Traditional initiation ceremony for young female residents of Ekumfi Abor region
Fourteen young women from Ekumfi Abor, a town in the Central Region, have completed their puberty rites as part of the annual Akwanbo festival. This marks the second time this tradition has been held under the leadership of Nana Amoasi VII, the current Chief of the town and Ankobeahen of the Ekumfi Traditional Area.
Considered sacred by the people of Abor, these rites signify the transitition of young women into adulthood and serve as an educational platform to instill values that promote chastity and protect them from exploitation. The goal is to equip these young women with the necessary skills and practices for adult life, including avoiding the dangers of teenage pregnancy.
This year's rites program featured some unique elements, with the young women being camped for extended periods and given additional lessons beyond traditional customs. They had the opportunity to visit the palace of Nana Kwebu Ewusi VIII, Paramount Chief of Abeadze State, to learn about Fante customs, dine at La Femme Restaurant in Mankessim to practice essential skills like cooking and table manners, and engaging in various workshops.
The rites program received significant support from several notable figures, including Dr. Nana Ama Amissah, Paramount Queen Mother of Mankessim State; Dr. Joana Larry-Afutu, Director of Gender and Children Affair, Central Region; Mrs. Benedicta Nana-Sackey, Clinical Psychologist - University of Ghana; Nanayer Abena Yirenkyiwa; and Nana Araba Arhinfuwa III.
By combining traditional practices with modern elements of education and empowerment, this unique puberty rites program in Ekumfi Abor offers young women a holistic approach to preparing them for adulthood while preserving cultural heritage.
In the course of the unique puberty rites program, the young women also received lessons on lifestyle and relationship skills, aiming to foster responsible adulthood. As part of their educational development, they visited La Femme Restaurant to learn cooking and table manners, reinforcing the program's emphasis on self-improvement.
