Akakom gets new chief nearly two years after death of former ruler

Odehyie Kojo Boa Amoako-Atta Ayim, 59, an agro-based business executive and philanthropist, was installed on Monday 13 March as the new Akakomhene, with the stool name Barima Aboagye Asuming II.

The people of Kyemanuasi Akakom, led by the women and the youth, sang and danced on the principal streets of the town to celebrate the enstoolment of their new chief, which occurred 21 months after the death of the previous Akakomhene, Barima Obugyie Abuakwa, at the age of 105.

The funeral of the late chief took place between Thursday 9 March and Sunday 12 March.

Among the dignitaries who attended the funeral were Kwasi Amoako-Attah, the Minister of Works and Housing and MP for Atiwa West, Isaac Osei-Bunso, senior partner at Minkah Premo, Nana Adjoa Hackman, the managing partner of Africa Legal Associates, Seth Asante, the district chief executive for Atiwa West, Gabby Otchere-Darko, a member of the royal family of Akakom, Nana Adu Gyemfi Kumani, Manwerehene, and Nana Twumasi Dankwa, Gyasehene, both of New Juaben.

Akakom is a resource-rich farming community in the Atiwa West District of the Eastern Region. Rich with gold, the area is also a considerable producer of cocoa, cocoyam, palm oil, bamboo, avocados and other food crops.

Barima Aboagye Asuming II is a grandson of Nana Ofori-Atta I, the illustrious Omanhene of Akyem Abuakwa in the early 20th century.

The new chief lived in the UK until 2015, when he returned to Ghana. He is the owner of Pizo Farms, which deals mainly in animal husbandry.

The enstoolment was officiated by Osabarima Okwabrani Marfo, Kyebi Abontendomhene and the head of the Kyebi Executive Council.

Other chiefs and elders who graced the occasion included Osabarima Daasebre Gyani Akanten, Achiasehene, Nana Aboagyewaa Domina, queen mother of Akakom, Baffour Oduro Botwe, Akakom Amankrado, Baffour Danso Abiam, Akakom Gyasihene, Nana Adansi Abuakwa Twum Barima Fritete, Akakom Sanaahene, Odehyie Kwame Obeng, Odehyie Koo Mante, Ohene Daniel Yaw Boateng, Asafoiatse Frank Oduro, and many members of the Ayoko royal family of Akakom.

Four members of the royal family put up their names for the stool and the majority of family members, including the head, Abusuapanin Kwasi Buabeng, and the queen mother settled on Odehyie Kojo Boa.