In the heart of Koforidua, beneath the sacred shadow of the Obuor Tabiri Mountain, sits a shrine that has for centuries stood as the spiritual anchor of the New Juaben people. For the past four decades, one woman has carried its sacred burden and blessings — Nana Obuor Tabiri, the priestess of the revered Obuor Tabiri Shrine.
This year marks a remarkable milestone: 40 years since Nana Obuor Tabiri first answered the call of the gods at the tender age of 17. In 1985, she was chosen as the vessel through whom the spirit of Obotabiri would speak, a role that demanded not only courage but an unwavering commitment to tradition, faith, and service.
Since then, she has stood as custodian of the shrine’s mysteries, welcoming all who come with petitions — from young couples seeking harmony in marriage, to traders praying for success in business, to the sick hoping for healing, and to the troubled searching for peace of mind. Her presence, and that of the shrine she leads, continues to remind the people of New Juaben of their deep spiritual roots.
A Festival within a Festival
It is perhaps no coincidence that her 40th anniversary to be held from Thursday, September 18 to Thursday, Sept 25 falls alongside the annual Yam Festival, a season when the people give thanks for harvest and celebrate life’s abundance. This year, the festival takes on added meaning, as the community not only honours the earth’s bounty but also celebrates one of its most enduring spiritual leaders.
The atmosphere in Koforidua is already charged with anticipation. Chiefs and queen mothers will walk in stately procession, traditional priests will offer rituals of invocation, political leaders will join to pay their respects, and ordinary townsfolk will gather in numbers to witness history. The celebrations are not only for Nana Obuor Tabiri but for the shrine itself, for Obotabiri, and for the people who continue to find protection under its watch.
Programme Line-up
The 10-day celebrations will feature a rich blend of traditional and spiritual activities:
Lighting of the Festival Fire (Ayga Sor): A symbolic ritual at the Nana Obuor Tabiri Shrine to signify the beginning of the anniversary festivities on 18 September.
Grand Durbar: Scheduled to take place at the Koforidua Jubilee Park on Friday, September 19, this will be the central highlight, bringing together dignitaries, cultural troupes, and celebrants from across the region.
Other activities include a Mini Durbar: To be held at the shrine itself, offering a more intimate setting for traditional rituals and homage.
Sunday Church Service at Sankofa Tete Asori: Reflecting the blending of tradition and contemporary worship in New Juaben society.
Traditional Rites: These include Nananom Suman Brafos, Ye betu Nson, and Apaso Yie, all of which are integral to reinforcing the spiritual authority of the shrine and ensuring continued blessings for the people.
Thanksgiving Service: At Sankofa Tete Asori, bringing the celebrations to a close with gratitude to both the gods and the wider community.
Preserving Tradition
For the people of New Juaben, the Obotabiri Shrine is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of identity and cultural resilience. Nana Obuor Tabiri’s 40 years of service underscore the enduring significance of traditional leadership and spirituality in Ghana’s cultural fabric.
As the festivities unfold, all roads are expected to lead to Koforidua, where thousands will join hands to celebrate a remarkable milestone in the life of a woman who has dedicated her entire adult life to serving her people and preserving their traditions.
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