Welcome to Kyekyewere, a magnificent Ghanaian kingdom nestled between lush forests and the rolling hills of Ghana's Eastern Region. The Kingdom of Kyekyewere, known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and welcoming people, is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of its people.
GEOGRAPHY:Kyekyewere has a diverse landscape, ranging from fertile plains along the Anfa, Abomanim, and Kua Rivers to dense tropical forests that encircle the kingdom's eastern borders. In the west, the majestic Mountains rise proudly, providing a stunning backdrop to the rest of the Ayensuano district. Kyekyewere is a town on the Accra-Kumasi highway, which also connects to landlocked countries such as Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali. Kyekyewere is a town located halfway between Nsawam and Suhum. Kyekyewere Kingdom is made-up of eight (8) communities: Kyekyewere township, Mensahkrom, Aziaka, Kyekyewere Peposo, Hwereso, Bungalow, and Bonkua.
HISTORY:Kyekyewere's history is a tapestry of ancient civilizations, dynasties, and epic tales of valor. The kingdom's origins can be traced back to the early migrations of the Guan people of Larteh Akuapem in the Eastern Region, who established settlements along the Anfa, Abomanim, and Kua Rivers in search of fertile land. Kyekyewere grew into a powerful kingdom over time, forging alliances with neighboring states and becoming a hub for trade and cultural exchange.
In 1876 when Tetteh Quashie a native of Akuapem Mampong, had returned to Ghana (the then Gold Coast), with the crop called cocoa from Fernando Po, many farmers from Akuapem towns such as Aburi, Mampong, Mamfe, Larteh, Akropong and many others migrated to Akyem, Abuakwa, Akyem Bosome and Akyem Kotoku to settle and grew their cocoa farms in larger scales. It is proud to say that cocoa, which is a major source of income for Ghana, was first planted by the people of Akuapem, of which Kyekyewere is a part. People from Akuapem towns such as Larteh, Aburi, Akropong, and Adukrom make up Kyekyewere. Kyekyewere kingdom includes tribes such as Ewe, Krobo, and Konkomba.
In 1879, a man named Nana Gyebi Kwame from Larteh traveled to Apedwa in the Eastern Region, purchased a large plot of land, and named his village Kyekyewere. Following that, other Larteh residents, including Nana Asiedu Odefo, Nana Torkpor, and Nana Tuodor, came to settle at Kyekyewere on various plots of land.
Kyekyewere residents are extremely proud of their cultural heritage, which is celebrated through lively festivals, traditional music, dance, and art. With colorful processions, spirited drumming, and traditional dances, the annual Odwira and Homecoming festivals honor the ancestors and the royal family. During such festivals, there is a colorful display of various kente designs and clothing worn by the participants. Health screenings, football matches, procession, visiting and pouring libation to ancestors along the riverbanks, donation of items to the needy, and educational sectors are all part of the annual celebrations.
Kyekyewere is currently ruled by BARIMA OKUNINI GYEBI KWAME ABABIO II, a wise and benevolent monarch. The royal lineage can be traced back to the founding family of Kyekyewere, the Agyabri Family of Larteh Akuapem of the Aduana clan, with a symbol of a dog with fire coming out of its mouth, which represents courage, bravery, and leadership in the face of adversity. The royal palace is the political and cultural center of the kingdom, where advisors, dignitaries, and ambassadors gather to discuss governance issues and celebrate the kingdom's traditions.
Agriculture drives the economy of Kyekyewere, with fertile lands producing abundant crops such as cocoa, yams, palm oil, coconut, orange, watermelon, pineapple, green pepper, tomatoes, carrots, garden eggs, cocoyam, and plantains for both local and international markets. Kyekyewere's trade routes connect it to neighboring kingdoms, fostering economic prosperity and cultural exchange.
Kyekyewere people have a strong spiritual connection to the land and its natural elements. Traditional Akan religious beliefs are intertwined with reverence for ancestors and the spirits of the forests, rivers, and mountains. The kingdom is dotted with sacred groves and shrines where rituals and ceremonies are performed to seek the spiritual realm's blessings. Many of the people who live in the Kyekyewere kingdom are Christians and Muslims who coexist peacefully as one people.
In the heart of West Africa, the Kingdom of Kyekyewere stands as a beacon of cultural richness, historical significance, and natural beauty. Its people continue to preserve and celebrate the traditions that make Kyekyewere a truly glorious kingdom, with a strong sense of community and pride.