By Samuel Ofori Boateng
Ejisu (Ash), Nov. 06, GNA – The Ejisu Traditional Council in the Ashanti region, has announced plans to institute a festival in honour of Nana Yaa Asantewaa I, the legendary queen mother of Ejisu.
Nana Yaa Asantewaa was the fearless warrior whose courage and leadership occupies a significant place in the history of the Asante Kingdom.
The maiden festival, scheduled to take place from December 24 to 27, 2026, is expected to bring together traditional authorities, indigenes of Ejisu, cultural groups and other stakeholders to celebrate the historical legacy of the renowned Asante heroine.
The festival, initiated by the Paramount Queen Mother of Ejisu, Nana Yaa Asantewaa II, is also aimed at mobilising financial support for the reconstruction of the Nana Yaa Asantewaa Museum, which was destroyed by fire about 15 years ago.
The museum, which once housed traditional relics associated with the legendary queen mother, has remained in need of restoration since the fire outbreak.
Nana Yaa Asantewaa II, at the launch of the festival at Ejisu, said the celebration would provide an annual platform for educating younger generations about the life, courage and contributions of Nana Yaa Asantewaa I, to the Asante history.
She said the maiden edition would place particular emphasis on rebuilding and recommissioning the museum to preserve the historical artefacts and cultural heritage associated with the revered queen mother.
“This is the maiden festival in honour of our first queen mother, Nana Yaa Asantewaa I, and it will be celebrated every year to reflect on her history. This year’s event is, however, targeted at rebuilding the Museum, which was burnt down 15 years ago,” she said.
The Paramount Queen Mother said the festival had received the approval of the Asantehene and called on indigenes of Ejisu, corporate institutions, development partners and well-wishers to support the initiative.
Mr Kofi Marfo, the Ashanti Regional Director of the Centre for National Culture, outlined activities planned for the celebration.
He said the programme would commence on December 24 with a community clean-up exercise, health screening and traditional games.
This would be followed on December 25, with traditional cooking competitions involving various groups and churches within the traditional area.
The festival would climax on December 26, with a grand durbar, during which funds would be mobilised towards the reconstruction of the museum.
Mr Marfo appealed to the public and other stakeholders to participate actively in the celebration and support efforts to safeguard the historical and cultural heritage of Ejisu.
The festival is expected to become an annual event celebrating the legacy of Nana Yaa Asantewaa I, while promoting cultural preservation and strengthening the historical identity of the Ejisu traditional area.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/ Christabel Addo