broader commitment to preserving the authentic history, identity and cultural heritage of Atebubuman.
The monument is to serve as a lasting educational landmark, reminding present and future generations of the courage, sacrifice and visionary leadership that laid the foundation for modern Atebubu.
Remembrance
The unveiling, led by His Royal Majesty, Ohempon Dr Yeboah Asiamah, Paramount Chief of Atebubu and President of the Atebubu Traditional Council, was described as a day of solemn remembrance.
"Today, we remember and honour the sacrifice of our great forefather and founder.
Today, we immortalise the name of Osahene Yirenkyi," he said.
Ohempon Yeboah said the history of Atebubu could not be told without acknowledging the extraordinary leadership and courage of Osahene Yirenkyi.
Historical accounts indicate that the ancestors of Atebubu migrated from Bonoman to Adansi, before eventually settling at Saman, near present day Antoa, under the leadership of Ampon Yirenkyi.
The name Saman, Ohempon Yeboah explained, reflected the military heritage of the people.
"The word 'Sa' in Twi denotes war. Our forefathers were renowned warriors, and because of their military exploits, the settlement became known as Sa-man (Saaman)," he said.
He noted that beyond military prowess, the people were equally respected for honesty and integrity.
Accordingly, the royal lineage and sole paramountcy gate of Atebubu bear the name Kyiri-Amim (now spelled ‘Kyeremim’), a reminder that deceit and dishonesty have never been hallmarks of the people of Atebubu.
Ohempon Yeboah recounted that Osahene Yirenkyi earned the title Atekoasre, meaning the one who laughs at rumours of war, because of his unmatched bravery.
His principal weapons were the Piabire (the flaming spear) and the shield, making it especially significant that the Atebubu Palace bears that name.
"Every time we mention Piabire Palace, we are reminded of the fearless warrior who carried the Piabire into battle and defended his people without fear," he explained.
More than a statue
Standing before the newly unveiled monument, Ohempon Yeboah reminded the gathering that the statue was not merely an artistic masterpiece but a permanent lesson in sacrifice, courage and leadership.
The statue depicts Osahene Yirenkyi standing barefoot with his spear, symbolising the hardships endured by the ancestors who fought to secure the land generations now proudly call home.
"Our ancestors crossed forests, rivers and battlefields barefoot so that we might live in peace today.
Many of us would hesitate to walk even a mile without shoes.
Their sacrifices should challenge us to ask what we are doing for Atebubu."
Lasting legacies
The Paramount Chief challenged citizens, especially the youth, to emulate the courage, patriotism and selflessness of their ancestors.
He reminded the audience that power, wealth and influence were temporary, but service and legacy endured forever.
Ohempon Yeboah said the significance of the occasion was that "Ampon Yirenkyi has done his part.
Today, there are no territorial wars.
But we face the conquerable tyranny of economic and social woes.
The question before us is this: What fight are we putting up against these enemies for the progress of Atebubu?
What legacy will we leave for future generations?"
