Correspondence from Eastern Region

The Omanhene of Amanokrom and Gyasehene of the Akuapem Traditional Area, His Royal Majesty Oyeeman Okofrobuor Osim Kwatia II, has outlined a comprehensive development agenda aimed at transforming Amanokrom into a model modern community built on education, enterprise, traditional governance, and sustainability.

Delivering his royal address at the 2025 Gyaseman Odwira Festival, held under the theme “Gyaseman – A Model of a Modern Community through Education, Enterprise,

Traditional Governance, and Sustainability for Progress and Prosperity,” Oyeeman Osim Kwatia II emphasized that true greatness is measured not in monuments but in minds nurtured, opportunities created, and legacies preserved.

At the heart of his vision is youth empowerment through education and skills development. He highlighted the commissioning of the Amanokrom Youth Centre — designed to train young people in practical skills from tailoring and braiding to technology and robotics.

The chief also lauded development partners including the Mohinani Group, Dr. Vickie Aultmon, and the Skeete Family for supporting the refurbishment of the local Junior High School and its library.

On health and sanitation, Oyeeman Osim Kwatia II announced the commissioning of a modern toilet facility and the sod-cutting for a new health centre funded by the family of the late Oyeeman Wereko Ampem II.

Upcoming projects include a four-unit classroom block for the Presbyterian Primary School, a land secretariat to regulate land tenure, and the Nana Manko Aba Legacy Project — a multipurpose JHS block to honour a revered matriarch.

Oyeeman Osim Kwatia II reaffirmed the festival’s purpose as a platform for renewal and progress, calling on the diaspora to return and contribute to the town’s transformation. “Our stools must be seats of wisdom, our palaces centres of civic dialogue, and our festivals platforms for progress,” he declared.

He furthered: “Odwira is more than a festival — it is our renewal and covenant as a people.

Our greatest investment is in the empowerment of our youth. True greatness is measured not in monuments but in minds nurtured and opportunities created.”

The chief reaffirmed Amanokrom’s loyalty to the Okuapehene, Obrempongkese Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, pledging to align the community’s development vision with a unified and progressive Okuapeman.

Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey commended the Amanokromhene’s vision, describing it as “a model of balance between tradition and progress,” and pledged government support for educational and sanitation initiatives.

Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammi Awuku, reaffirmed his commitment to driving inclusive development across the constituency, highlighting ongoing and upcoming projects aimed at improving education, health, and livelihoods.

He recounted the success of the Ofie Market initiative, which he introduced to tackle post-harvest losses by providing farmers with a ready platform to sell their produce — a project that, he said, received strong support from traditional leaders and the community. Mr. Awuku also noted his contributions toward the renovation of the Presbyterian School’s library and toilet facilities, as well as the construction of other sanitation projects within the area.

Outlining his 2026 development agenda, the MP announced several initiatives focused on youth empowerment, education, and entrepreneurship. He revealed that over 200 students have already benefited from his scholarship scheme, with plans to expand the program to reach 1,000 young people through skills training in various vocational centers next year.

In collaboration with the Akuapem Rural Bank, Mr. Awuku said arrangements are underway to create a business support fund that would cushion local entrepreneurs, with his office absorbing 25% of the 30% loan interest to ease repayment burdens.

In the health sector, he disclosed plans to launch a Health Fund and a Teachers Support Fund, each seeded with GHS 200,000, to assist nurses and teachers in meeting basic household needs.

As part of efforts to enhance employability among the youth, 32 young people from each electoral area will be sponsored to Europe for specialized skills training, after which they will be supported to establish sustainable livelihoods upon their return.

The Gyaseman Odwira Festival, an integral part of the historic Akuapem Odwira celebrated for nearly two centuries, symbolizes purification, thanksgiving, and renewal.

Originating after the great Akatamanso War of 1826, the Odwira Festival embodies unity, reflection, and the reaffirmation of spiritual and social bonds among the Akuapem people.

The Amanokrom celebration, observed under the Gyase Division, combines sacred rites and public festivities that renew the bond between the living and their ancestors.

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