The Chiefs and people of the Abease Traditional Area have climaxed their 2025 Annual Kwabena Yam Festival with a colourful Grand Durbar held at the Omanhene’s Palace in Abease, marking the peak of a 12-day celebration steeped in culture, tradition, and development discourse.
The festival, held under the theme “Abease Rising: Unity in Diversity, Harvesting a Brighter Future,” featured several traditional performances, thanksgiving rites, and community activities leading up to the grand durbar.
The occasion attracted high-profile dignitaries, including the Bono East Regional Minister, Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi, who served as Special Guest of Honour, the Pru West District Chief Executive, Hon. Samuel Agyapong, the Heads of Departments, Political Parties Executives, chiefs, queen mothers, security agencies, and members of the media.
In his address, Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi commended the Abease Traditional Council for selecting a theme that promotes unity and development. He appealed to His Royal Majesty Obrempong Kru Takyi II, Omanhene of Abease and Vice President of the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs, to support efforts by the Regional House to resolve the outstanding chieftaincy disputes in the region.
The Regional Minister further called on Nananom to collaborate closely with the District Security Council (DISEC) to address the growing challenge of nomadic herdsmen–farmer conflicts, noting that Abease remains a key agricultural hub within the region. He assured the people of Abease of the government’s commitment, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, to fulfil all promises made to them.
Delivering his keynote address, HRM Obrempong Kru Takyi II described the Kwabena Yam Festival as a sacred moment of thanksgiving, unity, and renewal. He emphasized that Abease’s diversity remains its greatest strength and called on the people to guard their peace, unity, and cultural heritage.
Reflecting on the festival theme, the Omanhene stressed that development can only thrive in unity, declaring that “a divided people cannot develop, and a united people cannot be defeated.”
Touching on youth empowerment, the Paramount Chief appealed to government and stakeholders to support young people, particularly in ongoing recruitment into the security services. He assured the people that 2026 will be an action year, pledging to actively pursue opportunities for the youth of Abease nationwide.
The Omanhene also used the platform to remind government of its promise to carve a separate district for Abease and appealed for the establishment of a military barracks in the area, announcing that land has already been earmarked for the project.
In a gesture of support for education, HRM Obrempong Kru Takyi II donated 200 tubers of yam, five bags of rice, three gallons of cooking oil, three boxes of tomatoes, one bag of beans, and two bags of maize to support first-year boarding students of Abeaseman Senior High School, following its recent upgrade to boarding status.
He further commended government for the near completion of the Kintampo–Abease–Prang Road, the upgrading of the Abeaseman Community Day SHS, and the planned construction of an ultra-modern 24-hour Economy Market (Mini Dubai) at Zabrama, while appealing for local youth to be prioritized for employment.
The celebration ended with prayers, cultural displays, and an in-camera meeting between traditional leaders, reaffirming commitment to peace, unity, and collective development.
Story by: Iddrisu Adam Afuli – Abease Traditional Council
