Denkyirahene, Odeefou Boa Amponsem IV, has observed his first Akwasidae in Jukwa, the traditional capital of Denkyira, since his colourful installation as the new Denkyirahene.
The colourful observation, held on Sunday, also marked the last Akwasidae in the year 2025.
In his speech, Odeefou Boa Amponsem IV indicated his desire to chart a new path that would unite all Denkyiras across the world to rebuild Denkyira to its befitting status.
This, he explained, would enable everyone who traces their ancestral roots to Denkyira to come together to rediscover their heritage as originators of beautiful traditions and custodians of a rich culture.
He expressed his utmost appreciation to all his elders, nananom under him, his linguists, and the entire Denkyiraman for the unflinching support they continue to offer him in their collective drive to develop Denkyira.
“I am grateful to all Denkyiraman for the honour done me. The brotherhood particularly did well to uplift me when I seemed to be down during one of the final processes of my installation at Dunkwa,” he said.
He added, “Whenever there is the need to crack the whip to instil discipline, nananom must give me their full backing to do this without fear or favour in our quest to move our dear Denkyiraman forward.”
On her part, the Denkyira Hemaa, Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III, indicated that the successful installation of the new chief, after the position became vacant for a while following the demise of Odeefou Amponsam III, has won Denkyira a lot of admiration.
She counselled the new Denkyirahene to lift Denkyiraman from where his predecessors left off, show kindness to all and sundry, and be fair and firm in all his dealings as the new chief.
She called on women to understand their unalienable roles in community development and play those roles diligently to improve the lives of their children and the community at large.
“As women, we must endeavour to be committed to undertaking positive initiatives and offer support that will uplift womanhood, as well as perform our traditional duties in the upbringing of our children,” she advised.
The Denkyiras celebrate Akwasidae as a sacred festival to honour their ancestors, pour libations, and perform sacred rituals to pacify their gods and ask for continuous protection.
During the last observation of Akwasidae for the year 2025, the Denkyirahene, Odeefou Boa Amponsem IV, sat in state while nananom and others paid homage to him.
The occasion was attended by dignitaries, including a former Minister for Chieftaincy, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Chief Executives of the Upper Denkyira East and West Assemblies, respectively, and several others.
