Osahene Ofei
KWASI AGYEMAN
IV
Akuapem Kurontihene
KURONTI
odwira 2014
13 19 ‘14 MON
SUN
OCT.
OCT.
TH
TH
AT THE FORECOURT OF THE KURONTI PALACE, AKROPONG AKUAPEM
ours
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Osahene Ofei
KWASI AGYEMAN
IV
Akuapem Kurontihene
AND THE AKUAPEM KURONTI DIVISION WELCOME YOU TO THE
KURONTI
odwira 2014
13 19 ‘14 MON
SUN
OCT.
OCT.
TH
TH
AT THE FORECOURT OF THE KURONTI PALACE, AKROPONG AKUAPEM
Osahene
Ofei KWASI AGYEMAN IV Senior Divisional Chief & K ur ontihene of Ak uapem
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O
Akuapem Kronti Odwira Festival 2014
Annual Message
ur traditional practices have served to cloud our attention to the menace of child labour in our society. Many parents have forced their school going children to join them in their day-to-day economic activities and end up jeorpadising their education. Coupled with this is the tendency of some parents of offering underage daughters into early marriages which end up disrupting the children’s education. TEENAGE PREGNANCIES Lack of close parental supervision in the homes also breeds immoral behavior on the part of children. Our local clinics are currently
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loaded with several young ladies needing medical care and without fathers to provide parental support. The negative impact that this situation presents on the future of the unborn children is tremendous. SEXUAL ABUSE Another area needing attention is the sexual abuse that some children suffer in the hands of their own fathers. The sad thing about this situation is that the perpetrators of this abuse mostly escape punishment, thus allowing the abuse to continue for a long time.
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VOCATIONAL AND SKILLS TRAINING There is a general shortfall in vocational and skills training schools which works against producing employable youth in the labour market. Some effort has been made recently to set up Secondary Technical schools but the numbers are too few. The area of agriculture, which represents the future ‘Go to ‘ economic sector, in my view, has not received the attention it deserves in terms of providing skills training for the future employment of our youth.
SOLUTIONS TO THE CHALLENGES The challenges mentioned in this annual message are complex and diverse. We cannot lay blame on one segment of society as being the perpetrator of all these ills. Neither can we pinpoint the entity or individuals who on their own can provide the answers and solutions to the challenges identified. Tackling the challenges will have to involve many individuals and entities. The Government, parents, Churches, traditional leaders, civil society, youth organizations, corporate bodies, non-profit organizations and many other segments of society will all have to
get involved in assuming their role in contributing to providing solutions. We are happy that the Government saw it fit to establish a separate Ministry to handle this important sector. Judging from what is reported in the media, the effort being made by the Ministry is yielding dividends. It is our hope that you will succeed in your endeavour to find solutions to all the challenges facing the development and empowerment of our children. Our future depends upon the success of your efforts.
Special Dignitaries
Hon. Antwi-Boasiako Sekyere Eastern Regional Minister
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Nana Oye Lithur Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection
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History of Kuronti between the hinterland tribes and the Danes and other Europeans who had made a beachhead on the coast of Accra by the middle of 17th century. This era, according to authentic historical accounts, was marked by the dominance of the Akwamus, and that the Akwamus power had its beginning in the Western boundaries of Akyem where they had built themselves into an empire centered upon the upper reaches of Birim and Densu rivers. Ofei Kwasi Agyeman being a member of the Akwamu empire is believed to have spent some time at Bososo near Begoro in Akyem Abuakwa with his people. A source attributed to Mr. F. Crowther of the colonial Service in 1915 makes reference to “The Akan Kamena stools of Akuapem” pointing to a number of Akwamu chiefs who had migrated to the Akuapem areas and were regarded as the rulers prior to the arrival of
Division
he history of Kuronti division cannot be recounted without tracing the life of Ofei Kwasi Agyeman, the patriarch of the Amoakade family of Akropong, who is the first occupant of the Kuronti stool, and one of the architects of the Abotakyi Accord. As a young man, he was known to possess a shrewd business acumen and which he combined ‘native intelligence’ to visualize the immense opportunities presented by the ongoing trade
the Akims. Those of the Akan Kamena Stools included Adontenhene at Akropong (referring to Kuronti), the second Adontenhene at Aburi, and Atweasi now merged in Aburi. The Ofei Kwasi Agyeman Kuronti stool emerged from this dynasty. The first recorded encounter with Ofei Kwasi Agyeman was during his later life among the highland communities of the Guans and Kyerepons. During this time, the ‘hill tribes’ were being subjected to many unspeakable acts of cruelty and depredation. A number of campaigns launched to break the Akwamu yoke of brutality ended up in failure, and only served to bring down harsher punitive sanctions. The historic decision to turn to Akyem Abuakwa to seek help in driving out the Akwamus was believed to be the brainchild of Ofei Kwasi Agyeman. In view of the fact that he had lived among the natives and had
participated in earlier campaigns against the Akwamus, the commander of the Akyem forces placed Ofei Kwasi Agyeman and his forces in the first line of attack. The acts of bravery of these men were legendary causing historians to refer to the story of Ofei Kwasi Agyeman and his ‘seven guns; When the Abotakyi Accord was signed and the Akuapem State was formed, the performance of Ofei Kwasi Agyeman and his Kamena warriors did not go unrewarded. In the distribution of offices, apparently made along military lines, the new king of Akuapem appointed Ofei Kwasi Agyeman as the first Adontenhene, with his stool at Akropong and second in ranking to the king. The designation and the official title was amended to that of Kurontihene of Akuapem in 1934.
PAST SUCCESSIVE KURONTI CHIEFS
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Name Nana Ofei Kwasi Agyeman I Nana Aye Kissi Brentri Nana Mante Yaw Nana Aduobe Nana Ofeihene I Nana Atiemo Nana Kofi Kra (Died in exile) Nana Boafo Panyin Nana Boafo Ansah I Nana Boafo Asante I Nana Ofei Kwasi Agyeman II Nana Yaw Boafo (Abdicated) Nana Ofei Kwasi Agyeman III Nana Kofi Boafo (Destooled) Nana Boafo Asante II Nana Ofeihene II Nana Boafo Ansah II Osahene Ofei Kwasi Agyeman IV
Period 1728 - 1744 1744 - 1750 1750 - 1765 1765 - 1775 1775 - 1800 1800 - 1823 1824 - 1845 1845 - 1870 1870 - 1890 1890 - 1904 1904 - 1914 1914 - 1934 1934 - 1949 1949 - 1952 1953 - 1956 1956 - 1963 1966 - 1999 Since 1999
Year(s) 16 6 15 10 25 23 21 25 20 14 10 20 15 3 4 7 35
Nana Boafo Asante II
Nana Offeihene II
Nana Boafo Ansah II
Special Dignitaries
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Hon. William Ofori Boafo
Hon. George Opare Addo
MP Akropong
Akuapem North MCE
Nana
II
Kurontiheea and Senior Divisional Queen Mother (Akuapem)
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Osafohene Addo Kwaata
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CONTINUATION OF A WINNING LEGACY BRIEF PROFILE OF THE CURRENT OCCUPANT OF THE KURONTI STOOL
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sahene Offei Kwasi Agyeman IV was born on 4th November, 1942 and after his primary and high school education opted, unknowing to his parents and family, to pursue a career in the Ghana Armed Forces in 1961. His mother considered a career as a soldier unsuitable for a royal and attempted to personally get him out of the military but failed. Osahene, then known as Emmanuel AyehBampoe, considerd the early stint in the Army as an opportunity to earn his independence early and build himself a good foundation for the rest of his life. Osahene completed his initial training at the Ghana Military Academy in 1962, and was sent to the United Kingdom to do his young officers course at the Royal Air Force School of Accounting at Grantham where he obtained a certificate in Accounting.On return to Ghana, he served as an officer in various capacities, including command position at the Forces Pay Office and staff
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positions at Paymaster General’s Office at the Ministry of Defence. In 1970, he was sent to do his Senior Staff Course at the U.S. Army School of Finance in Indianapolis, Indiana where he obtained a Diploma in Financial Management. Shortly after returning from the United States, in spite of promising career prospects, he voluntarily retired from the Army as a young Major. Osahene immediately returned to the United States to pursue degree courses at Rutgers University in New Jersey. After attaining his Bachelors Degree in Economics and Finance in 1977 and Masters Degree in Management and Human Resources in 1979, he worked for a number of reputable International companies, including Metex Corporation, Siemens Corporation and AT&T. Osahene’s exposure to chieftaincy started in April 1983 when he was installed as the Osafohene of the Kronti
Division and started his ‘apprenticeship’ under his uncle, Nana Boafo Ansah II, In Kronti Division it is a requirement for future Kronthenes to serve some form of apprenticeship to prepare them for their future traditional role and responsibilities. The training he received on traditional issues and practices helped him to appreciate the importance of truth and decency in all leadership roles, His uncle’s firmness and courage in the face of adversity and challenges has helped Osahene to cultivate those character attributes. In 1999, Osahene formally returned to Ghana to succeed his uncle as Krontihene and Senior Divisional Chief of Akuapem Traditional Area. Osahene firmly believes that for any chief to be effective, he needs to change his perception that a chief’s preoccupation should be turf-building and personal aggrandizement. He has therefore aligned and cultivated friendship with like minded traditional and community
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leaders who strive to serve their communities and make life better for others. The term “modern chief” is gradually emerging in conversations, and is used (I think) to define traditional leaders who are more interested in pursuing activities geared towards serving their communities and the nation as a whole. Osahene’s aspiration is to join that fraternity and, for the sake of survival of the chieftaincy institution, to encourage all others to join. Osahene believes that a modern chief should also function at workplaces in addition to the palace, and his role should transcend his traditional duties, True to that belief, Osahene, since becoming Krontihene, has worked as a General Manager at Enterprise Insurance Company and Executive Director of DFID (British Government sponsored) Mega NGO. He has also served on a number of boards and committees including Graphic Communications Group of Companies as its Chairman, Ghana Head of State Award Scheme as Trustee, Presbyterian
University Implementation Committee (Akuapem Campus) as its Chairman, School for the Blind at Akropong Akuapem as its Chairman, and more recently, a member of the Governing Council of the Akropong Presbyterian College of Education. Osahene is grateful to, and very much appreciates, the sons and daughters of the community who have excelled in their various career endeavours. The Kronti Division has in our recent Odwira festivals acknowledged and honoured a number of them and intend to identify and honour some more. The ones already honoured and acknowledged include Rev George Opare Kwapong, Rev (Dr,) Daniel Nyante, Dr. Owusu Akuffo. Evangelist Atta Aboah Offei, Rev Charles Ansah Owusu, Dr. F. Akuffo, Hon. W.O. Boafo, Hon. Mercy Bampoe Addo, Dr. Owusu Barnafo, Mrs. Victoria Akoto Donkor, Mr, Adupre Awuku, Mr. Eric Bekoe, Justice Sophia Akuffo, Mr. Asare Akuffo, Hon. Gloria Akuffo, Mr.
Kingsley Osei, Dr. Reynolds Akyeampong, Mrs. Comfort Boohene, Mr.Kwaku Sakyi Addo, Mrs Esther Acquah, Mr Samuel Sarpong, among others. Osahene believes that the future of our community very much depends upon the extent to which the more fortunate ones among us contribute and dedicate themselves to the support of the needy. He also believes that in the current situation of hopelessness and moral decay, a turn to God and Christian principles is a panacea for the problems of society. This is behind the Division’s collaboration with some of the church elements to celebrate the worship of God as significant part of our Odwira celebrations. Krontihene is eternally grateful to Christian leaders like Evangelist Abboa Offei, Rev Kwapong and Rev. Charles Ansah Owusu for leading the way. Osahene is married with three children and eight grandchildren.
THE GRAND DURBAR PROGRAMME SATURDAY, 18TH OCTOBER, 2014 Procession of Chief through the principal streets of Akropong - 11am Chiefs, Elders and Guests get seated at the Durbar Grounds - 12 Noon Guests of Honour, His Entourage and other VIP's arrive at Durbar Grounds and get seated after greeting Osahene. Music by Choir and Traditional Drumming provide prelude to the start of Durbar. Opening Prayer: Presbyterian District Pastor/Chief Imam Pouring of Traditional Libation Introduction of Chairman & Other Dignitaries Kurontihene's Welcome Address and Annual Message Awards and Recognitions Keynote Address - Nana Oye Lithur (Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection) Musical Interlude - School for the Blind Choir Goodwill Address by Regional Minister The Launch of Kuronti Fund for Community Development by Special Guest Vote of Thanks and Closing.
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Rev. I. D. Asare P.C.G, Christ Church
Rev. Kumi Yeboah P.C.G, Peace Church
Rev. Samuel Yeboah Antwi (Principal, P.C.E)
Rev. George Kwapong Akwapim Presbytery Chairperson Rev. Charles Ansah Owusu Abundant Grace
Evang. Atta Aboah-Ofei and Wife, Faustina
Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III (Akwamumanhene)
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DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECT
K
NANA ABENAA ODOWSOO II
RONTI Division still strives to be relevant as a progressive traditional entity The Akuapem traditional structure was initially implemented to deal warfare and security of our state. The belligerent atmosphere has given away to modern society that thrives on development and civilization for the traditional institution to remain relevant it has had to change its focus to policies and practices geared towards development of our community. Education Yo u t h d e ve l o p m e n t empowerment represents one of the most important areas of concern that needs constant attention. As indicated in my annual message, indiscipline and truancy as constantly been cited as one of the major problem areas facing society. It has been generally accepted that good education policies and practices represents a good antidote for
valuable and quality items to support our schools and other institutions in the Traditional Area
tackling the challenge. Therefore right from the onset the division looked for ways to make a contribution in view of our limited resources, we considered it prudent to look for partners. the immediate result was formation of NGO with par tners from Austria which saw to the establishment of a scholarship system which has benefited, and continues to benefit, hundreds of our children in the basic and primary schools system we have also collaborated with united way Ghana to assist needy children in the community through provision of uniforms books and bags .
Water supply The Adami water supply system implemented by the division with the support of many groups of people and organizations continues to serve many of the households in the Akropong township and has been the most affordable water in the community. There is a plan to acquire additional boreholes to cater for the areas which are still deficient of good water to increase access to the water.
Supply of computer s and furniture We have also involved in the supply of computers and furniture to primar y and secondary schools in the area, here was acknowledge the support of our Austrians friends and progressives citizens like Kwame Owusu Danquah who arranged for shipment of many
Internet and computer learning Center With the help of help4Ghana partners, the Computer Learning Center in the Kuronti Palace has now been expanded into a fullfledged Internet Café and a Training Center. The Café has been operative for months and represents one of the best area in the area.
SOME PROMINENT SONS AND DAUGHTERS
EMMANUEL OBENG
OHENEBA KWAME DIABENE APENTENG Chairman, Vector Haulage & Eng. Service
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Partner Tax & Regulatory Serv. - KPMG-Ghana
DR. ALBERT OWUSU BARNAFO
AYITEY COLEMAN
MRS. AKUA OWUSUA ADISI
Town & Country Planning Officer, A.N.D.A
C.E.O - Universal Travel & Tours
NANA POKUA DEKYI
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Felix
Nana Sackey Managing Partner, Deloitte & Touche Ghana
AMOAKADE PROMINENT ELDERS
ABUSUAPANYIN OHENE ODURO
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ODEHYE KWAKU AMANKWA
ABUSUAPANYIN OHENE KWASI SAFORO
OPANYIN OHENE BRIGTH
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Ofosu Appiah
Mr. S.K. Sarpong and wife
Adwoa Boahemaa
SOME
Aberewatia Gladys Okyerewa Osae Addo
PROMINENT
MEMBERS Ankobea Osae
Evelyn Kenin
Kwaku Osae Addo Osae Addo
Akua
Kyidomhemea
Gyasiwa
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VICTORY INT. SCHOOL
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ictory International School was founded on 8th August 1988 by Nana Ofosu Addo I; Akuapem Kuronti Tufohene, popularly known in private life as Mr. Edmund Nana Ofosu Atta Mills. The school operates under registration number AMA/ED/PPA 032, and owing to its academic achievements, it has been nicknamed "JUNIOR UNIVERSITY". On the 2nd of August 1999, the parent school presented the first batch of students for the BECE examination all of whom passed with distinction. Since then, the school has maintained its standard as well as winning numerous competitions.
year 2005 with a population of about 213 pupils and members of staff in the first term. The enrolment has risen above 350 pupils. Nana's Advice to the Youth I encourage the youth to learn hard and to use their leisure times profitably because being a man is not determined by the many stories you can tell but by the many obstacles you have fought and won. We shall all remember that we shall one day account for what we used our time and life for.
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The Akropong branch (7th branch) was opened at Daakye near the clinic in the
"There is no lasting glory won without struggle� Thank You.
C E L E B R A T I N G
th
A N N I V E R S A RY
of
NANA OFOSU ADDO I AS KURONTI TUFUHEHE
HUMILITY CLUB
BARBARA QAUH C0-FOUNDER
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MRS. BEATRICE RAUF PRESIDENT
CHARLOTTE KWAYISI TREASURER
AKOSUA APASIWA AKUFFO VICE PRESIDENT
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SANAAHEMEA WIAH TIBU
Ahenenanahene Osae Adade Division Secretary
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Royal Chiefs of Kuronti Division
ABAKOMAHENE KROBEA ASANTE SANAAHENE TWUM BARIMA
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APAGYAHENE ATIEMO KWABI
DABEHENE ABOA OMENAKO
AKYEAMEHENE KWADWO AKYEAMPONG
NANA AYE AKUFFO
Akabuahene, Kuronti
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Royal Chiefs of Kuronti Division
GYASEHENE OFEI NKANSAH II
KYIDOMHENE AKOTO KWAPONG I
MPONUAHENE KISSIEDU APPAU
OKUAPEHENE NSAFOAHENE SPECIAL ADVISOR TO KURONTIHENE
SANAA OFORI II
ANKOBEAHENE TWUMASI DARKO
GYASEHEMEA AKUA YIRENKYIWA
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NKONWASUAFOHENE OPARE SAFRO
TUFUHEMEA YAA BOAHEMAA
ANKOBEA OKROMEA
OKYEAME KWAME ASIEDU OKYEAME KWASI AKOTO KURONTI DIVISION LINGUIST
KURONTI DIVISION LINGUIST
ODEHYE JULIANA AKUFFO
OKYEAME KWAME YEBOAH
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ODEHYE BARIMA A. YAW
BARIMA KOFI ANAFI
BARIMA KWAKU ANSAH
OKUAMPA ASARE
ADI KWAKU
AYE KWABENA
JOE BANSON YOUTH ACTIVIST
ADDO KWAKU
KWAKU ABOAGYE
MPONUAHEMEA SAKYIABEA Oh behalf of Kuronti Division of Akuapem, Osahene, Nana Oye, Chiefs and the entire family wish you a
“Happy 10th Anniversary” May you live in healthier and your reign continue in Peace, Love, Unity and Prosperity for the betterment of Akuapem. Mponuahemea, Ye ma wo mo ne ye! Afehyia pa oo!!
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33 OTHER ADUANA CHIEFS IN AKROPONG
NANA KWAW KUTRUKU V FRANKAAHENE OF AKUAPEM
NANA OTWE KAKRADAA II FRAKATUHEMEA
NANA AFARI BAMPO BAMUHENE, AKUAPEM
NANA AKOSUA MANTEBEA I TWAFOHEMAA
Fraternity Group In Akropong
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HIGH SOCIETY
Margarete Nyantekyiwa
Dora Ohene Sonkor
Odehye Kwadwo Lokko
Lydia Sonkor
Other Special Dignitaries
Ofosua Kissiedu
Dankwah Ohene
Mr. Felix Mensah and Wife Mary Kwatia
Other Amoakade members
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Gratitude to Evangelist Abboa Ofei, Hon. Ofosu Ampofoh, Nana Sackey, Mr. Samuel Sarpong and all others who made the festival possible. DESIGNED & PRINTED BY SAMASKA
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