SENYA BERAKU

 EWUDU AND NGMADUMƆ:  How Millet Once Saved the Guans and Ga-Adangme. By Abeiku Okai (+233) 0249287855 Before maize and cassava arrived with the Europeans and took over Ghanaian kitchens, it was millet that saved lives. To the coastal Guan of Senya and Awutu Breku (Obutu), it is called Ewu. To the Ga-Adangme, it is Ngma. More than a grain, millet was the people’s shield against famine, a teacher of discipline, and a vessel of identity. It fed not only the body but revived the spirit of the people, being woven into festivals, rituals, and the very rhythm of survival. Oral traditions recall a time of devastating famine along the southern coast of Ghana. From the Guan communities of Awutu Breku (Obutu), Senya Beraku, Simpa (Winneba), and Fetu (Cape Coast), to the Ga-Adangme settlements of Accra, hunger stalked the people. In their desperation, elders from the affected communities sought the help of a renowned high priest, Atta Atiɛ Kwesi Kwei, who served at the Akrama Anu (temple...

 Senya Akumase Festival Set to Kick Off on August 22nd. The Senya Akumase Festival, a vibrant celebration of culture and tradition, will take place from August 22nd to August 28th.  The Senya Akumase Festival, has a rich history dating back to the community's historical famine and the ancestors' agricultural achievements that brought an end to the affliction. Over the years, the festival has evolved into a grand celebration of bumper harvest, showcasing the community's rich cultural heritage. This year's celebration promises to be an exciting experience, with a packed schedule of events and activities. The festival will begin with the Akumase Commencement Parade and Cleanup Exercises by the youth on Thursday, August 22nd, followed by the Dentiwo Odusora Kusum (Carrying of Deity) event in the evening. Over the next few days, attendees can look forward to various events, including the Dentiwo Path Clearing, Ataa Kwesi Ndaase (Children's Festival), and Dentiwo Warrior ...

  Senya Beraku Legends Series by Abeiku Okai. Episode 001 SENYA BERAKU'S CINEMATIC LUMINARY: The Legacy of ATO KWAMENA YANNEY Snr.  Ato Kwamina Yanney Snr, also known as Ato Yanney, was born on January 22, 1933, in Senya Beraku, Central Region, Ghana. He was a pioneering figure in the Ghanaian film industry, having studied screenplay writing and directing at the London School of Film Technique and obtaining a degree in film critique and appreciation. Ato further honed his skills at the Feature and Documentary Film Studios in Poland. Before venturing into filmmaking, he worked as a local recruit at the Ghana High Commission in the United Kingdom and wrote short stories broadcasted on BBC Home Service, such as "The Ominous Sneeze" and "It Came from Heaven." Returning to Ghana in 1963, he joined the Ghana Film Industry Corporation and eventually became the head of production. Ato was instrumental in the establishment of the National Film and Television Institute (N...

The Senya Beraku State has produced countless great men and women of national and international repute across all industries and human endeavours. This project seeks to trace and track them and pen down their immortal names, achievements and contributions. Some may not be famous but their contributions can of be taken for granted. Our desire with this project is to bring to fore the blessedness of such individuals, dead or alive.  Therefore, this list, being the primary registry portal, seeks to track and list down such leading personalities. We need you to help update this list. Either in the comment section or through email, send the following: name, status (dead or alive), position/achievements, the industry of the person as well as the social medial handle or contact.  Email: bic4eben@gmail.com  ********** EDUCATION 1. Dr. Joseph Kobina Essibu - CEO Ideal College 2. Lady Rev. Aba Folson - Nyaniba Health College  3. Professor Daniel Afedzi Acheampong (Late) Univer...

  Senya Beraku is home to Fort De Goede Hoop, also known as Fort Good Hope, which was constructed by the Dutch in 1702 (though some historians dispute this date, with alternative dates listed as 1667, 1701, or 1702). The Dutch initially arrived in Senya Bireku in the 1660s, but had to leave due to conflict with the English. Upon realizing that their focus had shifted from gold trade to slavery, they returned to Senya-Beraku and built the fort, with the goal of it being their final fortification on the Gold Coast. Fort De Goede Hoop, designed in a triangular shape, was built with the intention of facilitating gold trade and providing the Dutch with "good hope." However, the gold trade was not prosperous, and the focus shifted to the rapidly growing slave trade. To accommodate the growing number of slaves sold there, the fort was expanded and its triangular shape was altered to a square shape in 1715. Although the slave trade was eventually abolished, slaves were still smuggled...

Last Thursday , 27th January, 2022, the streets of Senya Beraku were flooded with female processions to the houses of all deceased persons who were to be buried during the weekend. These women carried on their heads assorted items called 'eguradze', beautifully wrapped in buskets, and silver and plastic bowls and buckets.  The items included soaps, powder, cloths, rice, oil, towels, sponges, etc. and specific amount of money demanded by the deceased family from the deceased female in-laws and close relatives whose spouses are from the house.   As the name, 'eguradze' (bathing wares), implies, the items are meant to bath the dead before lying in state on Friday and Saturday. The older women of the maternal house of the deceased, who are responsible for bathing the dead, would share the money and the rest of the items after discharging their duties. Years back, there were very few items presented for the 'eguradze', generally limited to what was needed for the bat...

 A 1973 Akomase speech from the Central Regional Commissioner Commander, J. K. Amedume, found from the archive of the late Mr. Kweku Andah, father to Captain Topi Kojo Otu Anderson.  ADDRESS BY THE CENTRAL REGIONAL COMMISSIONER COMMANDER, J. K. AMEDUME ON THE OCCASION OF THE AKOMASE FESTIVAL AT SENYA BERAKU ON SATURDAY 25TH AUGUST, 1973. Nananom, Ladies and Gentlemen, I feel extremely happy to be here with you this afternoon for the celebration of the "Akomase" Festival. It is on this occasion that you remember your renowned ancestors and sing their praises. Those ancestors of yours whom you single out for praises carved names for themselves by rendering exemplary and dedicated service during their life. The worthy examples of these illustrious sons of your state should encourage and inspire you to do your duty to your Nation and your state. There is no greater honour than to be given the opportunity to serve your nation, and wherever you may find yourselves you should strive...

 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN  All well-meaning people of Senya Beraku  RE: THE CHALLENGE TO THE CLAIM OF OWNERSHIP OF SENYA BERAKU STOOL LAND BY ANONA FAMILY  Regarding your circulation dated, August 1, 2021, on the subject: "RE: THE CHALLENGE TO THE CLAIM OF OWNERSHIP OF SENYA BERAKU STOOL LAND BY ANONA FAMILY", we, the Royal Anona Family intend to respond in extenso and seriatim as below: - that per the provisions of the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), your name is not entered in the National Register of Chiefs (i.e you do not have gazette), which is the sine qua non for recognition by the Chieftaincy Institution of Ghana. You therefore lack the capacity to use the above letterhead, since you not yet a member of the Senya Beraku Traditional Council. - that it is gross falsehood to say that a faction of the Krobo Anona Family called Akondoh Anona is consistently claiming right to paramount status of a chief and ownership of Senya Beraku stool land. Rather, it is the ent...

  TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE RITE IN ANCIENT SENYA BERAKU. Abeiku Okai Senya Beraku has four major ceremonies marking the cycle of life from birth, through adolescence, marriage to death. They are: 1. Ada ntuyi - Naming ceremony 2. Itwe-itwe - Puberty Rite  (different paternal  houses or clans (Se-ye) have different names and rituals for adolescent rites) 3. Ijo-nsɔyi - Marriage Ceremony 4. Edi-mbɔyi - Funeral  The focus here is on Ijo-nsɔyi (marriage ceremony). When an adolescent boy or girl traditionally passes puberty by undergoing the required Se-ye (paternal house) rites, he or she, from that day, becomes ready for marriage, especially the girl. However, he or she is not forced into premature marriage but rather, he/she would now be exposed to the necessity of marriage and preparation towards it. She would now be considered a 'ponkuba' (a young girl ripe for marriage).  For the adolescent girl, her beauty and physical changes would begin to attract potential suit...

  The following are the resolution reached at the 7th National Guan Congress in 2012 at Krachi. Four delegations from Senya Beraku attended the Congress, which was hugely attended by delegates from every part of Ghana: 1. Mr. Francis Doughan 2. Mr. Sampson Bosomtwe 3. Mr Kojo Online 5. Mr. Abeiku Okai The purpose of the resolution is to safeguard the identity of Guan communities as Guans. THE RESOLUTIONS 1. The name GUAN should be appended as a suffix to all Guan local names on signboards leading to Guan towns and villages, for example, Senya Beraku (Guan); 2. Guan villages and towns that used to bear Guan names but due to the dominance of other tribes those names have changed must be reverted to those names. For example, Winneba should rather be well known as Simpa, as it original Guan name. 3. Church activities in Guan communities should be done in the Guan language/dialect of the community. Pastors must be persuaded to adhere to this.  4. Guan chiefs should refrain from mak...

  SENYA BERAKU CHIEFS AND CHIEFTAINCY. by: BIC Abeiku Okai The root meaning of the word 'Odefe', which means chief, is 'Ambassador', ie He who sells (fɛ) the good (ɔdɛ) of the land.  Ɔdɛfɛ became Odefe. It is also known to mean, Excellent (ɔdɛ) beauty (fɛw).  It connotes a person who represents the integrity and rich culture of the people. And is also responsible for bringing good or excellence to the land and people.  Senya Beraku has had several chiefs from the two feuding royal families, ie., Anona and Twidan. According to the Anona, at least, ten chiefs have ruled the land from their family; They included: 1. Nenyi Akondoh I,  2. Kwesi Nkwantah 3. Edu Bateh 4. Saakwa 5. Akondoh II 6. Naase Adede (Female) 7. Akondoh III 8. Nkwantah  9. Saakwa Edu Bateh; to the very recent Anona chief, being the late Nenyi Akondoh XI (1929), who also identified as 'Ababio' (Akan; has returned), to indicate the return of his family to the throne after the Twidan had ruled ...

 Until recently, Senya Beraku had a strong attachment to traditional priests and priestesses, with their words and leadership carrying power and fear. These priests and priestesses were responsible for all the spiritual activities of the land. There are seven rankings of them in respect of the extent of their authority, leadership, and assignments: 1. Ataa-da - Grand Patriarch  2. Ataa - Patriarch 3. Obraw - Chief Priest 4. Osow - High Priest 5. Anu-okyi - Primate  6. Okyi - Senior Priest 7. Obirew - Priest or Priestess  Among the seven, only the Obraw, Osow, and Obirew are probably still in existence or known today.  Researcher: BIC Abeiku Okai WhatsApp: (+233) 0249287855 Like and follow the Facebook page for more.

  The traditional administration of Senya Beraku in the ancient days was through the Seven Councils called, 'Nsɔn-wo' (singular, Isɔn):  1. Ɔma Isɔn (State Council) 2. Adu-ebi Isɔn (Warrior Council) 3. Abirew Isɔn (Priests Council) 4. Nde Isɔn (Patrilineal/Male Council) 5. Apow Isɔn (Fishermen Council) 6. Na Isɔn (Matrilineal/Female Council) 7. Ekuhawo Isɔn (Farmers Council) The Judicial Councils were called 'Aban' and constituted: Lower Courts 1. Ekuhawo Isɔn (Farmers Council) 2. Apow Isɔn (Fishermen Council) 3. Nde Isɔn (Patrilineal/Male Council) 4. Na Isɔn (Matrilineal/Female Council) A case would be first heard in any of the above four lower courts depending on the people involved and the subject of the case. For example, a case involving fishermen would be first heard at the Apow Isɔn (Fishermen Council) before being appealed or presented to the higher courts. High Courts 1. Abirew Isɔn (Priests Council) 2. Adu-ebi Isɔn (Warrior Council) Apart from receiving appe...

IPI KWA BENTUM IV Senya Breakup State Commander. Ipi Kwa Bentum IV is known in private life as Ishmael Yabeni Barnes. He hails from the Prɛ-tɔ Clan of Senya Beraku, the clan responsible for the nomination and installation of the State Commander, known as Ipi.  Ipi Kwa Bentum IV was born to the late Nenyi Yaw Barnes and Naase Nancy Anderson, at Senya Beraku. However, he had his primary, middle and secondary schools education at Simpa (Winneba) - ie, Methodist Primary, Middle Boys and Winneba Secondary, respectively.  After his secondary education in 1983, where he was popularly known by the students as Pope Judas, he travelled to Lagos, Nigeria, where he attended the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State.  Covering a period of seven years in the nation of Nigeria, he engaged in several businesses and eventually landed as an Interior Decorator. Hard work and determination were the only words in the disctionary of his heart.  With the determination to explore and expl...

 Dr. and Mrs. Paul Ocansey, from the United Kingdom, have, on Monday, 13th September 2021, donated high-grade PPEs to the Senya Beraku Polyclinic. The donation, which was organised by Oracle Village on behalf of Dr. and Mrs. Ocansey, who were both presents, included nose masks, gloves, and aprons, worth thousands of Ghana Cedis.  "My wife and I are full natives of Senya Beraku. We both work in the health sector in the UK and thought it wise to support this facility with the little we can as long as we have come home," said Dr. Paul.  The Urban Council Chairman, Hon. Joseph Bennin, who also doubles as a member of the Oracle Village team, received the items on behalf of the community and handed them to the head of the polyclinic, Dr. Samuel Agyapong.  Dr. Agyapong expressed profound appreciation to Dr. and Mrs. Paul for the gesture and promised the items would be put to the best use. "These items will better equip us to fight the Corona Virus pandemic as health workers...

 As the world celebrates women internationally today, 8th March, 2021, the president and founder of Ase Pramaso Women Movement, a grassroot women organisation empowering women to champion and participate in community development, Rev. Mother Aba Folson, has made a categorical statement that this world would not be complete without women.  She made this statement while celebrating and appreciating the excellent contributions of all the Ase Pramaso women.  "...on behalf of myself and my executives...I  appreciate all our gallant women for their exceptional contributions to the world and in the lives of our families. I believe we all agree that without women, this world wouldn't be complete..." she said as she unveiled certain vital role women plays in the universe from ancient of days through the pages of the Bible, our African history and the modern world.  She also prayed that "the Good Lord continue to shower His Blessings and Protection over you and all women ...

  The Acting Director of Communications at the Presidency, Mr Eugene Kofi Bentum Arhin, who has been accused of adultery by his wife has rather received much more respect from the public, contrary to the plans of his critics, who deliberately leaked the divorce petition on social media to tarnish his image.  In response to the divorce petition, which haa gone viral, Mr Arhin wrote on his facebook page; "I have seen a divorce petition filed by my wife, which has been deliberately leaked all over social media obviously to achieve a certain effect. I have still not been served with these court processes, and, upon receipt, my lawyers will respond accordingly. Every marriage has challenges, and such challenges should not be addressed in the court of public opinion. I will not, for the sake of my children, and for the dignity of my wife, engage in any public banter. In as much as many of the claims leveled against me are baseless and untrue, especially with respect to properties an...

  The founder and president of Ase Pramaso Women's Movement, Rev. Mother Aba Folson, has shared what she envisions about the Senya Beraku community, where she hails from and has strong passion towards it's development.  According to the Chief Executive Officer of NYANiba Health College she believes potentially  the Senya Beraku community has very close identity with the State of Florida in the United States of America and would wish investors and settlers choose the community for investment and rest after retirement.  Even though there is nothing to be compared between the United State and Ghana in terms of infrastructural, economics, military and other development elements, she sees this very town in Ghana, as a place where, like Florida, people from around the globe can choose for investment and residence after retirement. She posted this on her private facebook page: According to the mobiliser of the strongly  growing women movement in Ghana, Senya Beraku is ...

 Ten years ago we the youth of Senya Beraku began a revolution - a mega call for traditional, economic and social reform. We have not achieved all the dreams but we have come very far so far. 1. We facilitated the entrance of great men and women from Senya back to Senya. For example, Dr.  J. K. Esibu (Prof), Mr. Kwaw Ansah (TV Africa), Ipi Kwa Bentum (Tufuhene) etc.  2. We played major role in the establishment of scholarship scheme by Dr. Esibu and we have seen not less than 600 youth achieving their academic dream both home and abroad.  3. We have played key roles in some youth gaining employment opportunities both in private and public institutions. 4. We played key role in ensuring Senya Beraku revives and rebuilds its traditional council.  5. We played key role in the filling in of certain vacant stools in the Senya Traditional Area, eg., the installation of the Tufuhene, Ipi Kwa Bentum IV. 6. We played key role and limiting encroachment on our boundaries, ...

  The date, 27th December, is marked with a painful scar in the memory of the people of Senya. On that fateful date in the year 2011,  every single home in Senya Beraku was affected by the fatal wind that blew our brothers, sisters, friends and mothers, while they were joyfully celebrating the holiday.  We lost 27 souls with more also fatally wounded. The emotional wound was terrible and still lingers in the heart and minds of our people. But while this brings bad memories annually we ought to also realise it is a wake-up call for all of Senya to rise up, unite and build a common future and destiny. We need to lay aside all difference and acrimony from any divide, be it political, chieftaincy, asafo, religious, etc. Our elders ought to wake up and ensure that we consolidate every gain so far and find a new path away from all that draw us back.  The youth also need to wake-up first to the acknowledgement of the fact that life is not all about today and tomorrow but ra...