By J. K. Nabary
Gomoa Ojobi (C/R), Oct. 14, GNA – Obirifo Ahunako Ahor Ankobia II, Paramount Chief of the Gomoa Assin Akyempim Traditional Area, has marked a triple celebration with a colourful durbar at Gomoa Ojobi.
The occasion commemorated his 25th anniversary on the stool, his birthday and the blessing of his marriage, all of which fall on September 29 in their respective years.
Earlier in the day, Obirifo Ankobia, who is also President of the Assin Traditional Council, was carried in a palanquin through the principal streets of Ojobi amid traditional fontomfrom drumming and dancing before proceeding to the durbar grounds to receive homage from his subjects.
The procession featured sub-chiefs, queen mothers, family heads and Asafo companies dressed in their traditional regalia.
The event attracted dignitaries from across the Central Region and beyond, including the Central Regional Minister, Mr Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, Members of Parliament, traditional rulers, religious leaders and well-wishers.
The celebration showcased Ghana’s rich cultural heritage through traditional music and dance performances, tributes and prayers for the continued good health and success of the Paramount Chief.
Obirifo Ankobia, who presides over a traditional area comprising 165 towns and villages, is a member of the Royal Asona Family of Gomoa Buduatta, the ruling family of the paramountcy.
Born on September 29, 1937, he was selected and enstooled on September 29, 2001, by kingmakers from the six ruling gates following the death of the late Paramount Chief, Okukutah Akunaku Acquah I.
The Gomoa Assin Paramount Stool operates a rotational succession system among the ruling gates.
Over the past 25 years, Obirifo Ankobia has become a symbol of stability, tradition and leadership, guiding the affairs of the traditional area and promoting peace and unity among the people.
His jurisdiction within the Gomoa West District includes communities such as Gomoa Fetteh, Dominase, Buduatta and Ojobi.
He has championed major traditional programmes, including the maiden Ahorbaa Kese Festival, which celebrates the heroism of Egya Ahor, founder of the Gomoa Assin State.
He has also played key roles in local development initiatives and the settlement of longstanding chieftaincy disputes.
Among his notable achievements are the release of land at Gomoa Dominase for the establishment of the onion market and the creation of the Obirifo Endowment Fund to support the education of young people in the area.
His reign has, however, witnessed occasional traditional disputes involving some kingmakers, queen mothers and divisional chiefs over administrative and customary matters.
Delivering his anniversary address, Obirifo Ankobia thanked God for His protection and guidance throughout his reign and expressed appreciation to all who had supported him over the years.
He recalled the challenges and opposition he encountered following his installation and said the difficult moments strengthened his faith and resolve to serve his people with wisdom and patience.
The Paramount Chief pledged to continue pursuing initiatives that would improve the lives of residents and called on professionals and other stakeholders to support the development of the area.
Mr Eduamoah, who represented President John Dramani Mahama, conveyed the President’s congratulations and best wishes to the Paramount Chief.
He described Gomoa as one of the fastest-growing areas in the country and urged residents to work hard and uphold values that would promote development.
The Regional Minister commended the people for the peaceful celebration and encouraged them to prioritise unity and peaceful coexistence.
Mr Blessed Godsbrain Smart, an aspiring parliamentary candidate for Gomoa West on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who chaired the event, praised Obirifo Ankobia for his dedication, wisdom and exemplary leadership over the past 25 years.
He underscored the important role traditional authorities played in national development and urged all stakeholders within the traditional area to embrace unity in the interest of progress and prosperity.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Nana Kumasah Krampah II, Omankrado of Gomoa Asempayin and Divisional Omankrado of the Gomoa Assin Traditional Area, thanked God for the sustained peace and progress enjoyed by the area under the leadership of Obirifo Ankobia.
He prayed for God’s continued blessings, strength and wisdom for the Paramount Chief to continue leading the traditional area in peace and harmony.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Lydia Kukua Asamoah