By Prince Kukorku
The Chiefs and people of Ekumfi Abor in Ghana’s Central region have celebrated their annual Akwanbo festival.
This year’s celebrations focused on improving access to education for girls, reducing teenage pregnancy and providing a comprehensive support to empower the girl-child.
Fourteen maidens from the town were taken through puberty rites, which is of prime importance to the people of Abor – due to its immense contribution to the upbringing of girls.
It is the second consecutive time the rites have been held since renowned energy analyst Nana Amoasi VII became the chief of the town and Ankobeahene of the Ekumfi Traditional Area.
“The objective is to prepare the girl-child to protect herself against exploitations of all sorts and to prepare her adequately for a meaningful social life,” Nana Amoasi VII said.
The maidens visited the palace of the Paramount Chief of Abeadze State Nana Kwebu Ewusi VIII where they were taken through some customs of the Fantes.
The maidens were later hosted to dinner and training in cooking skills, especially for traditional meals.
