Nkroful, the birthplace of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, was the centre of national attention from September 15 to September 23, 2025 as thousands of people trooped to the town to celebrate the 116th birthday of Ghana’s first President.

The celebrations, dubbed NkrumahFest 2025, were spearheaded by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ellembelle and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, whose leadership and commitment served as the pivot around which the activities revolved.

The week-long programme combined cultural, historical, educational, and entertainment activities to honour the legacy of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

Key events included; a symbolic pilgrimage to Nkroful, retracing the steps of Nkrumah’s early life, community clean-up campaigns, led by the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ellembelle, Joseph Agyekum, from Esiama to Nkroful.

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As part of the cleanup exercise, the DCE supervised the planting of royal palm trees along the highway and ensured the dredging of the historic Subile River, which Nkrumah’s mother crossed on her way to the farm, as narrated in the story of the Osagyefo’s early days.

The Osagyefo Soccer Cup, promoting unity through sports was held.

A student symposium, where young people debated Nkrumah’s ideas and their relevance today was also held.

Cultural displays and a grand durbar of chiefs, showcasing Nzema traditions and reaffirming Nkroful’s place as a heritage hub was held on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

On this occasion, the Chief of Nkroful and Nananom played an integral role, offering blessings, cultural leadership, and reaffirming the community’s commitment to protecting the legacy of Nkrumah.

Sunday Jams, a major entertainment highlight that drew massive crowds and caused heavy vehicular and human traffic from Esiama through to Nkroful township.

The concert featured electrifying performances from top artistes including Sarkodie, Kofi Kinaata, Meiway, Keche, Esther Piesie, Obaapa Christy, Samini, Black Rasta, Zemakay, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley and others.

Children’s Day (September 23, 2025), dedicated to the younger generation, filled with games, fun activities, and entertainment was organised.

The event, fully financed by the Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, was aimed at nurturing the future leaders of Ghana while reinforcing Nkrumah’s belief in investing in the youth.

A thanksgiving service, led by the clergy at Nkroful, which brought the festival to a solemn and prayerful close.

During the service, an appeal was made for the construction of a modern market for Nkroful to support economic activity and provide a lasting development legacy in honour of the Osagyefo.

Other notable moments included the unveiling of a new statue of Nkrumah, rehabilitation works at the Nkrumah Museum, a candlelight procession, and a musical tribute titled “Black Star: The Teacher of Africa.”

Speaking during the festival, Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized that the ideals of Nkrumah—self-reliance, Pan-Africanism, education, and unity—remain relevant for Ghana’s progress today.

"To honour Nkrumah is not only to remember him, but to live his vision. NkrumahFest 2025 must renew in us the spirit of unity, self-determination and progress", he said.

On his part, the Ellembelle DCE, Joseph Agyekum, remarked: "The people of Ellembelle are proud custodians of Nkrumah’s heritage. Through this clean-up, tree planting, and the dredging of the Subile River, we are not only preserving history but also creating a cleaner, greener and more symbolic environment for generations to come".

The festival brought together traditional leaders, particularly the Chief of Nkroful and Nananom, the clergy, government officials, students, the diaspora community, and citizens from across the country, reaffirming Nkroful’s place as a hub of national heritage and tourism.