The historic Denkyira Kingdom on Monday vibrated in a spectacular celebration as it performed revered traditional rites for the grand installation and coronation of its 26th King, Odeefo Boamponsem IV.
This momentous event, deeply rooted in centuries of cultural heritage, marked a new chapter in the kingdom’s illustrious history for growth and development.
Emerging from the royal Agona family, Odeefo Boamponsem IV succeeded the legendary 25th King, Odeefo Boamponsem III, who presided over the Denkyira Kingdom for 60 years, from 1955 to 2015.
The coronation at Jukwa, the seat of the Denkyira Kingdom which extends to Dunkwa-on-Offin and beyond, drew an electrifying crowd from across the globe, alongside a breath-taking assembly of traditional rulers representing every corner of the nation, painting a vivid tableau of culture, splendour and unity.
In a stirring ceremony, Odeefo Boamponsem took his oath holding a 435-year-old ancestral sword, a powerful symbol of authority and continuity, with steadfast support from the revered Queen Mother, Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III.
The new King known in private life as Mr Kwame Mensah, and affectionately called Mr Oscar Kessie, by the indigenes, was born on July 24, 1955, into the Denkyira Agona Gyadua Pomaase Royal Family of Jukwa.
His mother, the only sister of the late Odeefuo Boa Amponsem III, traced their ancestry back through generations of distinguished rulers starting with the legendary Nana Yaa Mbrah, a matriarch whose lineage gave rise to a rich tapestry of royal descendants, deeply woven into Denkyira’s cultural fabric.
This noble bloodline flourished through notable ancestors such as Nana Aniwaa, Nana Yaa Dapim, and Nana Amoaa.
Nana Amoaa continued the legacy by birthing Nana Abena Yaa, Nana Saara and Nana Kwabena Yamoah.
The latter ascended the throne as Nana Kojo Tsibu II, ruling jointly alongside his sister, Nana Saara I, the then Denkyirahemaa.
From this revered ancestry, the lineage branched further, connecting directly to the current monarch and the installation of the current esteemed Denkyirahemaa, Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III.
The new King’s scholastic journey began at Jukwa Local Authority Middle School in 1971, followed by secondary education at Dunkwa Secondary School under the tutelage of his late uncle, Odeefuo Boa Amponsem III.
He graduated in 1976 and furthered his advanced studies at Cape Coast Workers College and later earned a Certificate in Journalism and Marketing from the School of Journalism, Accra, in 1982.
His impressive academic credentials extend to professional certifications from the Institute of Certified Business Analysts and Consultants and Project Management Professionals, Ghana.
With a heart dedicated to the betterment of his people, Odeefo Boamponsem III has passionately invested in several transformative initiatives in Lower Denkyira.
These include the Bankam Guest House, renowned for its quality hospitality in Jukwa, Osfresh Drinking Water—delivering clean, hygienic sachet water locally and beyond and Bankam Radio (95.1 MHz), which has become a vital voice for community engagement and information dissemination.
As a retired Elder of the Christ Apostolic Church International of the Odorkor Assembly, the new King continues to channel his wisdom and leadership into national development through active participation on various boards and institutions.
His reign promises to blend of tradition with progress, inspiring a vibrant future for the Denkyira Kingdom as it honours its glorious past.
The founders of Denkyira migrated from the Mande region south of the Niger due to famine and conflict.
Around 1570, they settled southwest near the Ancient Bono State, living among the Nkyiraa people for over a century.
The name “Denkyira” is believed to originate from Dan-Nkyiraa, meaning, dependency on Nkyiraa.
GNA
