Denkyira Hemaa declares Paramount Stool vacant

The Denkyira Hemaa, Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III and the head of the Royal Agona Family of Denkyira, Nana Ponfo Agyeman II, have formally declared the Denkyira Paramount Stool vacant.

Hon Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Asamoah Boateng and Nana Ponfo Agyeman II

The declaration, which was in line with customs and tradition, followed the successful burial (Dↄte Yie) of the late Denkyira Manhene, Ↄdeɛfoↄ Boamponsam III, who was the 25^th King of Denkyira.

Naa Gregory Arthur (Gazor), Development Chief of Tamale

The Denkyira Hemaa, Nana Ama Ayensua Saara, officially made the declaration during the observation of the third Akwasidae of the year on Sunday.

Eligible royals must show interest

She said, “Upon further deliberations and consultations with Abusuapanin, Nana Ponfo Agyeman and Nananom, I wish to announce officially that the paramount stool is vacant”

Royal Agona Abusuapanin of Denkyira, Ponfo Agyeman II dancing to cheers from the crowd

“Today is exactly one year since we buried Ↄdeɛfoↄ.

“In line with our tradition and custom rites, any royal who deems it fit to occupy the stool must therefore come forward”, Nana Saara added.

Denkyira Akyeamehene, Nana Ntirikwa II (left) & Denkyira Kyidomhene Nana Appiako II

She indicated that she was dedicated and fully committed to her present position as the Denkyira Hemaa, a position she has occupied in the last thirty years.

Final funeral rites & celebration of Odwira

Though Odeɛfoↄ Boamponsam III has been buried a year ago, his final funeral rites as tradition and custom demand, has not yet been performed.

Hon Asamoah Boateng, Nana Ponfo Agyeman and Oduro Appiako II Denkyira Kyidom Hene (right)

Speaking on this, Nana Hemaa disclosed that after the successful enstoolment of Ↄdeɛfoↄ Boamponsam’s successor, a befitting final funeral rite of the late Denkyira Manhene would be held.

This, she explained, would also pave the way for the celebration of the famous Odwira Festival which is celebrated by the chiefs and people of Denkyira.

The observation of Sunday’s Akwasidae also marked exactly thirty years since Nana Ayensua was made the Denkyira Hemaa and was successfully sworn in as such.

Left Denkyira Brofoyedur Hene Nana Atobra Nkwanta Denkyira Fawomanyo Hene (Middle) Abrafo Odumase Hene Nana Appiako (right)

Additionally, the event also coincided with the swearing in of Nana Ponfo Agyeman II, as the Abusuapanin of the Royal Agona Family of the Denkyira State.

Colourful ceremony

The short but colourful ceremony was attended by some government functionaries, including the Minister for Culture and Religious Affairs, Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng.

The deputy minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Mr Bright Wireko Brobbey and the DCE of the Upper Denkyira East, Ebenezer Forson Appiah, were in attendance.

The event also drew a large gathering of people who joined the royal family to celebrate the occasion at the Aponsam Palace in Jukwa.