DCE’s ENGAGEMENT WITH NKYINKYIM MUSEUM MANAGEMENT
On Friday, August 29, 2025, the District Chief Executive of Ada West, Hon. Modjifa Tanihu JJF Mills Nkrumah, together with the District Coordinating Director, Mr. Kwadwo Bour Gyamfi, and other officials from the Ada West District Assembly, held a meeting with the management of Nkyinkyim Museum. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the objectives of the museum, the challenges it is facing, and to explore areas of collaboration with the District Assembly in sustaining and expanding the institution’s vision. Also present at the meeting was the Stool Chief of Adibea, Nene Adi Ngua, who participated actively in the discussions.
The presentation was delivered by the founder of Nkyinkyim Museum, Kwame Akoto-Bamfo, supported by his officials. He explained that the museum’s central objective is public education, and that management is in the process of registering with the Ghana Education Service as an educational institution. He stressed that Nkyinkyim is not merely a tourist site but a center for cultural learning and heritage preservation. He also clarified misconceptions, noting that their activities are not demonic and do not involve blood sacrifices. Instead, the museum aims to spread positive information about African traditions, correct false narratives, and promote cultural pride, particularly among the youth.
Mr. Akoto-Bamfo highlighted the museum’s flagship program, the Ancestor Veneration Ceremony, which has become an annual event of international recognition. He explained that the museum occupies over one hundred acres of space dedicated to commemorative portraits and cultural activities. Significantly, the museum has received blessings from the families of great Black historical leaders including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings. In addition, the museum has built partnerships with institutions in the United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates, which further reflects its global reach and relevance. Visitors, he noted, are motivated to return to the museum because of the spiritual enrichment, cultural identity, academic growth, and entertainment it provides.
The upcoming Ancestor Veneration Ceremony 2025, scheduled for October, was outlined in detail. The program will span four days. The first day will focus on teachings and workshops on African traditions. The second day will be dedicated to remembrance ceremonies and traditional performances. The third day will host the main durbar, processional, and prayer ceremony, while the fourth and final day will be reserved for cooking, networking, and closing activities.
Despite its successes, the museum is faced with serious challenges. These include inadequate infrastructure such as the absence of a reliable electricity supply, poor access roads, and a lack of adequate security, toilet, and parking facilities. Management also pointed out that there are widespread misconceptions about the museum, with some people wrongly assuming it is government-sponsored or foreign-owned. To address these issues, they appealed to the District Assembly for support in securing a transformer to ensure stable power supply, improving roads, providing security, and supporting logistics during large gatherings. They also requested that the government consider facilitating the posting of National Service Personnel (NSP) to the museum. Management added that they are willing to provide accommodation and feeding for the NSPs, but they require Assembly support to make the arrangement possible.
In his response, Hon. Modjifa Tanihu JJF Mills Nkrumah, the District Chief Executive, commended the management of Nkyinkyim Museum for their bold initiative and dedication to preserving African traditions. He encouraged them to continue their good work and assured them of the Assembly’s support. He pledged to follow up on the electricity challenge by working on the provision of a transformer, to engage the National Service Secretariat regarding the posting of personnel, and to consult the Member of Parliament on land-related issues, which have been surrounded by misconceptions.
The District Coordinating Director, Mr. Kwadwo Bour Gyamfi, also expressed his admiration for the work being done by the museum. He stressed that the Assembly recognizes the role of the museum in cultural preservation, education, and tourism, and reaffirmed the Assembly’s readiness to collaborate with management to ensure the long-term sustainability of the institution.
The Stool Chief of Adibea, Nene Adi Ngua, in his remarks, acknowledged that many people in the community are not yet fully accustomed to the museum’s activities. However, he expressed appreciation for the support shown by the Assembly and assured management of his commitment to help bridge the gap between the museum and the local community. He added that with time, his people would better understand and embrace the work of the museum.
In conclusion, the meeting successfully established a spirit of partnership between the Ada West District Assembly, Nkyinkyim Museum, and the traditional leadership. All stakeholders recognized that the museum is more than a tourist site, but an educational and cultural institution with the potential to reshape narratives, promote African traditions, attract tourism, and contribute to socio-economic development in Ada West. Both the Assembly and traditional leaders pledged their collaboration to ensure the successful organization of the 2025 Ancestor Veneration Ceremony and to support the long-term sustainability and growth of the museum.
ISD – AWDA
29th August 2025