CELEBRATING KANTAMANTO FESTIVAL AND THE RICH CULTURE OF ASSIN OWIRENKYI TRADITIONAL AREA

BY PETUNIA THULO

 

Despite the establishment of Western institutions and the adoption of modern governance systems, traditional institutions in Africa have shown remarkable resilience over the centuries. In Sub-Saharan Africa, kings and traditional rulers in Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Cameroon continue to play a vital role in promoting peace, preserving culture, fostering social cohesion, and ensuring security in their communities. As a result, the relevance of these institutions remains strong and enduring.

One such African monarch who is shaping contemporary society and fostering stability while navigating shifting power dynamics is the Paramount Chief of the Assin Owirenkyi Traditional Area (Assin Kushea). Located in the Central Region of Ghana, West Africa, Kushea is the capital of the Assin Owirenkyi Traditional Area within the Assin North District. The town is positioned along the Accra-Cape Coast-Kumasi highway, making it relatively accessible from key urban centers like Cape Coast to the south and Kumasi to the north.

Kushea is distinguished for its rich history and vibrant cultural heritage, featuring historic statues, landmarks, and sites that reflect its deep traditions and storied past such as the Tomb of the Unknown Slave which stands as a symbol of the region’s connection to the transatlantic slave trade. Beyond its cultural landmarks, the kingdom of Assin Owirenkyi is blessed with beautiful landscapes, lush vegetation, and abundant water bodies that are home to unique species of wildlife, making the region both a cultural and ecological treasure.

In addition to its cultural and historical significance, Kushea is also known for its lavishly furnished palaces, architectural masterpieces that reflect the grandeur of the Assin Owirenkyi kingdom. The Kushea Royal Palace is one of Africa’s largest royal residences – set within beautifully manicured botanical gardens that stretch across 7.4 acres of lush, green landscape, promoting eco-friendly tourism while showcasing the kingdom’s regal legacy.

The palace not only serves as the residence of the Paramount Chief but also as a cultural center where traditional ceremonies, festivals, and gatherings take place, further underscoring the importance of preserving the cultural identity of the Assin people, even in the face of rapid modernization. The natural beauty of the area, combined with its rich history, makes Kushea and the surrounding Assin Owirenkyi kingdom a unique and invaluable part of Ghana’s heritage, drawing visitors and researchers who seek to understand both the cultural and environmental significance of this dynamic region.

Seated on the magnificent royal throne of the Assin Kushea Kingdom is His Majesty Ehunabobrim Prah Agyensaim VI, who was known as Wellington E. Jonah in his private life before ascending the throne in June 1983. Born in 1942, he is an accomplished legal practitioner and business law consultant with over 40 years of experience in both the public and private sectors.

His Majesty earned his BA (Hons) in Business Law from Metropolitan University in London. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Administrators & Management Consultants in Ghana and holds leadership roles as Chairman and Director of several international organizations and corporations. Additionally, he is a member of the Council of State – Ghana’s Constitutional Presidential Advisory Board, a member of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, and the Life Patron of the Assin North Council of Chiefs.

He is married to Mrs. Elizabeth Jonah, and together they have four children: Fidel, Glen, Nathaniel, and Lavina. His extensive professional background continues to inform his leadership, as he guides the Assin Kushea Kingdom with wisdom and vision.

Under the four-decade leadership of His Majesty, the customs, arts, traditions, and natural beauty of Assin Kushea have been preserved and elevated to national prominence. For example, the annual Kantamanto Festival has become an important cultural and community celebration by the Assin people, marked by various traditional ceremonies, cultural performances, parades, and social activities, all of which showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Greater Accra Region.

Held every year during the last week of October, the Kantamanto Festival is a colorful event that spans an entire week, featuring a wide range of exciting activities. These include a football gala, fundraising events, the 21-kilometer Kushea Marathon, community clean-up initiatives, and health screenings. The festival attracts participants and visitors from across the globe, as well as local and international tourists.

Furthermore, under his reign, the community has witnessed significant socio-development, a rise in tourism, and has earned recognition as the cleanest community in Ghana, further solidifying its reputation as a model of environmental stewardship and community pride.

Ehunabobrim Prah Agyensaim VI is an influential figure playing a key role in bridging the gap between traditional customs and modern governance, while balancing political and social realities. The Paramount Chief is a cornerstone of both local governance and community cohesion in the region. Through his leadership, he helps guide the Assin people in navigating the complexities of today’s world, while also contributing to the broader national dialogue on traditional leadership and its relevance in modern Ghana.