September 17, 2025, The chiefs and residents of the Lower and Upper Axim Traditional Areas in the Nzema East Municipality, located in the Western Region, have celebrated their annual Kundum Festival with a vibrant grand durbar at Victoria Park in Axim.
The week-long celebration showcased the Kundum Festival as one of the rich cultural heritages of the Nzema people.
The annual Kundum Festival, which draws attendees from various locations, was celebrated this year under the theme: “Creating Partnerships for Sustainable Development and Jobs.”
Dignitaries who graced the occasion included: His Royal Majesty Awulae Attibrukusu III, Paramount Chief of the Lower Axim Traditional Area; His Royal Majesty Awulae Kwaw Armah III, Paramount Chief of the Upper Axim Traditional Area; Obahyemaa Nsowah Assuah III, Paramount Queen of Lower Axim; Obahyemaa Akasi Aketeng, Paramount Queen of Upper Axim; and Miss Eva Esaaba Mens, Chairperson of the Planning Committee, who was installed as Sompa Queen of both the Lower and Upper Axim Traditional Areas.
Also in attendance were Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP for Ellembelle and Minister of Lands and Natural Resources; Hon. Kofi Arko Nokoe, MP for Evalue-Ajomoro-Gwira; Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Nana Toku, Western Regional Chairman of the NDC; Hon. Joseph Nelson, Western Regional Minister; Nana Tetreteh Akuamoah, Paramount Chief of Wassa Amenfi; and Awulae Angama-Tu Agyan, Paramount Chief of the Gwira Traditional Area.
The vibrant and lively grand durbar was adorned with traditional decorations that symbolized the renaissance and rediscovery of African culture.
Earlier, the Paramount Chiefs from both the Lower and Upper Axim Traditional Areas were paraded through the main streets of Axim in their traditional attire, accompanied by lively brass band music and dancing.
Awulae Attibrukusu III used the occasion to appeal to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to intensify the fight against illegal mining activities, popularly called galamsey, to restore the River Amanzule to its former glory. The Omanhene also urged him to push for the development of Axim and bring jobs to the area.
Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah acknowledged that galamsey was polluting river bodies and the environment, hence the introduction of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (COMSDEP). He urged prospective miners to stop illegal mining and approach the office of the Minerals Commission for an approved licence before embarking on sustainable mining. He warned that anyone found engaging in illegal mining would be dealt with ruthlessly.
The National Chairman of the NDC, Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, also noted with concern that galamsey was wreaking havoc on the environment and must be tackled boldly.
The occasion was used to present an award to Saint Augustinus Preparatory School in Axim for emerging as winners of the Kundum quiz competition.
By Nzematoday TV
