In a recent interview on PM Jam at Melody FM, Nana Egya Kwamina XI, the 11th Chief of Apremdo, opened up about the enduring traditions of the Ahanta people and his commitment to community advancement. The interview, hosted by Haruna Babangida, covered a broad range of topics including the Kundum Festival, the preservation of the Hunter language, and developmental efforts within Apremdo.
Nana explained the significance of his stool name, an ancestral legacy marking the 11th occupant of the Apremdo stool, symbolizing continuity and respect for tradition. The Chief detailed the Kundum Festival, celebrated annually by the Ahanta and Nzema people as a harvest thanksgiving event. Originating from a folklore tale about a hunter who observed dwarfs dancing to bring about maize abundance, Kundum combines drumming, dancing, and feasting to drive away evil spirits and ensure prosperity. Each town schedules its festival independently, with festivities spanning several weeks. However, Apremdo currently does not partake in public celebrations due to sacred traditions reserved for the Busua Stool.
On cultural preservation, Nana expressed pride in the revival of the Ahanta language through academic and artistic efforts. He applauded Takoradi Technical University professors and musicians like Kofi Kinata, whose song “Auntie Ama” incorporates Ahanta, boosting the language’s visibility.
Nana also highlighted ongoing development in Apremdo, such as the construction of the Social Centre, a community venue set to host cultural and social events. He called on corporate entities and community members to support these initiatives, urging a collaboration that unites tradition and progress.
The Chief concluded by emphasizing unity among Africans, lamenting the fragmentation of communal bonds and encouraging collective growth for the Western Region.