Wreath laying at Bono-Manso to honour slaves

Bono-Manso (B/A), March 7, GNA - An archaeological excavation conducted by the late Dr. Kwaku Effah-Gyamfi, a citizen of Nkoranza in Brong-Ahafo has revealed that Nana Brempong Katakyira, a chief of the old Tekyiman Kingdom was buried at Bono-Manso one of the centres during the slave trade period.

This came to light when the Ghana News Agency (GNA) accompanied traditional rulers from Nkoranza and Bono-Manso as well as elders of Osu-Alata in Accra to Bono-Manso on Sunday, for a wreath-laying ceremony as part of the celebrations marking this year's Black History Month. Bono-Manso is now a tourist centre developed by the African Art and Civilization, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) with the erection of monuments of the past black heroes who fought for the abolition of slavery and black emancipation including Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr., Marcus Mosiah Garvey and Malcolm X.


According to Nana Kwaku Kontor, Gyaasehene of Manso, Nana Brempong Katakyira was said to have been the 15th Omanhene of the Kingdom and history has it that the people of Techiman migrated from Bono-Manso as a result of wars to their present home.


Dr. Effah-Gyamfi's research showed that the late Katakyira was buried in the Royal Family Home of Bono-Manso, called "Banmu". Nana Kontor poured libation in memory of slaves who died at Bono-Manso, Nana Katakyira and the past elders of the area calling for the blessings of ancestral gods for the youth and development. Nana Okofo Agyapong III, Adontenhene of Nkoranza on behalf of the Omanhene Okatakyie Agyemang-Kudom IV, expressed regret about how ancestral mothers and fathers of the area suffered in the hands of Europeans because of ignorance.


The Venerable Reverend Father Peter Kwadwo Sakyi, of the Nkoranza Anglican Church, prayed for Black Americans and those who fought against slavery.

Madam Felicia Obuobi, Executive Director of the African Art and Civilization, provided wreaths for all sites identified as tombs of past heroes.


Nana Minka Ameyaw, Chief of Manso, Nana Akua Owusuaa, Queen mother as well as Nana Asante Nyarko, Kaneahene and Nana Kwaku Twumasi, Dwomohene both of Manso took part in the ceremony. The Deputy District Coordinating Director, Mr. Hayford Kyere represented the District Chief Executive, Mr. James Kwabena Appiah-Awuah.


Nii Kwashie Aniefi, Gyaasetse of Osu-Alata, who led the delegation from Accra paid tribute to their late ancestors, who are said to have hailed from the area.