Seventeen years after the demise of the Akyeampemhene of Akyem Abuakwa State, Barima Kwame Antwi Boasiako has been enstooled as his replacement.
The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin and the Akyem Abuakwa Traditonal Council undertook the investiture over the weekend.
Known in private life as Eric Kwame Antwi, the new Akyempemhene replaces the last occupant of the stool, Barima Danso Abeam Okokroko, who died 17 years ago.
In accordance with Akyem Abuakwa tradition, the new chief, clad in a black cloth, was presented before the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin.
Before the Okyenhene, he took the sacred oath to serve Okyeman at all times. He was then carried shoulder-high and paraded through the main streets of Kyebi, symbolically to let the world know and recognise his new status.
It is all pomp and pageantry that characterises such customary events in Akan culture.
Adorned in their graceful smocks, the chiefs from northern parts of the country, as well as southern chiefs, who identify themselves with the Asona tribe, gracefully danced to traditional drumming.
Consistent with such events, the beautiful spectacle was further laced with the tell-tale sounds of the Kete, Bomaa, and Fontomfrom drums, in addition to the firing of musketry and stunts representing the journey from Adansi, thereby enforcing the ever-prominent presence of Okyeman’s cultural diversity.
Senior officials from the Office of the President and key state agencies and security service graced the occasion.
Man of Thought
The new Akyeampemhene has been described by many as a man of thought and action who has, in all the varying capacities, served his people and exhibited absolute competence and integrity.
According to many, his altruistic disposition has endeared him to a wide circle of contacts and friends and has been touted as the needed impetus for the expedited growth in the human resources and commercial capacity of Akyem Abuakwa.
Humility
At the coronation, the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, spoke of him as a man of enviable humility whose top-notch training in security management and sharp business acumen will spur Okyeman on the path of progress and development.
He said, throughout the history of the reign as Okyenhene, there has not been a coronation event that has witnessed all the divisional chiefs of the kingdom gracing the occasion.
“These and a couple of other considerations clearly give us the indication that Okyeman has once again nurtured able hands who stand ever-ready to serve the kingdom,” he said.
Pledge
Barima Kwame Antwi Boasiako pledged his continued support towards creating employment opportunities for the youth of the area and ensuring that the stability and the ambience of peace and unity that have prevailed in Okyeman are sustained and deepened.
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