Yilo Displays Culture On Krobo Mountain

Some Traditional Performances That Took Place On The Mountain

The chiefs and people of Yilo State in the Eastern Region as part of the 25^th anniversary of its Kloyosikplemi festival embarked on a tour to their ancestral home on the Krobo Mountains.

This was to pay homage to their ancestors and solicit blessings for the coming year.

Early last Saturday, the chiefs, elders and people of the six divisions forming the Yilo State – Bornya, Plau, Bunase, Nyewer, Ogome and Okper – all dressed in their traditional regalia headed for the Krobo Mountains (Shai Mountains), which is located between Afienya (Tema) and Kpong road.

“Our ancestors migrated from Israel several years ago and settled on top of this mountain from where they went about their daily activities and these relics lying all over the mountain top is the  evidence to tell our story,” His Royal Majesty (HRM) of Yilo State, Oklepeme Nuer Annobaah Sasraku II, said.

The ascent along the rugged terrain leading to the summit of the mountain was characterised by drumming, dancing, chanting and singing of war (asafo) songs by various youth groups.

“This trek takes a determined tourist,” a first time visitor remarked.

An unusual, heaviness can be felt by a first time visitor who is able to make it to the top as one can see a lot like caves, curved out stone cooking utensils and other imagery depicting the way of life of the people at the time.

According to Oklepeme Sasraku, the visit to the mountain annually is a solemn event to invite their ancestors to join them in climaxing activities marking the annual Kloyosikplemi festival.

“Interferences and attacks by the colonial British government in the Gold Coast at the time pushed the survivors to relocate downhill to occupy their present location which is why we celebrate Kloyosikplemi, which literally means descent,” he revealed.

Addressing an enthusiastic gathering shortly after the mountain experience at a colourful durbar to climax the celebrations at the Akutunya lorry station, Somanya, Oklepeme Sasraku appealed to the government to expedite ongoing projects in the community.

“Upper Manya abounds in a number of fruits, especially mango production, and it is for this that I am appealing to government to introduce credible investors to help our people in adding value to the mangoes and other fruits being produced,” he added.

By Solomon Ofori