Regional News of Tuesday, 13 March 2007

Source: GNA

Senchi Saanahene introduced at Kokrobite

Kokrobite (GAR), 13 March, GNA - Nana Kwame Okyere III, Saanahene of the Nifa Division of the Akwamu Traditional Area in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region, has been outdoored at a colourful ceremony at Kokrobite in the Ga West District of the Greater Accra Region. Nana Okyere, who is known in private life as Mr Daniel Ato Kwamina, was an Accounts Officer of the African Concrete Products (ACP) Limited. The Chief who was installed about two and half years ago at Senchi was accompanied by a delegation of Chiefs and Elders from the Nifa Division of the Traditional Area including Nana Bamforo V, Kotropei-Komanhene, Nana Nyarko Asare II, Gyasehene and Nana Asare Gyan Kuma III, Adontenhene all of Senchi.

Other members of the delegation were Nana Kofi Okyeame, Okyeame J N Damptey, Okyeame Adom, Okyeame Obiri-Yeboah all Linguists of the Nifa Division,

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Nana Nyarko Asare explained that the ceremony was a customary requirement that after the installation of a Saanahene of the Senchi Nifa Division of Akwamu, he was introduced formally at Kokrobite for some rites to be performed. He said during the 19th century, royals of the late Nana Ofei Akwasi Agyeman, namely Nana Yaa Mabre, her sister Akosa and others, from the Saana family of sub-chiefs migrated from Senchi and settled at Kokrobite.

Nana Nyarko Asare said they were well received by the Gas among whom they settled and inter married.

Some of the off springs of that inter relations included the late Naa Okomfo Ayikua and Nii Kwashie Djabum.

He said that being royals they never lost their lineage, adding that, whenever the Saana stool of Senchi became vacant, Nana Ofei Kwasi Agyeman, who was the Nifahene demanded that a royal from the family at Kokrobite occupied it and that tradition had been maintained up to date. Nana Okyere and his entourage in their rich traditional regalia accompanied with traditional drumming and music first went to exchange greetings at his family house were some rites including libation were poured for him.

He then went on a procession to pay courtesy call on all the Chiefs and heads of some families before sitting in state to receive visitors. According to the Gyasehene, Nana Okyere would stay at Kokrobite for about four days and return to Senchi to perform his traditional functions. 13 Mar 07