Ejisu to celebrate maiden Yaa Asantewaa I festival to rebuild burnt museum

The Ejisu Traditional Area is set to celebrate the maiden Nana Yaa Asantewaa I festival from December 24 to 27, in honour of the legacy of the brave female warrior of the Asante kingdom.

The festival, launched by the Paramount Queen Mother of Ejisu, Nana Yaa Asantewaa II, seeks to raise funds for the reconstruction of the museum built in commemoration of the legend.

The museum, which held some of the traditional relics of the queen mother, was destroyed by fire about 15 years ago, but has since not seen any major facelift to restore its glory.

Speaking at the launch, Nana Yaa Asantewaa II said this year’s celebration would focus on rebuilding and recommissioning the museum to preserve the historical legacy of the renowned queen mother.

She said the festival would serve as an annual platform to reflect on Nana Yaa Asantewaa I’s contributions to Asante history while mobilising support for the restoration of the museum.

“This is the maiden festival in honour of our first queen mother, Nana Yaa Asantewaa I, and it will be celebrated every year to reflect on her history. This year’s event is, however, targeted at rebuilding the Nana Yaa Asantewaa Museum, which was burnt down 15 years ago,” she said.

The Paramount Queen Mother revealed that the festival had received the approval of the Asantehene as she called on natives of the community and well-wishers to participate in the celebration.

Regional Director of the Kumasi Cultural Centre, Peter Kofi Marfo, outlined activities planned for the three-day festival.

He noted that activities on the first day, December 24 would include a community clean-up exercise, health screening and traditional games, while December 25 would feature traditional cooking competitions among various groups and churches in the area.

The celebrations will climax on December 26 with a grand durbar, during which funds will be raised to support the reconstruction of the museum.

Mr. Marfo called on various stakeholders and members of the public to turn up in their numbers to support the festival and contribute to preserving the historical heritage of Ejisu.