By Alex Ababio
The Otumfuo Safiosohene, Nana Akwasi Amoateng, has performed traditional rites to formally enstool Nana Yaw Berima as the new Kyedomhene of Abuakwa Kegyase in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality.
The installation ceremony was held at a short durbar in Abuakwa Kegyase and brought together the Queen Mother of Abuakwa Kegyase, Nana Ama Adoma II, chiefs, elders, family members and residents of the community.
Nana Yaw Berima, known in private life as Ata Kwao, is a professional carpenter and building contractor who has over the years combined his trade with community and traditional service.
Before his enstoolment, he served Nana Akwasi Amoateng in various capacities, including as his personal assistant for approximately 16 years.
His long-standing service and experience were cited as some of the qualities that contributed to his appointment and installation as Kyedomhene.
Safiosohene charges new Kyedomhene to serve
Speaking at the installation ceremony, Nana Akwasi Amoateng charged the newly installed Kyedomhene to remain committed to serving both the traditional authority and the people of Abuakwa Kegyase.
He said Nana Yaw Berima had acquired considerable knowledge and experience about leadership and the importance of serving people from all social backgrounds.
“You have served me for many years and have gained considerable experience, knowledge and understanding of what it means to serve people, regardless of their social status,” Nana Akwasi Amoateng said.
He urged the new Kyedomhene not to become tired of serving the people following his elevation to the traditional position.
“Do not grow tired of serving the people. Continue to serve with dedication and humility, and do not discriminate against anyone,” he advised.
Nana Akwasi Amoateng further encouraged him to use his new position to contribute to the accelerated development of Abuakwa Kegyase.
“Your position comes with responsibility, so use it to support the development of Abuakwa Kegyase and help improve the lives of the people,” he said.
Queen Mother calls for humility
The Queen Mother of Abuakwa Kegyase, Nana Ama Adoma II, also urged the new Kyedomhene to make humility and selfless service the foundation of his tenure.
She expressed confidence that Nana Yaw Berima would live up to the expectations associated with his new position.
“I urge you to remain humble and continue to make selfless contributions towards the development of Abuakwa Kegyase,” Nana Ama Adoma II said.
She said the community expected him to demonstrate commitment to his traditional responsibilities and uphold the values associated with the position.
“We are hopeful that you will commit yourself fully to the ideals and responsibilities of the office of Kyedomhene and work in the interest of the people,” she added.
New Kyedomhene expresses gratitude
The newly installed Kyedomhene, Nana Yaw Berima, expressed gratitude to Nana Akwasi Amoateng, the elders and residents of Abuakwa Kegyase for the confidence reposed in him.
Speaking in an interview with Ghanaian Watch, he described his installation as both an honour and a responsibility.
“I am deeply grateful to Nana Akwasi Amoateng, the elders and the people of Abuakwa Kegyase for the confidence they have reposed in me,” Nana Yaw Berima said.
He pledged to approach his new responsibilities with humility and dedication.
“I will do my best to justify the confidence placed in me and contribute meaningfully to the development of Abuakwa Kegyase,” he said.
Kyedomhene cautions youth against disrespect
Nana Yaw Berima also used the occasion to caution young people against disrespecting the elderly and traditional and national leaders.
He expressed concern over what he described as a growing culture of impunity among some young people, particularly the practice of insulting leaders and people in positions of authority.
“I want to advise the youth to remain humble and respect the elderly. Disrespect should not become part of our culture,” he said.
He warned that insulting leaders and engaging in disrespectful behaviour could have consequences for young people later in life.
“The growing culture of impunity among some young people, including insulting leaders in the country, is anti-social and must not be encouraged,” Nana Yaw Berima cautioned.
According to him, such conduct could eventually affect the relationships and opportunities available to individuals who engage in it.
“If you constantly disrespect and insult people, especially those who are older or more experienced than you, respectable people may become unwilling to associate with you in the future,” he said.
Nana Yaw Berima called on young people to cultivate humility, respect and discipline as they pursue their personal and professional ambitions.
The ceremony ended with traditional rites and goodwill messages from elders and members of the community, as Nana Yaw Berima formally assumed his responsibilities as Kyedomhene of Abuakwa Kegyase.
