Ntotroso, a mining community in the Asutifi North District of the Ahafo Region, became the centre of attraction last Saturday as the community climaxed the 2026 Apomasu Yam Festival in a colourful display of culture and tradition.
The usual serene community turned into a scene of cultural and traditional display as hundreds of people from all walks of life gathered to witness the grand dubar of the festival.
The chiefs processed through the principal streets in a colourful durbar, attracting loud cheers from enthusiastic residents and visitors who lined up to catch a glimpse of them.
There was the firing of ceremonial muskets, rhythmic drumming, traditional dances and songs.
The sounds of horns and drums echoed across the community, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere that reflects the unity and cultural pride of the Ntotroso people.
Vehicular and human traffic in the town was unusually heavy, as socio-economic activities, particularly around the main event grounds, came to a standstill.
The festival was held on the theme: “Mining and Tradition: Building a Resilient Community through Sustainable and Responsible Mining.”
Festival
The Apomasu Yam Festival is celebrated biennially by the chiefs and people of Ntotroso to honour the Apomasu deity, regarded as the spiritual protector and source of the community’s prosperity.
Tradition has it that the deity’s prominence dates to 1876, when it was foretold that Apomasu would bring fortune to the community, a prophecy many associate with the discovery of gold and the community’s early mining activities dating back to the 18th century.
A historic mining site, known as Kum Aduosia, to wit “the pit that killed 60”, remains one of the community’s revered heritage landmarks.
The festival also recalls a prophecy concerning the return of Asantehene Prempeh I, from exile in 1924, after his deportation by British colonial authorities.
In appreciation, it is said that the Asantehene later honoured the deity with gifts, some of which form part of the Ntotroso stool regalia.
Spiritual homecoming
At the festival, the Ntotrosomanhene, Barima Twereku Ampem III, described it as a spiritual homecoming and a moment of thanksgiving to God and the ancestors for protecting the land and blessing the people with a successful harvest.
He said it symbolised renewal of unity, purpose and collective responsibility to protect resources entrusted to the present generation.
On the theme, Barima Ampem underscored the need for traditional authorities to revive traditional taboos to safeguard the environment.
He said long before modern environmental regulations were introduced by the government, their ancestors had instituted taboos and customs that preserved rivers, forest reserves and sacred groves.
Barima Ampem explained that those traditional mechanisms would help complement modern regulatory frameworks to ensure sustainable development.
“Our forefathers held the land in trust for future generations. As custodians, we must ask ourselves what kind of land we are leaving behind for our children,” he said.
Barima Ampem expressed concern about the destructive impact of galamsey, explaining that unregulated activities continued to pollute rivers, destroy forests, degrade farmlands and undermine traditional livelihoods.
“Illegal mining remains a threat not only to our environment but to national security and long-term development,” he stated.
Development
The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, who donated GH¢₵100,000 on behalf of the government, said festivals were celebrated to promote development, peace and unity.
He further explained that the celebration serves as a reminder, especially to the younger generation, of their rich cultural heritage and identity.
Mr Ibrahim said “the people who forget their culture face existential threats”.
He commended Barima Ampem for organising the festival and rendering an account to the people.
Appreciation
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu’s representative, Amakye Barehene, Nana Gyedu Kumanin IV, commended the government for the effort made so far to halt galamsey and reclaim degraded lands.
He urged the government, mining companies and other stakeholders to put in place measures to protect rivers and thanked the public for supporting the festival.
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Source:
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