Dormaa Ahenkro - Land blessed with forests, rich cultural heritage

Dormaa ahenkro, the traditional seat of the Omanhene of the Dormaa Traditional Area, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, is blessed with forests and rivers including a rich cultural heritage and lovely people.

Located in the western part of the Bono Region, it lies near Ghana's western borders.

Two of its communities; Gonnokrom and Kofi Badukrom, which are border towns, are boosting socio-economic activities in the area.

Dormaa Ahenkro, the capital of the current Dormaa Central Municipality, has clean and neat streets because of the constant clean-up exercises instituted by Osagyefo Agyemang Badu.

For the past few years, the town has witnessed massive development projects such as markets, asphaltic town roads and streetlights, giving the town a facelift.

The name 'Dormaa'

A brochure obtained during the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the enstoolment of Osagyefo Agyemang Badu II and the 2024 Kwafie festival, indicated that the name

“Dormaa” carries profound cultural and spiritual significance, offering two evocative interpretations rooted in the Akan language: "Do mma", to wit, beloved children and "Do wo man", meaning love your nation.

It said both interpretations encapsulated core values of love, unity and patriotism, which remained at the heart of Dormaa's collective identity and cultural ethos.

It added that these expressions reflected the Dormaa people's enduring commitment to fostering harmony within their communities and nurturing a profound sense of loyalty and devotion to their state.

“Dormaa's traditions are deeply interwoven with its spiritual and political foundations, symbolised by sacred regalia imbued with immense cultural significance,” it said.

Origin

The Dormaa Kingdom traces its origin to the mid-17th century, emerging from a succession dispute within the Akwamu Kingdom.

History had it that after the death of King Sasraku, a power struggle ensued between two royal twin brothers, Atakora Amaniampong Panin and Atakora Amaniampong Kuma, as both vied for the vacant throne.

To avoid conflict, Amaniampong Kuma decided to lead a faction of the royal family, including the queen mother, Kum Daa, Kontihene, Adontenhene, Gyasehene, Akyeamehene, Aduanahene and Adehyepanin to establish a new realm.

According to documented history, the group's unity and resilience laid the groundwork for the establishment of the current Dormaa Kingdom.

Cross-border trade

The strategic location of the town, near the border with Cote d’Ivoire, has enhanced its role as a hub for cross-border trade and cultural exchange.

The landscape of the area is an ecological treasure trove with diverse vegetation types, including forests.

The major forest reserves are Mpameso, covering 197.67-kilometre, Pamu, 116.8-KM and Tain II, 297.6-KM.

These reserves have different kinds of tree species such as Wawa, Odum and Mahogany, underscoring Dormaa's role as a key player in the country’s forest industry.

Its unique geographical position gifted with rivers and fertile land supports diverse agricultural activities.

The famous rivers in the Dormaa area are the Bia, Pamu, Ankoodie and Yifo, which create a lifeline for agriculture and the natural environment.

The gentle flow weaves through the landscape and attracts tourists because of its beauty.

The existence of the rivers and forest reserves not only nourishes the fertile lands for agriculture but also sustains the rich ecosystems in the area.

Residents

A resident, Niada Agyeiwaa, told the Daily Graphic that life at Dormaa Ahenkro, particularly during occasions such as football matches, market days and festivals, was lovely.

She said the town was peaceful and properly planned, which had enhanced its beauty and free movement.

Ms Agyeiwaa said she was proud of the town because it had a clean and serene environment.

Another resident, George Gyamfi, said the town was well known for its involvement in poultry production.

He said the majority of residents were involved in poultry farming, adding, "poultry and its products such as meat and eggs are abundant here."

"However, for the past few years, the poultry business has gradually collapsed," he said.

Mr Gyamfi mentioned the high cost of feeding and outbreaks of diseases as some of the factors collapsing the industry.
He, therefore, appealed to the government to put measures in place to improve and sustain the sector.

Writer’s email: biiya.ali@graphic.com.gh