Cape Coast – In a vibrant display of culture and in recognition of 25 years of traditional leadership, the Asebu Traditional Council culminated its 2025 Apayemkese Festival with a spectacular grand durbar. The event, held at the Asebu durbar grounds, honoured the Silver Jubilee of Paramount Chief Okatakyi Amanfi VII and brought together the people and chiefs of the area.
The dual celebration was held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, under the theme: “Celebrating 25 Years of Impactful Leadership and Over 1000 Years of Asebuman Heritage: Honouring the Past, Empowering the Future.” It attracted people from all walks of life, united in celebrating their ancestral heritage and the 25-year reign of their Paramount Chief.
Celebrant’s Speech and Essence of Gathering
Okatakyi Amanfi VII, known privately as Prof. Sampson Enyin Edusah, stated that the gathering was to celebrate both the Apayemkese Festival and his 25th anniversary as the occupant of the Odomankoma Stool.
Nana expressed that the day filled him with humility and sober reflection. "The 25-year journey of traditional leadership has been fulfilling and, at the same time, challenging," he revealed. He credited "unseen hands" for guiding him through the complexities of leadership. "At times when the going gets tough and my spirit is down, I hear a still, small voice urging me on because it is with me," he said, revealing the source of his strength.
Reflecting on the theme, Nana Amanfi VII stated that it reflects the heroic exploits of the kingdom's founder and the sacrifices of their forebears. "The theme is also appropriate given our achievements over the 25 years of my stewardship," he stressed.
Okatakyi Amanfi VII’s Achievements Over 25 Years
He recounted that over the past two-and-a-half decades, the kingdom has enjoyed considerable peace and tranquility, despite pockets of challenge associated with selection and installation processes.
He also highlighted that during the "Year of Return" under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, he offered free land to all diasporans willing to relocate to Ghana. This initiative aimed to fulfill the dreams of Pan-Africanism's founders and transform the kingdom's economic fortunes.
On education, the academic chief instituted the Amanfi VII Education Fund, which has disbursed over ¢100,000 to 200 brilliant but needy students within the Traditional Area.
Furthermore, through his personal initiative with the Asebu and Nkusukum Traditional Councils, he offered 100 acres of land to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The land is for establishing an Executive Campus, a Centre for Marine Science, and facilities for the Institute of Distance Learning, projects expected to significantly develop the traditional area.
Finally, he noted the establishment of a weekly market at Amantsindo, which has positively impacted commercial activities for the people.
In his concluding remarks, Okatakyi Amanfi VII paid glowing tribute to Nana Amanfiwa III, the Omanhenmaa of the Kingdom, the Divisional Chiefs, Odzikrofo, the elders, the youth, and the planning committee for the spectacular display of Asebu culture.
Messages from Stakeholders
In a speech read on her behalf by the MP for Abura Asebu Kwamankese, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, the Vice President of Ghana, Prof. Nana Opoku Agyemang, commended Nana Amanfi VII's leadership as a testament to wise, visionary governance and a deep commitment to his people's well-being. "I commend your efforts in promoting peace, stability, and progress in your traditional area, and I pray for God's continued blessings and guidance," the Vice President said.
Demonstrating traditional solidarity, the Okyenehene and Overlord of the Akyem Abuakwa Kingdom, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, underscored the long-standing relationship between Okyeman and Asebuman. He highlighted that their bond is rooted in mutual respect, shared history, and brotherly friendship. "Our friendship has been enriched by the shared values of peace, integrity, development, and the unwavering commitment to the preservation of our shared traditions and customs," he underscored.
The District Chief Executive for Abura Asebu Kwamankese, Daniel Mensah Ward, hailed Okatakyi Amanfi VII's leadership. "Twenty-five years of your dedicated and visionary leadership has brought immense progress and pride to the people of Asebu," he stated. "Under your distinguished reign, the Traditional Area has witnessed peace, unity, and remarkable socio-economic development. Your commitment to education, culture, and youth empowerment continues to inspire generations and strengthen the bond between traditional leadership and the District Assembly."
Other very important traditional dignitaries who attended the dual celebrations of the people of Asebuman were Nii Dr. Kwabena Bonnie VI, Osu Alata Mantse; Odeefuo Amoako Amankwa Boadu, President of the Central Region House of Chiefs; and Gborbu Wulomo, Overlord of the Ga-Dangme people, amongst others.
Honouring Asebu Amanfi I and Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin.
The crowning moment of the 25th anniversary celebration was when Okatakyi Amanfi VII together with his special guest, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin unveiled a magnificent bronze statue of the legendary warrior-king and founder of the Asebu Kingdom, Asebu Amanfi I. For Okatakyi, this gesture was particularly meaningful. 'As I mark my Silver Jubilee milestone, it is both fitting and necessary to pay tribute to the founder of the modern state of Asebu,' he stated, adding, 'I hereby unveil this statue as a symbol of unity and reverence to our founder.'
Amanfi VII also took the opportunity to name the road connecting the main Asebu/Assin Fosu highway to his palace after Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, thereby strengthening the long-standing bond of friendship between him and the Akyem Abuakwa Overlord.
Conclusion
The dual celebration of the Silver Jubilee and the 2025 Apayemkese Festival concluded with widespread praise for the Paramount Chief. Having outlined his achievements and laid out his vision for the future, Okatakyi Amanfi VII has rallied support from his people. The coming years, leading to a potential Golden Jubilee, will determine the realization of his plans. For now, the entire traditional area wishes him well and the continued blessings of God and the ancestors.
Copyright © 1994 - 2025 GhanaWeb. All rights reserved.
