BECHEM WITNESSES STARTLING DISPLAY OF WONDERS

No other better name can best describe it than the day of wonders as the day so happened to reveal sheer display of magical prowess.

Today’s programme on this year’s Adekyem Festival calendar successfully ended a few minutes ago in pomp and grandeur. The much anticipated event took place amidst fast spreading rumours that the event had been called off by the Traditional Council and had been replaced with a music bash.

 

However, this rumour was short-lived as about one and quarter hours past midday, the first priest arrived at the community centre amidst drumming and chanting. It wasn’t long before his counterparts also arrived.

Mere words are not enough to describe what actually transpired thereafter. As the saying in our local parlance goes, “ese wani.” After several minutes of drumming and bewildering dances, the performers descended into the realm of supernaturalism. From the conjuring of a white dove, candies, handkerchiefs and pieces of cloth to the turning of uncooked eggs to boiled eggs and burning papers with sachet water, not forgetting the changing or leaves into new GH 10 notes, the rest can best be left in the oblivion of history as they cannot be described in words. It has really been a day to remember.

People defied the scorching sun and its resulting fatigue as most people due to inadequate plastic chairs stood on their feet for hours, cheering up the priests as they also performed. The massive crowd could not disperse until they watched the last performer board his vehicle. One thing on the lips of many and continue to be for a long time is that, the day really has been a day of wonders.

CHRITISTIANS GRACE ADEKYEM FESTIVAL

The ongoing celebration of the maiden Adekyem Festival which began on 12^th November, 2011 and officially ends on 20^th November, 2011 saw a graceful participation by the Bechem township both Christians and non- Christians alike in a Christian progamme dubbed “Bechem for Christ.”

The three- day programme that began on the evening of 11^th November, 2011 at the Bechem Community Centre saw a massive attendance by the people. The day’s programme which was prayer and worship was conducted to thank the Lord Most High for His loving- kindness, fervent grace and tender-mercies He has abundantly showered on the people all these years irrespective of their transgressions. Prayers were also said to ask God to grant the successful celebration of the festival and more blessings during and after the festive period. Rev. Frank Antwi Boasiako, MC of the programme and Bishop Owusu Achiaw, General Overseer of Living Faith Church and speaker of the night reiterated the need for Christians to be prayerful as it is the only way they could communicate with their Maker.

Day two of the programme which was organized on Saturday evening from 7:00pm to 9:30pm at the Bechem Lorry Park had Rev. Adu Gyamfi, chairman of Ghana Pentecostal Church, as the speaker. He spoke exhaustively on the topic “God is still calling.” The evening saw the winning of souls for Christ. The MC of the night was Rev. Charles Agyemang. 

The three- day programme was climaxed successful on Sunday night from 6:30 to 11:00 with a gospel rock show. The show which prior to the night promised to be a mega one indeed lived up to its utmost expectation. The MC for the night Rev. Fank Antwi Bosaiko really made sure that the programme began on a wonderful note. In attendance also was Nana Fosu Gyeabour Akoto II, chief of Bechem and his elders as well as Mrs. Mary Akoto, his better half. The programme began with a brief exhortation by Rev. Oduro of Bechem Assemblies of God Church. 

The show featured wonderful music groups such as Living Worshippers from Living Grace Church, Anointed Heralds from Assemblies of God Church, Dynamic Voices from Upper Room, Golden Singers from Christ Apostolic Church, Glorious Singers from Glorious Inheritance Church and among others. Two renowned solo musicians, Pastor Qwuadjo Oteng and Koso, both from Bechem performed marvelously to prove their undying support. 

Koso’s song “ene no mmom” emphasized the significance of the celebration in its entirety. At a point, Nana Fosu Gyeabour Akoto II and his distinguished elders could not but join their people on the dance floor. The programme was brought to a successful close with Elder Kwasi Oppong- Bediako, leader of the coordinating team giving the announcement and vote of thanks backed by his deputy, Mr. Martin Azege, affectionately called by name Proprietor.

ADEKYEM FESTIVAL STARTS ON A PROMISING NOTE!

The maiden celebration of Adekyem Festival has begun on a very inspiring and touching note. The first item on the highlights has been very successful. The programme dubbed “Health Walk and Breast Cancer Awareness Celebration” with the theme “Join the Fight, Get involved” had Mrs. Beatrice Wiafe of Breast Care International and Peace and Love Hospitals (Accra and Kumasi) gracing the occasion with their presence and Breast Cancer Screening Exercise.

 Nananom of Bechem Traditional Area and the Tano South District Assembly are collaborating to make this festival a successful and memorable one.

The programme had in attendance people from the Bechem Traditional Area as well as friends of the area participating in it fully. Students from St. Joseph’s College of Education, Bechem Presec, Bebusco, Vocational Training Institute, School for the Deaf and Basic Schools were all in their good numbers. Not forgetting Hairdressers, Dressmakers, Various Departments in the district and many others were there to make the programme a success.

The programme started with a walk amidst brass band through the principal streets of Bechem, followed with a gathering at the Community Centre for some introductory talks and Breast Cancer Screening.

 

Nana Adwoapo Dwamena Serwaa II, the Queenmother  of Bechem chaired the function. Nana Fosu Gyeabour Akoto II (Bechemhene), Hon. Bukari Zakari Anaba (DCE- Tano South) as well as the Hon DCE for Tano North came to witness the ceremony.

The Planning Committee is urging everyone to make the next programmes on the highlights very encouraging and fruitful.

LAUNCHING OF ADEKYEM FESTIVAL

Under the able and inspirational leadership of Nana Fosu Gyeabour Akoto II, Omanhene of Bechem Traditional Area and President of the Bechem Traditional Council, Nananom introduced the ADEKYEM FESTIVAL to be celebrated by the Chiefs and people of Bechem Traditional Area

The Bechem Traditional area is made up of the following towns and their villages: Bechem, Dwomo, Terchire and Tanoso. These towns together are known as “ATANOFO AKROTUONNAN”.

 

The Atanofo is a fetish unification of Tano Bekoe for Bechem; Dwomo Kukuo for Dwomo; Boobae for Terchire and Asubonten Tano for Tanoso. All these fetishes were created by Okomfo Anokye to protect the Golden Stool of Asante in times of war, especially against attacks from the north. Bechemhene is the head and custodian of these fetishes.

The oath of Bechem state is “MEKA MPETE NE BREME”. It reminds the chiefs and people of the tragedy that befell their beloved chief when he contracted the disease known as mpete and was sent to Breme (the village he founded for his wife Nana Akyiaa Tafo) where he died.

 

WHO WINS THE QUIZ AND SPELLING BEE CONTEST?

As part of the activities marking the celebration of Adekyem Festival, there is an on -going Quiz and Spelling Bee Competition among the various Basic Schools in the Bechem Traditional Area. The Quiz and Spelling Bee questions are based on the history and life of the people of Bechem Traditional Area.

The finals of the contest will be held on Friday, 18^th November, 2011 at the Bechem Community Centre , where the ultimate Champion would be determined.

Four Towns would be competing for the trophy. These Towns are Bechem, Dwomo, Terchire and Tanoso. Bechem having two Circuits will present two schools (Circuit A and Circuit B). In all, five schools will contest in the Primary Category and five for the Junior High Category.

Cowbell has agreed to sponsor this programme to help make it successful. For Bechem Circuit A, JOSCOPractice Primary and their JHS will be representing. St. Vincent Primary and Presby JHS will represent Circuit B.

Speaking at the contest held in Bechem today, Mr. Aworoh Nyantakyi of the GES office, Tano South encouraged the students to study hard and work on their efforts in order to win the trophy. He added that teachers should take the opportunity to organize similar contest based on subjects at least every month to help their students be alert always and help them study thoroughly.

VODAFONE DONATES SOUVENIRS FOR ADEKYEM FESTIVAL

Vodafone Ghana Limited has donated souvenirs for the maiden Celebration of Adekyem Festival scheduled for November 12 to 20^th, 2011.

Receiving the items at the Adekyem Secretariat today, Nana Adubogya, The Chairman of the Planning Committee, thanked the Company for their support. He did not forget to “Oliver Twist”.