Akuapem Traditional Area courts diasporans for investments
The Paramount Chief of the Akuapem Traditional Area, Oberepongkese Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, has told diasporans that Akuapem has an investment edge over other locations in Ghana.
He explained that the edge lay in the fact that the land and its people were ideal in logistics, agribusiness, tourism, real estate and peri-urban manufacturing.
Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo said though Ghana remained the country for investment on the continent, the Akuapepem land was undeniably the choicest for strategic partnerships.
He said not only was the Akuapem weather conducive for human habitation, but it was excellent for horticulture, floriculture, organic farming and greenhouse agriculture, such as pineapples, avocados, herbs, vegetables and cocoa.
The Akuapemhene made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf by the Akuapem Mpuntuhene, Nana Awuku Sakyi, at an Akuapem diasporans engagement at the palace at Akropong-Akuapem last Friday.
The programme, which was aimed at engaging the Akuapem diasporans, was on the theme: “Discovering Akuapem, Discovering Ghana’s Heritage” and was chaired by the Akuapemhene himself, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III.
Diasporans who took part in the engagement were led by the Chief of Nyamabekyere in the Eastern Region, Nana Kwabena Duku I, otherwise known as Diallo Sumbry, and Nana Serwa Wiafe, who is domiciled in Austin, Texas, in the United States of America.
Other people who graced the occasion included a former Chief Justice and current Member of the Council of State, Sophia Akuffo; the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), Prof. Kobby Mensah; the Ankobea of Tutu (Women’s Group), Ankobea Ama Bekoe; the CEO, Mintoma Limited, Maame Konadu Mintah; the CEO, Skin Gourmet, Violent Awo Amoabeng, and a team from Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited led by Bella Gatsey, among others.
Akuapem history
Before the durbar, the diaspora group was sent to the palace of the Krontihene of Akuapem (Senior Divisional Chief), Osahene Boafo Ansah III, where the group was lectured on the 800-year history of the Akuapems by a worker at the palace, Francis Addo Sakyiama.
Dignitaries at the event with the diasporans
“Based on the history of Akuapem, which you have been briefed on, and all that you have learnt about the Akuapem State, I, the Obrepongkese Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, the Akuapemhene, seize the opportunity to invite you to come and invest in whatever you want as diasporans and you will not regret it,” the Paramount Chief said.
He said the paramountcy would establish a dedicated Diasporan Secretariat within his office to address all issues that might arise as the diasporans settled to invest in Akuapem.
“I assure you, the diasporans that from land issues to permits to partners and even extending to your welfare and integration, among others, Oseadeeyo is committed to facilitating and assisting you,” he emphasised.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Royal Envoy Plenipotentiary of Okuapeman, Oyententu Nana Abena Oye, said Akuapem was one of the few areas that could truly boast of an ecosystem that had remained undisturbed and uncorrupted for centuries.
She said the forests, streams, hills and crisp mountain air were not only a gift from nature, but a legacy carefully protected by past generations, adding, “This unique ecological balance makes Akuapem not just a cultural gem, but also a natural haven ideal for eco-tourism, wellness retreats, organic farming and sustainable development.”
The CEO of GTDC, Prof. Kobby Mensah, said that tourism must reflect authentic Akuapem identity but must also adapt to what visitors are seeking in experiences: meaningful, memorable and accessible.
That, he said, required a balance between preserving culture and adapting to global standards in hospitality, storytelling and experience delivery.
Recommendations
Prof. Mensah recommended the setting up of an Akuapem Tourism Marketing Task force, which would include traditional leaders, youths, diaspora representatives and tourism experts.
He also told Akuapems to develop a comprehensive tourism marketing strategy, highlighting pillars such as heritage tourism, eco-tourism, festivals and creative arts.
He said they must also invest in brand identity, digital presence and storytelling, let Akuapem’s uniqueness shine online and, above all, promote tourism events tied to heritage, such as Odwira Festival, but create year-round engagement to maintain interest.
The Manager, International and Diaspora Business of Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited, Bella Gatsey, assured the diasporans that the bank had started working with all kinds of people, saying that CBG offered a range of products and services specially selected for the diasporans and hoped they would patronise their products and services.
