The Meko Bono Festival, a celebration of the heritage and identity of the Bono people, last Saturday made history with its first-ever international launch in New York in the United States of America (USA).
The event drew an enthusiastic gathering of Bono citizens and friends from across the diaspora, under the distinguished leadership and patronage of the Paramount Chief of Atebubu, Ohempon Dr Yeboah Asiamah; the Omanhene of Odumasi Number One, Odumfour Dr Kwasi Apraku III; the Wenchimanhene, Osagyefo Ampen Anye Amoampong Tabrako III; the Nsawkawmanhene, Daasebre Okogyeaman Duodu Ampem II; Sunyanimanhemaa, Nana Akosua Asor Duah Brayie, and Chiraamanhema, Nana Yeboah Pene II.
The launch, which was held on the theme: “Honouring our roots, shaping our future through active participation”, marked a significant milestone for Bonoman, showcasing the resilience of cultural identity and the enduring connection between homeland and diaspora.
Attendees were treated to a vibrant display of Bono tradition, music, regalia and storytelling.
The event in New York followed an earlier domestic launch in Atebubu on March 21, 2026, marking a new chapter in the festival’s evolution and its growing global footprint.
Unity
Ohempon Dr Asiamah said the gathering demonstrated the power of unity across borders.
He noted that the festival’s international debut was “evidence of what can be achieved both home and abroad when the people come together”.
Odumfour Dr Apraku III, who chaired the occasion, encouraged participants to ensure that honouring their roots included deliberately and actively passing on traditions to younger generations.
He encouraged active participation in the development of Bonoman and Ghana, and extended an invitation to all to attend the main festival to be held in Atebubu from August 17-23, 2026.
Daasebre Ampem II praised the spirited participation of Bono citizens in the diaspora.
He urged all to maintain unity and contribute meaningfully to the development of Bonoman and Ghana as a whole.
While giving the history of the festival, Nana Ama Kwakye, originator of the Meko Bono events, communicated her pride in the successful organisation of four previous editions of the festival in Ghana, culminating in the festival being recognised as the Regional Initiative of the Year 2025 by the Ghana Tourism Authority.
The Bono East Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi, commended the chiefs for organising the historic event.
Culture
The Deputy Consulate General of Ghana in the US, Calen Amoah, also lauded the chiefs for showcasing Ghanaian culture on the international stage.
Ohempon Dr Asiamah outdoored two customarily enstooled traditional leaders for Atebubu natives in the United States.
They are Nana Owusu Sekyere Peprah, USA Atebubufoɔhene (Ambassadorial Chief) and Nana Akosua Baffowaa Akrapim, USA Atebubufoɔhemaa (Ambassadorial Queenmother).
The Chief of Staff of the Atebubumanhene, Dr Kennedy Bomfeh, also urged Atebubu natives in the US to rally behind the Ambassadorial Chief and queenmother to champion unity and collectively seek the development of Atebubu.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh