Mamfe re-enacts ancient tradition
Asafosa, an ancient tradition of which the chiefs and people of Mamfe-Akuapem drank palm wine from a single pot, was perfectly enacted over the weekend when all the divisional chiefs of Akuapem joined in the drinking.
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Under the process, which forms part of the activities to celebrate the Ohum Festival, each of the chiefs and clan heads, as well as the queens of the town brings a pot containing fresh palm wine which is poured into a giant pot after which libation is poured.
The chief of Mamfe first drank the palm wine before it was distributed to everybody present amid traditional drumming and dancing.
No ill feeling
The ritual is a sign that none of the chiefs or the people has any ill feeling towards one another and that all of them have united for a common purpose.
This year’s gathering - the biggest in recent times - brought together all the divisional chiefs of Akuapem or their representatives and some sub-chiefs from other paramountcies such as Akyem Abuakwa and Kwahu.
The Omanhene of Akwamu, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto II, was also present with large retinue mostly warriors and executioners displaying their prowess in war and other traditional practices to the delight of the gathering.
Also present were the Eastern Regional Minister, Mrs Helen Adjoa Ntoso, her deputy, Miss Mavis Ama Frempong, the immediate past Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, a former Minister of Health, Mr Nuamah Donkor, and a former Eastern Regional Minister, Dr Kwasi Akyem Apea-Kubi.
Ansa Sasraku speaks
Sitting in state to receive the visiting chiefs and government officials, the Mamfehene, who was also the Kyidomhene of Akuapem, Osabarima Ansa Sasraku, said the large gathering of the chiefs and people had demonstrated unity and togetherness and that the re-unification of Akuapem was an added impetus to accelerate the traditional area’s development.
ICT training
With regard to the development of Mamfe, the Mamfehene, who was instrumental in the setting up of an ICT and Skill Training Centre in the town, was hopeful that the youth in the town, as well as Akuapem would take the advantage to acquire ICT skills to improve their lot.
The town is currently enjoying good drinking water but its roads are not the best and as such the Mamfehene called for government assistance in reshaping them.
Osabarima Ansa Sasraku expressed his appreciation to all who helped to make the gathering a grand one.
Helen Adjoa Ntoso
In response, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mrs Helen Adjoa Ntoso, enumerated a number of government initiatives - particularly in education - of which over 4,000 laptops had been distributed to pupils and students in the region.
A number of roads in the region, she also indicated, had been awarded on contract while unemployment was also being tackled through the Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Programme.
She praised the Mamfehene for his able leadership that had led to the improvement of the living standard of his people.