Nana Ababio V pledges to drive transformation in Akwamu
A vibrant celebration reverberated through the Akwamu community when the Director of Finance at NSIA Insurance, Aaron Parkeys was crowned the Osomanyawa, filling a 13-year gap in the kingdom's traditional leadership last Thursday (April 10).
The Osomanyawa is the Chief Administrator and second-in-command of Akwamu State.
Mr Parkeys will hold the stool name, Nana Akonnor Bekai Ababio V.
The grand ceremony, which was held at Bogyawe Palace in the Asuogyaman District featured a display of rich cultural traditions, distinct of the people who are known historically for seizing the keys to the Christiansborg Castle from the Danes.
Shortly after assuming office, Nana Ababio V, who also holds the titles of Ayokohene, Mankrado of Akwamuman, and Guantoahene of Akwamu, pledged allegiance to His Royal Majesty Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, committing to uphold Akwamu’s values, unity, and transformation agenda.
Event
A historic highlight of the event was the sight of both the Akwamuhene and Nana Bekai adorned in the sacred 400-year-old "Mahony" cloth—an elaborate regalia made of lion skin and cowrie shells, believed to offer spiritual protection and reserved exclusively for Akwamu royalty.
Tradition holds that it can only be destroyed by a sacred stone.
The ceremony also included the symbolic handing over of the revered "Afua" sword, which represents the Omanhene’s authority.
Following a ritual stepping ceremony, the sword was passed to Nana Bekai, formally empowering him to lead the divisional chiefs and represent the Akwamuhene when necessary.
Observers described the event as a deeply spiritual affirmation of loyalty and reverence.
Nana Bekai’s ascension, celebrated as a return “from a 13-year journey to the ancestors,” has reignited hope among the Akwamu people.
Together with the Akwamuhene, he is set to champion the "Akwamu Arising" vision of unity, heritage preservation, and development.
Profile
Nana Bekai is a Chartered Accountant and Business Executive with over a decade of leadership experience in corporate governance, financial strategy, and enterprise transformation.
He currently serves as General Manager of Finance, People & Corporate Resources at NSIA Insurance Ghana and has previously held finance leadership roles at Metropolitan Health Insurance and Bharti Airtel Ghana.
He is a member of CIMA (UK & US) and ICAG, holding an Executive MBA from Quantic School of Business & Technology, a BSc in Accounting from the University of Ghana, and a Diploma in Applied Insurance from Malta International Training Centre
