Akwamuman celebrates 60-year reign of Nana Afrakoma II

An illustrious 60-year reign of Nana Afrakoma II as the Queen mother of Akwamu­man was over the weekend marked with a grand durbar held at the forecourt of Bog­yawe Palace, Akwamufie in the Eastern Region.

The durbar was also to climax the celebration of the Akwasi­dae Kese of the people in the Akwamu Traditional Area.

In a colourful event, the durbar which featured the dis­play of the rich culture attract­ed people from far and near.

Among them were the Pres­ident, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former President, Mr John Agyekum Kufuor, the former First Lady, Nana Kona­du Agyeman Rawlings and her children, the Member of Par­liament (MP) of Asuogyaman Constituency, Mr Thomas Apem Nyarko, and a representative from the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

Others include the Dormaa­hene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, represent­ing the Aduana fraternity, the Otublohum Asafo groups, traditional rulers across the country, and the local council of churches.

Preceding the durbar on Sat­urday, were activities such as a health walk, live band per­formances featuring musicians such as Kwabena Kwabena and Akwaboah.

Addressing the gathering at the durbar, Nana Afrakoma II thanked the people of Akwamu, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries in the country for the support given her during her 60-year reign as the Queen mother of Akwamuman.

She advised the youth to accord the elderly the needed respect in order to obtain the blessings from God and remain humble.

Also, long serving staff, chiefs, and other individuals were honoured with various citations and awards by the Queen mother.

For his part, the Ak­wamuhene, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, lauded Nana Afrakoma II for the exemplary leadership shown since her enthronement as queen mother at the age of 18 years.

He noted that initiatives by Nana Afrakoma II such as the Afrakoma Foundation and the Nana Afrakoma Vocational Insti­tute had contributed to shaping the life of the youth and had helped tackle issues such as teenage pregnancy and school dropout.

Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, therefore, urged the President to support the Nana Afrakoma Vocational Institute to enable it to provide the youth with the needed training and equip them with the requisite skills.

He also called on the Presi­dent to revive Akosombo Tex­tiles Limited (ATL), the compa­ny that provided employment for the youth.

President Nana Akufo-Addo supported the durbar with an amount of GH¢100,000 and box­es of Black Label, Hennessey, red wine and champagne.

 Benjamin Arcton -Tettey