By Daniel Adu Darko
Larteh Kubease, Oct. 28, GNA – The vibrant rhythms of drums, cheers of townsfolk, and the solemn blend of tradition and faith marked a new chapter in the chieftaincy of Larteh Kubease as Mr Samuel Bernard Kwame Mante, a civil engineer and Presbyterian elder, was crowned over the weekend as Nana Operedom Kwame Mante-ete Mante I, the new Abakomahene (Crown Prince) of the town.
The coronation, which coincided with the Odwira Festival of the people of Larteh Kubease, was held under the auspices of Larteh Kubeasehene, Okogyeafena Otu Agyemfra VI, and Ohemaa Ampofoa Debra II.
In a ceremony rich in colour and cultural symbolism, the newly enthroned Abakomahene pledged to blend traditional authority with Christian values, discipline, and youth empowerment.
Nana Operedom, whose stool name translates to “one who loves multitudes,” said he was determined to bring unity, education, and economic empowerment to the people of Larteh Kubease.
“As Abakomahene, I see my role as that of service, to take up assignments when the king is unavailable and to ensure that the welfare of our people is not neglected,” he said in an address following his coronation.
He explained that his acceptance of the stool was a call to duty rather than privilege, inspired by his father’s legacy as one of the founding settlers of Larteh.
“I initially did not want to accept the kingship, but when I reflected on the role my father played in establishing Larteh, I realised I had a responsibility to continue that legacy of service,” he said.
Before his coronation, Nana Operedom organised a praise and worship night, an uncommon prelude to a traditional installation, to dedicate his leadership to God.
“As a Christian and Presbyter, my kingship will uphold Godly principles. I aim to promote the Presbyterian initiative of ‘Mission to the Palace’, bringing Christianity into chieftaincy without disrespecting tradition,” he explained.
While addressing the sensitive balance between religion and culture, he clarified: “I don’t pour libation; I pray. But I do not fight my elders who pour libation. Instead, I pray for understanding and unity because the gods of our forefathers served as symbols of authority, and today, I appeal to God Almighty for guidance.”
The newly enthroned Crown Prince outlined education, discipline, investment, and youth empowerment as his four pillars of development.
He expressed concern over the low academic performance in the area’s Junior and Senior High Schools and pledged to champion initiatives that would improve teaching and learning.
“There are no job opportunities in Larteh except teaching. I want to attract investors to create employment for our youth. We have valleys that can be developed into walkways and tourism sites to boost local income,” he said.
Nana Operedom also called for unity between Ahenase and Kubease, two traditional quarters of Larteh that have long faced divisions.
“There is no unity in Larteh, but I believe God will use me as a vessel to bring peace and oneness among us. The youth want peace, and I will work tirelessly to achieve it,” he assured.
The coronation took place as part of the Odwira Festival, a time of thanksgiving, cleansing, and renewal for the people of Larteh Kubease.
The Chairman of Fundraising at the Odwira Festival, Nana Serebour Darko Ampem, Apagyahene, said the celebration was not merely a cultural display but a “spiritual compass for reflection, renewal, and unity.”
He tied the festival’s theme, “Remembering our ancestral journey to the city of lights, inspiring the dream of the youth”, to the courage and foresight of the town’s forebears who laid the foundation for the community’s transformation.
“Our ancestors sought enlightenment and progress. It is now our turn to honour them by empowering the youth with discipline, character, and vision so that they can carry forward the mission of national development,” he said.
As the sun set over the Larteh hills, the echoes of drums and songs of praise mingled in the air, a fitting harmony for a new kind of leadership where tradition bows to faith, and faith uplifts tradition.
Background: Role and Responsibilities of the Abakomahene of Larteh Kubease
The Abakomahene is a prominent sub-chief and royal family leader in Akan traditional governance, often serving as the next-of-kin, crown prince or head of a royal family lineage.
The title is derived from the Akan (Twi) word Abakoma, referring to the royal branch or family, and Ohene, meaning chief or king. Traditionally, the Abakomahene is regarded as the right-hand person, designated heir or crown prince to a sitting paramount or divisional chief.
In several traditional areas in Ghana, including Denkyira, Akyem and Wenchi, the Abakomahene plays an important role in traditional administration, royal succession and the preservation of cultural heritage. The position carries considerable responsibility within the royal clan and traditional council.
In Larteh Kubease, the Abakomahene serves as the second-in-command and heir apparent, assisting the Larteh Kubeasehene, Okogyeafena Otu Agyemfra VI, in traditional governance, community development and youth empowerment.
Leadership and Governance
The Abakomahene assists the Larteh Kubeasehene in the administration of traditional affairs and the observance of customary practices. The position is regarded as a mandate to serve the people rather than a privilege, with emphasis on the welfare, unity and development of the community.
He also works to promote harmony among the people of Larteh Kubease and to ensure that traditional leadership structures remain relevant while responding to contemporary community needs.
Community and Youth Development
The Abakomahene supports initiatives aimed at improving educational standards and teaching and learning conditions in the local Junior High Schools and Senior High Schools.
He also promotes programmes intended to strengthen the local economy, create opportunities for residents and improve livelihoods.
A key responsibility is youth empowerment, through which he encourages discipline, responsible citizenship and leadership development among the younger generation.
Cultural and Moral Guidance
The Abakomahene plays an important role in major traditional activities, including the Odwira Festival, and contributes to the preservation and promotion of the community’s cultural heritage.
The office also seeks to combine traditional leadership with values of faith, integrity, discipline and community service, providing moral and cultural guidance to the people.
The coronation of the Crown Prince, therefore, represents not only the elevation of an individual within the traditional hierarchy but also the continuation of the royal lineage and the entrusting of responsibilities relating to governance, succession, cultural preservation and community development.
GNA
Christian Akorlie