Abesim, Bono,Ghana – The town of Abesim was alive with celebration on Sunday, June 2, 2024, as it witnessed the grand coronation of its new chief, Barima Kumi Acheaw III, and queen mother, Nana Biyaa Konama II.
This momentous event was a culmination of years of anticipation following the passing of their predecessors.
Nana Biyaa Konama II was crowned queen mother of Abesim and Kyidomhemaa of the Dormaa Traditional Area in January 2024, succeeding her grandmother Nana Yaa Pomaa, who passed away in 2021. Her coronation marked a significant moment for the people of Abesim, affirming the continuity of leadership and tradition within the community.
The journey to new leadership for Abesim also saw the installation of Barima Kumi Acheaw III as the chief earlier this year. The 32-year-old Japan-based Industrial Technician, known in private life as Kelvin Kwaku Anane Addo, was installed on January 7, 2024, after being approved by the Dormaa Traditional Council. He succeeded the late Barima Kumi Acheaw II, who reigned for 19 years before his death on September 30, 2022.
The installation ceremony was held at the Abesim Palace, where Barima Acheaw III swore allegiance to the Omanhene of the Dormaa Traditional Area, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II. The ceremony was presided over by the Chief of Chiraa, Barima Mintah Afari II, representing Osagyefo Agyemang Badu II. The event was a blend of tradition and modernity, with kingmakers and sub-chiefs of the Abesim Divisional Council taking turns to swear allegiance to the new chief.
Barima Acheaw III, a native of Abesim and an alumnus of St James Seminary and Senior High School (SHS) at Abesim, brought a unique blend of international experience and local heritage to his role. His career spanned from teaching in Ghana to working as an industrial technician in Japan, where he was employed by Sankyo Metapro Transport and later Koei Industry. He also had a stint at the Ghana Embassy in Tokyo.
The coronation ceremony was further enriched by a sermon delivered by Reverend Atta Dwumoh Appiah of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. Reverend Appiah emphasized the importance of combining wisdom, piety, tradition, and authority in leadership, urging the new chief to uphold these values.
In his address to the community, Barima Acheaw III stressed the importance of sanitation, aligning with the adage "sanitation is next to Godliness." He called on all his subjects to prioritize cleanliness and maintain high standards of hygiene in the community.
The coronation of Barima Kumi Acheaw III and Nana Biyaa Konama II signifies a new chapter for Abesim, promising continuity and renewed commitment to the development and well-being of its people. As they take on their roles, the community looks forward to a future enriched with tradition, leadership, and progress.
Photo credit: Thefourlens.com
