Bechem: Where heritage meets opportunity at the crossroads of 3 regions
Welcome to Bechem, one of the Ahafo Region’s ancient jewel towns, where rich heritage, deep-rooted traditions and vibrant culture thrive in every corner.
Located at the crossroads of three regions: Ashanti, Bono and Bono East, it places the enviable town in a prime position for growth and opportunity.
This unique location gives the town enormous potential to evolve into a vibrant hub for commerce, agriculture, education and investment, while maintaining its deep-rooted cultural identity.
Strategic location
It was, therefore, not surprising that the new Omanhene of Bechem, Nana Asiwobour Osei Bonsu III, at his outdooring ceremony in Bechem, said that the town's strategic location gave it enormous potential to become a centre of commerce, agriculture, education and investment.
He said, "In the Ahafo Region, Bechem is strategically positioned between three important regions: Ashanti, Bono and Bono East, giving the town enormous potential to become a centre of commerce, agriculture, education and investment"
Nana Asiwobour, therefore, called on investors, entrepreneurs and diaspora communities to invest in Bechem, explaining that the land was fertile and the people hardworking.
Promising gateway
From this promising gateway unfolds the rich and compelling story of Bechem, a destination where history, culture, and identity blend into a story worth experiencing.
The Bechem Traditional Area stands as a symbol of resilience, heritage and cultural evolution.
Comprising Bechem, Dwomo, Terchire and Tanoso, collectively known as "Atanofo Akrotuonnan", the area is bound together by shared ancestry, tradition and leadership under the Bechem Manhene, the custodian of their sacred heritage.
How Bechem got its name
History has it that after the war over Dormaa, Nana Osei Tutu I and his victorious war leaders sat to share their booty or spoils at Abekyease.
The chiefs are said to have said, "Yebekye mu wo ha", meaning "We shall divide our booty here", hence the name Bechem.
Similarly, after the Gyaman war with Abo Kofi, the war booty was shared at Bechem.
From that historic moment, Bechem was born, forever tied to triumph and unity.
Asiwobour stool
On how Bechem Stool became known as "Asiwobour Stool", a brochure obtained during the outdoor ceremony, explained that Nana Osei Tutu I and Okomfo Anokye visited Tanoso and invoked a deity from the River Tano.
It said the deity was named "Tano Bekoe" and became one of the deities which helped to bring victory in the Asante wars.
The brochure added that Okomfo Anokye commanded that human beings should be sacrificed for the deity every year.
It, however, stated that during the reign of the third Bechem Chief, Nana Asiwobour Asimpa Apraku, he gathered courage and travelled to Kumasi to request Nana Osei Tutu I to replace the human sacrifice with the sacrifice of rams.
"This was a bold step taken by Nana Asimpa Apraku to ensure steady population growth for development," it said.
It explained that Nana Osei Tutu I granted the request and bestowed the title "Asiwobour" in appreciation of his courage and bravery.
His bold appeal led to the replacement of human sacrifice with the sacrifice of rams, an act that preserved life and ensured the growth of his people.
To date, the title "Asiwobour" continues to define the stool and its legacy.
Bechem state oath
The oath of Bechem state is “Meka Breme ne Mpete,” serving as a solemn reminder of sacrifice, loss and leadership.
This oath reminds the chiefs and people of Bechem of the tragedy that befell their beloved chief when he contracted the disease known as "Mpete", sent to Breme, the village he founded for his wife, Nana Akyiaa Tafo, where he died.
The oath continues to guide leadership and uphold the people's values.
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