The beautiful town of Abene, nestled on the Kwahu Mountains, was alive with excitement last Saturday as Baffour Akoto Osei, a 54-year-old Civil Engineer, was enstooled as the new Paramount Chief of the Kwahu Traditional Area.
Baffour, hailing from the Etena family of Nkwatia, assumed the stool name Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III. He succeeds Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II, who was destooled late last year after serving a seven-year reign.
The colourful ceremony featured traditional dances, cultural displays, and customs showcasing the rich heritage of the Kwahu people. The atmosphere was euphoric, and law enforcement officers were present to ensure order.
Kingmakers and Customary Rites
The four kingmakers who enstooled the new Kwahumanhene are the Krontihene of Abene, Nana Simpe Wiredu III; Akyeamehene of Abene, Nana Asiedu Kwabeng; Baamuhene of Abene, Nana Ntim Sampong II; and the Werempehene of Abene, Baffour Kyerefuor Nyarko I.
The ceremony began early at 6 a.m. with customary rites performed at the Etena Bretuo Ahenfie, amidst traditional drumming, singing, and dancing through the principal streets of Abene. The procession culminated at the Etena Bretuo Ahenfie, where Akyemfuo Asiedu Agyeman III administered the oath of allegiance to Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III in the presence of the Abetifihene, who also serves as the Adontenhene and acting Kwahumanhene.
Words of Advice and Prayer
After the rites, Akyemfuo Agyeman advised the new Omanhene to serve the people diligently and refrain from lording over them. He also called on the sub-chiefs and people of the area to support Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng for the collective betterment of the traditional area.
He urged the community to continue praying for the new chief’s success in his leadership. Unity and togetherness were also emphasized as essential for fostering development in the area.
Daasebre Boateng expressed gratitude to the kingmakers for his selection and asked for God’s blessings. He pledged to work collaboratively with the chiefs and the people to improve the socio-economic conditions of the Kwahu Traditional Area.
Prominent Dignitaries
The event was graced by prominent figures, including a representative from the Office of former President John Agyekum Kufuor, the Abetifihene, Nana Opoku Mintah II (Kwahu Tafohene), Nana Ahiatutu Brempong II (Kwahu Aduamoahene and Benkumhene), Nana Bonsu Ayirepe (Kwahu Pepeasehene), and Nana Adwoa Gyamfua III (Kwahu Queenmother).
The occasion also featured a remarkable display of Akan traditional drums and musical instruments, which drew applause from dignitaries and the public.
Background of Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng
Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng, a royal from the Etena Clan of Nkwatia, is a chartered civil engineer, real estate developer, project manager, and shipping executive with over 28 years of industrial experience. He holds a BSc in Civil Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and an MSc in Civil Engineering from London South Bank University. He is a member of the Ghana Institution of Engineers and an Associate Member of the Association of Project Managers.
Baffour Akoto Osei is the founder and CEO of three companies: Turner Marine Limited, GHS Engineering Limited, and GHS Housing Limited.
He has also worked with Lift & Escalator Structures, Tube Lines Limited, and Halcrow Group Limited in the UK, contributing to several projects both locally and internationally.