What happened to the traditional festivals that once shaped the cultural identity of the Akpini people of Kpando? What opportunities for unity, cultural preservation, tourism, and community development might have been lost along the way?
In this important heritage discussion, Prosper Wise Amegbe and Noah Adombo of Akpini News examine the current state of the Akpini State, focusing on the reported absence of the Yam Festival (Tedudu Zã) for more than 50 years and the Danyibakaka Festival for approximately 49 years. The discussion explores three major issues: 📜 1. The Ayim Committee’s Kpando Chieftaincy Reconciliation Report We discuss the report on Kpando chieftaincy reconciliation and the importance of making it accessible to the public. We also discuss publishing the report on the Akpini News website for free download, subject to obtaining and confirming the appropriate document for publication. 🌾 2. The Abandoned Yam Festival — Tedudu Zã Why has this traditional celebration reportedly been absent for decades? What could its observance contribute to cultural preservation, tourism, local economic activity, and the transmission of traditions to younger generations? 🎉 3. The Danyibakaka Festival We examine the long interruption of the festival, its possible consequences for the Akpini people and the opportunities that regular celebration could create for cultural identity, unity and development. This conversation is an invitation to chiefs, queen mothers, elders, traditional authorities, youth, cultural groups and all Akpini people to reflect on the future of their heritage. Our purpose is to encourage informed dialogue, preserve historical records, and explore constructive ways of safeguarding Akpini traditions for future generations—not to create division or disrespect traditional authority. Can Akpini traditions be revived for the benefit of today's generation and those yet to come? Watch the discussion and share your views respectfully in the comments. 📺 Subscribe to Akpini News for more discussions on Kpando history, chieftaincy, culture, tourism, heritage and community development. 🌐 Website: www.akpininews.com #AkpiniNews #AkpiniHeritage #Kpando #Danyibakaka #TeduduZa #YamFestival #EweCulture #KpandoHistory #AkpiniState #ChieftaincyReconciliation #GhanaianCulture #CulturalHeritage #VoltaRegion
Showing posts with label CULTURE&LIFESTYLE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CULTURE&LIFESTYLE. Show all posts
VIDEO: Kpando Chieftaincy Reconciliation Report, Yam Festival & Danyibakaka | Akpini News Discussion
VIDEO: How to Raise Children with Good Values | Queenmother Mamaga Yaadze Lokkosi IV
In this special and thought-provoking interview, Akpini News & Tours sits down with Mamaga Yaadze Lokkosi IV, Queenmother of Kpando Dzoanti and Gbordome, to explore one of the most important issues facing society today — parenting and the upbringing of children.
Mamaga Yadze Lokkosi IV, who is also a granddaughter of Gefia, Torgbe Adza Lokko I, shares traditional perspectives on how children were raised in the olden days, the changes that have taken place in modern society, and what parents can do to raise children with discipline, respect, responsibility, and strong societal values. In this conversation, we explore: 👨👩👧 Parenting in the olden days 🏡 How families traditionally raised and disciplined children 📱 How modern society has changed parenting 🧒 The challenges parents face today ❤️ The role of parents, family, and community in child upbringing ⚖️ Balancing traditional values with modern realities 🌍 How to raise children who can contribute positively to society 👑 Traditional leadership and the preservation of values Drawing from her experience as a traditional leader and her family heritage, Mamaga Yaadze Lokkosi IV offers reflections on the values that shaped previous generations and discusses their relevance to today's children. This is more than an interview about parenting. It is a conversation about culture, family, discipline, responsibility, identity, and the future of our society. 🎥 Watch, listen, and share your thoughts in the comments. 📌 Subscribe to Akpini News & Tours for more interviews, traditional history, culture, tourism, community stories, and conversations with people who preserve our heritage. Akpini News & Tours 📰 News | 🌍 Tourism | 🎥 Culture & Heritage "Our Heritage. Our Stories. Your Destination."Kpando Chieftaincy Reconciliation Report: Akpini News Makes Document Available for Free Download
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By: Prosper Wise Amegbe
Akpini News is making the Ayim Committee's report on Kpando Chieftaincy Reconciliation available to the public on its website to promote access to information and encourage informed discussions about chieftaincy and traditional leadership in Akpini State.
The report is an important document for readers interested in Kpando's chieftaincy history, traditional institutions and reconciliation efforts. By rendering it accessible for free download, Akpini News seeks to help researchers, students, traditional leaders, community members and the general public engage with the document.
This initiative forms part of Akpini News' broader commitment to documenting and preserving the history, culture and heritage of the Akpini people. We encourage readers to consult the report, examine its contents and develop informed perspectives.
How to View and Download the Report
The report is embedded on this page via Google Drive, so you can preview it before downloading it to your device.
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To download the report:
- Scroll to the embedded document below this article.
- Open the report in the Google Drive preview window.
- Look for the Download icon (⬇), usually located at the top-right corner of the preview.
- Click or tap the icon to download the file to your device.
- If prompted, choose where to save it. On most phones, the file will be saved in the Downloads folder; on a computer, check your browser's downloads.👇👇👇
If the download icon is not visible, click the Open in new window icon to view the document directly in Google Drive. Then look for the Download option.
Akpini News invites readers to share this resource responsibly and use it for research, education, and informed public discussion.
Akpini News — Preserving Our History. Informing Our People. Protecting Our Heritage.
Kpando Gadza Celebrates Five Years of Service and Impact Under Queen Mother Mama Ambadza III
By Prosper Wise Amegbe | Akpini News
The people of Kpando Gadza are celebrating a significant milestone as their Queen Mother, Mama Ambadza III, marks five years since her installation to the revered traditional position.
The fifth anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on five years of service, challenges, growth and community development under her leadership.
In a message marking the anniversary, Mama Ambadza III expressed gratitude to Almighty God for His grace, strength and protection throughout the journey.
According to her, the past five years have not been without challenges, but through faith and perseverance, she has continued to serve her people and contribute to the development of Kpando Gadza.
Five Years of Community Impact
Over the past five years, the Queen Mother has championed and supported a number of initiatives aimed at improving the lives and opportunities of people within the community.
Among the key initiatives highlighted are:
- An ICT Laboratory, established in collaboration with Achrow Engineering and the Accra Premier Lions Club.
- A community library project, undertaken in partnership with the Delali Foundation and Accra Sankofa Leo Club, with book support from the Rainbow Foundation and Book Aid International’s Books To Go project.
- Women empowerment and skills training programmes, including training in detergent and pain-relief ointment production for members of the Kpando Gadza Women Association.
- Teenage Mothers Back-to-School and Skills Training Programme, implemented in collaboration with the Emo Foundation.
- Annual free health screening exercises for members of the community.
- Annual Christmas celebrations for children, creating opportunities for young people in the community to celebrate the festive season.
- The introduction of a Women’s Football Gala, aimed at promoting unity, participation and healthy living among women.
These initiatives, according to the Queen Mother, represent only some of the milestones achieved during her five-year journey of service.
Gratitude to Supporters
As she celebrates the anniversary, Mama Ambadza III has expressed her appreciation to her family, friends, traditional elders, development partners, supporters and the entire Kpando Gadza community for their continued support.
She acknowledged the prayers, encouragement and collective efforts that have helped sustain her vision and enabled her to continue serving the people.
More Community Support Ahead
The fifth-anniversary celebration is also expected to extend beyond reflection, with another major community initiative planned in the coming weeks.
A massive free health and eye screening exercise is expected to be organised, with free reading glasses to be provided to persons who require them.
The initiative is expected to further reinforce the Queen Mother's commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of residents.
Five Years of Service
Five years after her installation, Mama Ambadza III's journey reflects a combination of traditional leadership, community service and development-oriented initiatives.
From education and skills training to healthcare, women's empowerment, youth engagement and community welfare, her anniversary offers the people of Kpando Gadza an opportunity to celebrate the journey so far while looking ahead to the years ahead.
As she puts it, five years have brought challenges, growth and impact — and by God's grace, the journey continues.
Akpini News & Tours congratulates Mama Ambadza III, Queen Mother of Kpando Gadza, on her 5th anniversary and celebrates her continued commitment to the development and well-being of her people.
Happy 5th Anniversary, Mama Ambadza III! 👑🎉
Emo Foundation Celebrates Girls Empowerment after three years Skills Training in Kpando
Kpando, Volta Region — A significant milestone in youth and women’s empowerment was celebrated at Wizzy’s Emo Restaurant in Kpando, as the Emo Foundation graduated 13 young women who successfully completed a three-year vocational training programme designed to equip teenage mothers with practical skills and opportunities for economic independence.
The graduates comprised six hairdressers and seven seamstresses, all of whom were sponsored by the Emo Foundation throughout their three years of training.
The graduation ceremony brought together traditional leaders, education officials, sponsors, trainers, representatives of the Foundation, community members and other stakeholders to celebrate the achievements of the young women and reflect on the importance of empowering girls and young mothers through skills development.
From Research to an Empowerment Project
The journey behind the programme can be traced to 2022, when Caitlin Weyns, a graduate student in Social Work from Belgium, undertook an internship with the Emo Foundation.
During her internship, Weyns conducted research into teenage pregnancy, examining issues surrounding teenage mothers and the challenges they face.
Her research findings, together with the Emo Foundation’s existing plans for supporting girls, contributed to the development and launch of the Teenage Mothers Empowerment Project.
The initiative was subsequently renamed the Girls Empowerment Project, reflecting the Foundation’s broader commitment to empowering girls and young women.
The programme has since provided beneficiaries with an opportunity to acquire practical vocational skills that can serve as a foundation for self-reliance and income generation.
Three Years of Training, Now a New Beginning
For the 13 graduates, the ceremony marked the culmination of three years of apprenticeship training.
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| The Graduates |
Six of the graduates were trained in hairdressing, while seven received training in dressmaking and sewing.
Throughout the programme, the Emo Foundation sponsored their training, providing the beneficiaries with an opportunity to acquire skills that could enable them to establish their own livelihoods.
The graduation therefore represented more than the completion of an apprenticeship. It marked the transition of the beneficiaries from trainees to skilled young women prepared to enter the world of work.
A Call to Independence
One of the key messages delivered during the ceremony came from Mama Ambadza III, Queenmother of Kpando Gadza, who chaired the occasion and is also one of the sponsors of the programme.
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| Mama Ambadza III (In the middle) |
In her acceptance speech, Mama Ambadza III reflected on the origins of the teenage mothers' initiative and the contribution of the Foundation's international supporters from Belgium.
She encouraged the graduates to make meaningful use of the skills they had acquired and to pursue productive livelihoods.
Her message centred on the importance of young women having something meaningful to do, becoming economically independent and building confidence through their own abilities.
Foundation Explains Purpose of the Gathering
The Manager of the Emo Foundation, Moses Agbotse, also explained the purpose of the gathering, emphasising that the event was not simply a graduation ceremony but an opportunity to recognise the achievements of the beneficiaries and celebrate the impact of the Foundation's investment in skills development.
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| Moses Agbotse (The gentleman you can see) |
The Foundation's work extends beyond vocational training. Located in Kpando at the shores of Lake Volta, Emo Foundation operates a guesthouse, restaurant and bar and offers tourism-related activities.
Its broader objective is to create employment and use proceeds from its activities to support young people and communities.
The Foundation's guiding philosophy is captured in its statement:
“We think global, but act local.”
Programme Overview Presented by Madam Fafa Asamany
A brief overview of the training programme was presented by Madam Fafa Asamany, who highlighted the journey of the beneficiaries and the purpose of equipping them with practical vocational skills.
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| Madam Fafa Asamany (In the white dress) |
The presentation offered an opportunity for guests to understand the significance of the training and the transformation that the beneficiaries had undergone throughout the three-year apprenticeship period.
Support from Education and Traditional Leadership
The ceremony also featured Madam Peace Attah, Municipal Girls Education Officer for Kpando, who served as the second Chairperson.
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| Madam Peace Attah (on the left) |
Madam Peace Attah is also a sponsor of the programme and served as a resource person during the preparatory stages before the project began.
Her involvement highlighted the importance of collaboration between community stakeholders and organisations working to improve opportunities for girls and young women.
The event further received support from traditional leadership.
Semanu Ama Dzesi attended as a special guest representing Mama Ankua II, Anyigbe Nyonufiaga (Queenmother) of Kpando Fesi.
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| Semanu Ama Dzesi (On the left) |
Her presence demonstrated the support of traditional leadership for programmes aimed at equipping young people with skills and creating pathways towards greater independence.
Symbolic Graduation Rites
The ceremony featured several symbolic moments marking the transition of the apprentices from training into professional life.
The hairdressing graduates participated in a ceremonial removal of their scarves, while the seamstress graduates also underwent a symbolic cloth-removal ceremony.
The moments represented the completion of their apprenticeship journey and their readiness to begin applying the skills they had acquired.
A particularly significant part of the ceremony came when the trainers blessed each graduate and formally released them to go out and work.
The blessing and release constituted the actual graduation rites, symbolising the transition from apprenticeship to professional life.
The young women were encouraged to carry the knowledge, discipline and skills acquired during their training into the next chapter of their lives.
A Gesture of Gratitude to Their Trainers
In a touching display of appreciation, the graduates presented their madams with food gifts.
The gesture was intended to recognise the trainers for their patience, guidance, mentorship and dedication throughout the three-year training period.
The graduates also presented a special gift to the Emo Foundation in gratitude for sponsoring their training and supporting their journey.
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| Donation to Emo Foundation |
The presentations provided an emotional reminder that the success of an apprenticeship programme depends not only on the learners but also on the trainers, sponsors and institutions that invest in their development.
Celebrating Skills, Resilience and Opportunity
The graduation of the 13 young women represents an important example of how vocational education can create opportunities for young mothers to develop practical skills and pursue economic independence.
For beneficiaries who entered the programme as teenage mothers, completing three years of training represents a significant personal milestone.
Their graduation demonstrates the potential of targeted skills development programmes to provide young women with practical tools to rebuild their confidence, establish livelihoods and contribute to their families and communities.
The Emo Foundation's approach also demonstrates the value of connecting social intervention with sustainable economic activities.
By operating its guesthouse, restaurant, bar and tourism activities while directing resources towards community development, the Foundation seeks to combine enterprise, employment creation and social impact.
Looking Ahead
As the 13 graduates leave their apprenticeship programmes, the next phase of their journey will be about putting their skills into practice.
Whether through employment, establishing their own businesses or continuing to develop their expertise, the graduates now have a foundation upon which to build their future.
The ceremony at Wizzy's Emo Restaurant was therefore not simply a celebration of certificates or the completion of training. It was a celebration of second chances, skills, resilience and the power of investment in young women.
For Emo Foundation and its partners, the graduation reinforces a continuing commitment to empowering girls and young people in Kpando and contributing to the wellbeing of the wider community.
And for the 13 graduates, the message is clear: the training may be over, but the real journey has just begun.
By: Prosper Wise Amegbe
VIDEO: Meet Kpando Gadza Heritage Troupe
Kpando Gadza Heritage Troupe is a vibrant children's cultural performance group dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich traditions of the Akpini people and Ghana through music, drumming, dance, and cultural performances.
Under the guidance and patronage of the Queenmother of Kpando Gadza, Mama Ambadza III, the troupe performs at a wide range of occasions, bringing energy, discipline, and authentic Ghanaian culture to every event.
Whether you are organizing a:
💍 Wedding
🕊️ Funeral
👑 Traditional Festival
🎉 Durbar
🏛️ Cultural Event
🎂 Birthday Celebration
🏫 School Programme
🎓 Graduation
🏢 Corporate Event
🎊 Community Celebration
Kpando Gadza Heritage Troupe is available for bookings.
📞 Book the Troupe
055 952 3040
054 231 0515
Support our young cultural ambassadors as they preserve our heritage for future generations.
Presented by Akpini News & Tours
Our Heritage. Our Stories. Your Destination.
🌐 Website: www.akpininews.com
📧 Email: info@akpininews.com
Please Like, Comment, Share, and Subscribe for more stories celebrating the rich culture, history, and tourism of Kpando, the Volta Region, and Ghana.
VIDEO: Meet the Jama Warriors | Kpando Dzoanti's Vibrant Youth Performance Group
🎶🔥 The Jama Warriors of Kpando Dzoanti once again proved why they are one of the most energetic and exciting youth performance groups in the Volta Region.
During a funeral ceremony in Kpando Dzoanti, the group delivered an outstanding Jama performance filled with vibrant chants, synchronised movements, powerful drumming, and unmatched energy that captivated everyone present. The Jama Warriors are more than just performers—they are passionate ambassadors of community spirit, youth unity, and Ghanaian cultural expression. Their lively performances add excitement and unforgettable memories to every occasion. Whether you're organising a: ✅ Funeral ✅ Wedding Ceremony ✅ Festival ✅ Homecoming ✅ School Event ✅ Political Rally ✅ Community Celebration ✅ Corporate or Social Event The Jama Warriors are available to perform and make your event truly memorable. 📞 Bookings & Enquiries: 0547002730 🎥 Coverage by Akpini News & Tours Our Heritage. Our Stories. Your Destination. If you enjoyed this performance, please LIKE 👍, COMMENT 💬, SHARE 📤, and SUBSCRIBE 🔔 to Akpini News & Tours for more cultural performances, tourism features, historical documentaries, and inspiring community stories from Kpando, the Volta Region, and beyond.VIDEO: PABS African Kitchen is serving up Local & Continental dishes in Kpando Konda, Volta.
Taste the Tradition. Experience the Flavour. 🔥
PABS African Kitchen is serving up local and continental dishes in Kpando Konda, Volta.
From weddings to corporate events, we cater it all.
📞 0548345290 | WhatsApp Available
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