Ntotroso: From sacred forests to global gold map
Ntotroso, a historic settlement in the Asutifi North District of the Ahafo Region, lies about 35 kilometres from Sunyani and boasts a history that dates back more than three centuries.
Regarded as one of the oldest settlements in the Ahafo area, apart from nearby Mamfo and Sienchem, the town has a vast geographical area and abundant natural resources, shaping its growth and cultural identity over the years.
With the beautiful and biggest palace in the region, the town’s enduring development is closely linked to the strength of its traditional leadership.
History
Oral tradition has it that the community was founded around 1769 by the skilful hunter Nana Amakye Panin and his wife Nana Botwe, who led a small family unit from Denkyira Nyaadowamu after the defeat of the Denkyira Empire by the Asante Empire under Otumfuo Opoku Ware I.
The Ntotroso Traditional Council Palace
Travelling through Bantama and Manfo near Tepa in the Ashanti Region, the migrants used a firebrand to illuminate their path until they finally settled along a stream shaded by an “atotoro” tree, whose seeds frequently fell into the water.
The stream came to be known as Atotorosuo, to wit, “the Atotoro Stream”.
Over time, the name gradually evolved into what is now known as Ntotroso.
A brochure obtained during the grand dubar of the 2026 Apomasu Yam Festival at Ntotroso indicates that the settlement expanded steadily, particularly after the discovery of the Apomasu shrine in the Twabidi Forest.
It said the shrine attracted worshippers from all walks of life seeking children, protection and prosperity.
The economic opportunities from kola, rubber, the gold rush of the 1880s and later cocoa farming further boosted the growth of the community.
Cultural identity
At the heart of Ntotroso’s cultural identity is the Apomasu Yam Festival, celebrated biennially in honour of the Apomasu deity, believed to hold the key to the town’s well-being.
The shrine itself exists as a spiritual trinity, Opiesie, the eldest, located at Ntotroso; Manu, the second, at Atronie; and Mensa, the third, which remains in the Twabidi Forest.
The essence of the festival centres on venerating Mensa, the third deity.
A highlight of the celebration is a pilgrimage into the Twabidi Forest, where scouts journey to the Apomasu Mensa enclave and return with holy water believed to possess fortune-enhancing powers.
Spiritual assistance
The brochure explained that over the years, the shrine had also gained a reputation for providing spiritual assistance and curing barrenness.
One remarkable story associated with the deity dates back to the early 20th century.
It said that after the Asantehene Prempeh I was exiled to the Seychelles by the British colonial authorities in 1900, the Apomasu deity predicted his eventual return, a prophecy fulfilled in 1924.
"In appreciation, the Asantehene reportedly sent gifts, including swords, a staff and whisky to the deity," it said, adding that those items remained part of Ntotroso’s treasured stool regalia.
Another historic site linked to the community’s early mining history is Kum Aduosia, meaning “one that kills 60”.
According to history, the name recalled a tragic incident when 60 miners reportedly died after a pit believed to be inhabited by the deity caved in.
Today, the site stands as a significant heritage landmark.
New economic era
While Ntotroso was once largely sustained by subsistence farming, the town has entered a new economic era.
In 2003, Newmont, one of the world’s largest mining companies, acquired mining concessions in the area, placing Ntotroso and its surrounding communities on the global map of gold-producing regions.
Though part of the community’s arable land has been lost to mining activities, the presence of the company has opened prospects for a growing service industry.
Today, under the leadership of the Ntotrosomanhene, Barima Twereku Ampem III, and his traditional council, Ntotroso continues to balance its deep cultural heritage with modern development opportunities, preserving its past while shaping its future.
Residents
Some residents told the Daily Graphic that the community was more than just a historic settlement, explaining that it was a community deeply rooted in culture, faith and shared history.
Stephen Adjei Mensah described the town as peaceful and culturally rich, with traditions that continued to shape the identity of the people.
He said the community’s history and the Apomasu Yam Festival continued to attract visitors and strengthen unity among the people.
“Ntotroso has a very strong tradition.
It is something that makes us proud of our heritage,” he said.
Another resident, Akosua Yeboah, said the town had witnessed significant transformation over the years, especially with the arrival of large-scale mining activities in the area.
Loss of farmlands
Some residents, however, expressed concern about the gradual loss of farmlands as a result of mining activities, which they said had affected their farming activities.
A farmer, Frimpong Abagana, said that although the mining industry had placed Ntotroso on the global map, it had also created challenges for local farmers.
"Our farmlands have been affected, and farming used to be the main livelihood for many families,” he said.
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