A Royal Visit to Akwamufie

Adumasa Palace, Akwamuman
On the fifteenth day of December, anno domini, two thousand and eighteen, I was honoured to be a part of the delegation from the Tenge-Dzokoto Royal Gate of Anyako graciously hosted by Asomkahene Nana Sraku I of Akwamu Adumasa, at the Asomka Residence, upon the invitation of the Akwamumanhene Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III to the Akwasidae Festival, by extension of the Akwamu Adumasa Palace administered by Nana Ansah Kwao IV. Upon our arrival, an exquisite and sumptuos banquet was held at the Asomka Residence to acknowledge our centuries-long historical ties to Akwamuman and to celebrate our illustrious ancestors.

Togbui Dzokoto I, who was installed as Dufia (Senior-Chief) of Anyako and Asafohenega, or Miafiaga (Commander-In-Chief, Left Wing Division) of Anlo State in 1825, was decorated by the Omanhene of Akwamu, Nana Akoto for his valour. He had a distinguished military career in the following wars: The Peki-Akwamu Wars of 1831-1833 and 1837; Agoe-Adzigo 1860-1862; Wunu or Taleto Wars 1865; Datsutagba and the Siege of the Keta Fort 1866. He died in 1872 having reigned for 47 years.

Lotsu Tenge Djokoto, a senior member of the Tenge-Dzokoto Royal Gate delegation, raised his glass to the aristocrats of the Republic, past and present, and toasted to the spirit of intertribal coexistence, cooperation and co-dependency for centuries more to come. We also offered libation to our royal ancestors, praying that the soil of our Republic may grow in wealth, that the bearers of children bear children, households gain economic independence, long life to all citizens, a Republic of enlightenment and beauty.

Akwasidae at the Bogyewa Palace, Akwamuman.
The 29th King of the Akwamu Empire, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, sat in splendour surrounded by all services which enabled him fulfil the obligations of his office. There is an element of nostalgia to occasions such as these, the quality of traditional etiquette is elevated to an art. Our cultural heritage as a modern Republic has always been enshrined in the sacred institution of Chieftaincy, as was demonstrated by a truly immaculate audience — from the glittering accoutrements of the ceremony, the eloquence of traditional couture and ancient regalia, the drums reciting the brave deeds of the Kings ancestors. And of course, a well-spoken Okyeame well versed in the lore and history of the tribe.

The Akwamu Odwira Akyi Akwasidae Kese was a delightfully eccentric and fascinating occasion; a testimony to the preservation of our customs and distinctions as Ghanaians.

   Comments0