Oheneba Adusei Poku - Custodian of tradition, brother in heritage

In the heart of Asante, where lineage and tradition bind us to the roots of our forebears, my connection with Oheneba Adusei Poku was forged through his shared heritage with my father, Nana P. K. Boateng, in our royal Asante Asokore ancestry – a bond that transcends generations. 

Oheneba, born to Otumfuo Opoku Ware II and Lady Victoria Opoku-Ware, was a man of immense grace, humility and quiet strength.

I remember Otumfuo Opoku Ware II and Lady Victoria with the deepest affection, as they treated me with unmatched warmth and respect. Each encounter carried a sense of reverence, and their son inherited these same noble qualities.

Oheneba was, without question, the quintessential mother’s son. His elegance and refinement reflected his upbringing – soft-spoken yet firm in his adherence to Asante traditions.

Over the years, I had the privilege of witnessing his loyalty to our customs and his unwavering commitment to the sacred bond he shared with my father.

I recall organising the dinner for the 25th anniversary of Otumfuo Opoku Ware II’s reign, where Oheneba played an essential role behind the scenes.

He ensured that late-night meetings with the then gatekeepers of Manhyia, including Chief Linguist Baffour Akoto and Yaw Andoh, then Secretary to Otumfuo Opoku-Ware II, went smoothly. His dedication was unspoken but deeply felt.

Relationship

Our relationship deepened through many personal conversations. I will never forget the day he confided in me about the pain of losing his sister, our beloved Nana Ama. He looked at me and said, "Edward, a part of me is gone." His words were heavy, his grief palpable.

The sorrow deepened further when his own daughter, Gifty —­ ironically named after his late sister — ­­­­tragically passed away not long afterwards.

He said it was the "final nail." Through these moments, I saw not just a man of tradition but a human being grappling with profound loss, maintaining his dignity and grace through it all.

I have fond memories of his visits to me at CNN in London, where our conversations ranged from the weight of our traditions to the world beyond. He spoke with such passion during our filming for my documentary with Discovery Channel, on Ashanti customs and traditions where he explained the significance of Akwasidae. 

Akwasidae

Akwasidae, he said, "is more than an Asante celebration; it’s a reflection of how we honour the past while guiding the future."

His understanding of Asante culture was not just deep — it was alive, and he shared it in a way that bridged ancient customs with modern relevance.

Oheneba was a true custodian of our heritage. His respect for the Akyempen stool and the honour he brought to it reflected his profound sense of duty to the Asante Kingdom.

He embodied the dignity expected of one entrusted with our sacred traditions, and his actions were always guided by the wisdom and reverence ingrained in him.

His passing leaves a void not only in the heart of Asanteman, but in mine as well. Yet, I take comfort in knowing that the path he paved – with respect for elders, commitment to customs, and an unwavering dedication to our culture – will guide those who come after him.

In Oheneba, we found not only a leader but a man who upheld and enriched our traditions with grace.

Rest well, Oheneba. Your legacy will endure, and your respect for Asanteman’s great customs will forever light the way.

 The writer is the former CEO, SIGA; Ghana’s former Ambassador to China.