The 2026 Guan Congress has ended at Anum in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region with a call for stronger unity among Guan communities and the collective mobilisation of their human, cultural, natural and economic resources for sustainable development.

The three-day congress, held from August 14 to 16, 2026, was hosted by the Anum Traditional Area under the theme, “Harmonising Resources in Guan Communities for Inclusive and Sustainable Development.”

The gathering brought together traditional leaders, representatives of Guan communities, government officials, professionals, youth and other stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting Guan communities and the preservation of their cultural identity.

Paramount Chief of Akyode, Nana Obonbo Sewura Lupuwura II, who is also Vice President of the Oti Regional House of Chiefs, was among the traditional leaders present. Other traditional areas represented included Anum, Akwamu, Akposokubi, Lolobi, Boso, Nkonya, Nawuri, Avatime, Yeji and Gonja.

The event was hosted by the Paramount Chief of the Anum Traditional Area, Akusiaku-Brempong Kumi Sasraku VIII, with the Paramount Chief of the Krachi Traditional Area, Nana Mprah Besemuna III, and Paramount Chief of the Avatime Traditional Area, Osie Adza Tekpor VII, serving as co-chairs.

Guan communities urged to mobilise resources

National President of the Guan Congress and Ankobeahene of Larteh Ahenease, Enyineh Gyadu Nkansa III, said the theme challenged Guan communities to organise and deploy their collective resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

He identified the people's human resources, youth, professionals, traditional institutions, land, cultural heritage, entrepreneurial capacity and knowledge as key assets for development.

“The question is not whether we have resources, but whether we can organise, connect and deploy them collectively for the benefit of our communities and future generations,” he said.

He also called for greater efforts to preserve the Guan language, history, customs, oral traditions, music and festivals through research, documentation, teaching and digital technology.

Enyineh Gyadu Nkansa further appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to consider reviewing aspects of the chieftaincy framework as part of the ongoing constitutional review process.

The traditional leader advocated broader grassroots consultation, particularly with communities not adequately represented in the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs, to help address chieftaincy and land-related disputes.

Anum welcomes Guan family after 30 years

The return of the Guan Congress to Anum after about 30 years was one of the highlights of the gathering.

Akusiaku-Brempong Kumi Sasraku VIII described the occasion as a renewal of the relationship between Anum and the wider Guan family and urged participants to strengthen unity and cooperation.

He also called for support from government and development partners to improve infrastructure, education, healthcare, water supply and economic opportunities in Guan communities.

Chiefs urged to unite

Guest of Honour, Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II, Paramount Chief of Buipe and Vice President of the National House of Chiefs, urged Guan traditional leaders to speak with one voice on issues affecting their communities.

He called for greater advocacy for development, equitable representation, protection of traditional lands and preservation of Guan culture.

He also urged chiefs to remain above partisan politics while encouraging the youth to take greater responsibility for advocacy, innovation and development.

Focus on youth and implementation

Co-chair of the congress and Paramount Chief of the Likpe Traditional Area, Otekple Nana Soglo Alloh IV, called for a comprehensive database of Guan professionals and other human resources to support development planning.

He also urged the Guan Congress to develop an implementation plan for decisions taken at previous congresses and place greater emphasis on youth mentorship.

“The youth is today,” he said, stressing that young people should be active participants in present-day development rather than being regarded only as future leaders.

Political leaders attend congress

The congress attracted a number of political leaders, including the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Abla Gomashie; Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe; Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey; and Asuogyaman MP and Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, among others.

In their engagements at the congress, the political leaders and their representatives highlighted the importance of government support for cultural preservation, tourism, infrastructure and sustainable development in Guan communities.

They commended the Guan Congress for promoting unity and cultural identity, while emphasising the need to harness cultural heritage, human resources and economic opportunities for community development.

The 2026 Guan Congress ended with renewed calls for unity, cultural preservation, youth empowerment and collective action to translate the Guan people's resources into tangible development.

The congress follows the 2026 launch in Anum, where organisers said the gathering was intended to promote unity, preserve Guan heritage and drive sustainable development among Guan communities across Ghana.