The chiefs and people of Yefri in the Nkoranza North District of Ghana's Bono East Region recently celebrated their annual Yam Festival with a colourful durbar. The event brought together chiefs, queen mothers, government officials, and residents. The festival is an important tradition in Yefri, held every year to express gratitude for a bountiful yam harvest and assess the community's development progress.
The Chief of Yefri, Nana Takyi Poku Gyimah, addressed the durbar, emphasizing the significance of the festival. He stated that the celebration allows the community to thank God and the gods of the land for the harvest. According to him, the festival also serves as a platform to review progress, plan for development, and invite sons and daughters of the area, as well as government officials and NGOs, to support their initiatives.
Nana Takyi Poku Gyimah recounted the history of yam in Yefri, explaining that its Akan name, Bayere, originated from the community. He attributed the history to the Mpaemu Oso group, who now serve as his linguists. The group discovered yam during a period of famine and was tasked with cultivating it for three years before it was deemed suitable for consumption.
The Chief of Yefri highlighted the community's self-help development efforts, sustained by contributions from his subjects and sons and daughters living abroad. He mentioned that Yefri has made significant developments through collective efforts, including the construction of key infrastructure such as a clinic and police station.
As part of the festival, Nana Takyi Poku Gyimah donated medical items and equipment to the Yefri Health Centre. This donation is part of the community's tradition of giving back during the Yam Festival. In previous years, the chief has donated books to local schools, demonstrating the community's commitment to development and progress.
Despite the community's achievements, Nana Takyi Poku Gyimah called for urgent road rehabilitation in Yefri. The chief emphasized the importance of good road infrastructure for the community's continued growth and development.
The Yefri Yam Festival is a testament to the community's rich cultural heritage and its dedication to development. The event brought together various stakeholders to celebrate the harvest and discuss ways to address the community's challenges.
Key points
- The Yefri community has made significant self-help developments, including the construction of a clinic and police station.
- The annual Yam Festival serves as a platform for the community to review progress and plan for development.
- The Chief of Yefri, Nana Takyi Poku Gyimah, called for urgent road rehabilitation in the area.
