Nana Kwodwo Mbra V statue - Another landmark in Cape Coast
It is imposing and magnificent. It’s another landmark, another heritage space in Cape Coast, the Nana Kwodwo Mbra statue site.
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The site situated between the London Bridge area and Ashanti Road has the erected sculpture of Nana Mbra, the immediate past Omanhen of Cape Coast, in cloth with a whisk in his hand overlooking the area towards Tantri in Cape Coast.
Cape Coast, the Central Regional capital and Ghana’s first capital town, is known for the Castle, fort and other landmarks, including the first Methodist Church and others.
It has the bust of Queen Victoria at the Victoria Park but none for its traditional chiefs in the city.
Nonetheless, the ancient city has had many great chiefs who have led the people with firmness and fairness.
One such adored chief is Nana Kwodwo Mbra V. Nana Mbra was the immediate past Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area.
Nana Mbra was known in private life as Kofi Kakraba.
He was born into the royal Ebiradze Family of Cape Coast and was chosen to be the chief at the tender age of 12. He was enstooled in July 1948.
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He is credited with bringing great unity and development to Oguaaman and working with government agencies to resettle the Benstir people from around Kingsway to OLA.
Nana Mbra died in 1996 and was buried in July 1997.
Monument
The Cape Coast Youth Development Association, therefore, in consultation with the Oguaa Traditional Council, decided to erect a monument in his honour last year.
The monument, the statue of Nana Mbra, was financed by Dr James Orleans-Lindsay, the Executive Chairman of JL Properties Limited and the Chief Patron of the Cape Coast Youth Development Association.
The facilitators of the project included Stephen Doffoe Forson, Assembly Member for Kru town and Ato Ahomka Orleans-Lindsay, Rev. Kobina Spio-Garbrah, Alex Dadzie-Bonney and Samuel Graham Aidoo.
It was unveiled on September 4, 2024, adding a warm aesthetic allure to the area.
A retired Professor of Population, Emeritus Prof Kofi Awusabo-Asare, described Nana Mbra as a leader who served his people well.
A doctoral student at the University of Cape Coast, Akua Korantemaa, said Nana Mbra deserved the statue in his honour, considering his love for his people.
Another student and resident of Cape Coast, Phebe-Fifine Asiedu-Addo, said it told the young people a little about their history.
Cultural importance
The Organiser of the Cape Coast Youth Development Association, Stephen Doffoe Forson, however, said the monument would reflect the cultural and historical importance of the “Osabarimba Stool” within the Oguaa state, Fante states and the nation at large.
He explained that Nana Mbra was the longest serving chief who reinstituted the Fetu festival after it was abolished by the colonial masters, adding that his contribution to the peace and development of Cape Coast was commendable.
Mr Forson said it was Nana Mbra's humility and penchant for peace that motivated the Oguaa Traditional Council to honour him with the title “Osabarimba” in 1986, adding that it was only befitting that a statue was erected in his honour.
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The statue indeed, is a sure master piece of art and a chip of the traditional history of Cape Coast and you might want to stop by one of these days to take a pose.