Seek elders' guidance and avoid drugs - Akyem Kukurantumi queen mother to youth

In a recent address to the youth of Akyem Kukurantumi, Nana Oforiwaa Denkyiraa Nkwabita, the esteemed Queen Mother of the town and Adonten Hemaa of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, emphasized the need for the youth to rebuild their relationships with the town’s traditional elders.

Her words, delivered at a community gathering, were part of her broader call for unity, self-improvement, and renewed focus among the younger generation.

Nana Oforiwaa Denkyeraa Nkwabita, a respected figure in both Akyem Kukurantumi and the broader Abuakwa traditional area, urged the youth to “forget the bad things of last year” and channel their energy into fostering positive change in 2026.

“The past is the past,” she said. “Let us not dwell on old mistakes or conflicts. This year is your opportunity to redefine yourselves, to grow, and to contribute meaningfully to your community.”

Central to her message was the importance of heeding the guidance of traditional elders, whom she described as the custodians of cultural wisdom and moral values.

“Our elders are not just family members; they are the pillars of this town. Strengthen your ties with them, for they can offer direction and strength in times of challenge,” she advised.

Her address also tackled pressing social issues, notably substance abuse.

The Queen Mother warned against the dangers of drugs, stressing that such vices undermine individual potential and community cohesion.

“Stay away from drugs. Your life is yours to shape. Let your focus be on developing your skills, your future, and the well-being of others,” she declared.

The call for youth engagement with the community resonated with her dual roles as both a matriarchal leader and a member of a respected traditional institution.

As the Adonten Hemaa, her influence is recognized not only in Akyem Kukurantumi but also across Akyem Abuakwa, where she serves as a bridge between modern aspirations and ancestral heritage.