Asebuman celebrates 25 years of Okatakyi Amanfi VII with Apayemkese Festival

In a vibrant display of culture and tradition, the Asebu Traditional Council crowned its 2025 Apayemkese Festival with a colourful grand durbar that also marked the 25year reign of Paramount Chief Okatakyi Amanfi VII.

The celebration took place at the Asebu durbar grounds and brought together chiefs, elders, citizens, and guests from across the country. The dual event, held on Saturday November 22, 2025, carried the theme “Celebrating 25 Years of Impactful Leadership and Over 1000 Years of Asebuman Heritage: Honouring the Past, Empowering the Future.”

Okatakyi Amanfi VII, known privately as Prof. Sampson Enyin Edusah, explained that the gathering was in honour of both the Apayemkese Festival and his Silver Jubilee as the occupant of the Odomankoma Stool. He described the moment as one of humility and reflection. He noted that his 25-year journey as a leader had been rewarding and challenging in equal measure and credited divine guidance for sustaining him through difficult periods.

Reflecting on the theme, he said it captured the heroic exploits of the kingdom’s founder and the sacrifices of generations who built the Asebu State. He added that the theme was appropriate because it also echoed the progress achieved under his leadership.

Okatakyi Amanfi VII outlined key achievements during his reign. He stated that the Traditional Area had enjoyed peace and harmony despite occasional disputes related to selection and installation processes. He recalled that during the Year of Return under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, he allocated free land to diasporans who wished to settle in Ghana, a gesture he believed aligned with the dreams of Pan Africanism and the economic transformation of Asebu.

On education, he highlighted the Amanfi VII Education Fund which has supported more than 200 brilliant but needy students with over GH¢100,000. He also mentioned his role in providing 100 acres of land through his collaboration with the Asebu and Nkusukum Traditional Councils to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology for the establishment of an Executive Campus, a Centre for Marine Science, and facilities for distance learning. He added that the weekly market at Amantsindo, introduced under his leadership, has boosted trade and livelihoods.

In his concluding remarks, he acknowledged the Omanhenmaa Nana Amanfiwa III, the Divisional Chiefs, Odzikrofo, elders, youth and the planning committee for preserving Asebu’s cultural identity.

In a message delivered on her behalf, Vice President Prof. Nana Opoku Agyemang commended Okatakyi Amanfi VII for his dedication to peace, progress, and the well-being of his people. She offered prayers for continued wisdom and blessings for his reign.

The Okyenehene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin reaffirmed the strong ties between Okyeman and Asebuman. He said the two traditional states share a long history rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to preserving their cultural heritage.

The District Chief Executive for Abura Asebu Kwamankese, Daniel Mensah Ward, also praised the Paramount Chief’s leadership, describing it as visionary and transformative. He said the Asebu Traditional Area has seen unity, stability, and socio-economic progress under his reign.

Other dignitaries in attendance included Nii Dr. Kwabena Bonnie VI, Osu Alata Mantse, Odeefuo Amoako Amankwa Boadu, President of the Central Region House of Chiefs, and Gborbu Wulomo, Overlord of the Ga Dangme people.

A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of a bronze statue of Asebu Amanfi I, the founder of the Asebu Kingdom. Okatakyi Amanfi VII performed the ceremony together with Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin. The Paramount Chief said the statue symbolised unity and honour for the forebear who established the Asebu State. He further named the road linking the Asebu Assin Fosu highway to his palace after the Okyenehene, reinforcing the bond between the two leaders.

The celebrations ended with widespread admiration for Okatakyi Amanfi VII’s accomplishments. As he looks ahead to future milestones, his people expressed hope that his vision will continue to guide the Asebu Traditional Area toward greater progress and unity.

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