The Truth Behind Kwahu Easter: Prof. Akasanoma Unveils Untold History of a 149-Year Journey and Urgent Warnings
Historian Traces the Origins of Kwahu Easter and Calls for a Return to Cultural Discipline
- Easter in Kwahu began in 1876 through Presbyterian missionaries
- Kwahu represents all eight major tribes of Ghana
- Historian warns against moral decay
In a revealing interview on Lawson Media during this year’s Kwahu Easter celebration at Obomeng, retired educationist and historian, Philip Kwaku Opoku Asiamah, popularly known as Prof. Akasanoma, shared deep historical insights and reflections on the evolution of Kwahu and its iconic Easter festival.
According to Prof. Akasanoma, Kwahu, like Kumasi and many other regions in Ghana, is a land of migration.
However, he emphasized that unlike others, there is no single record of a founder or a specific group that first settled in Kwahu. “Our identity is rooted in a long and shared heritage,” he noted, pointing out that the name Kwahu can even be found on a 1629 Dutch map—evidence of its ancient significance.
The professor explained that the name Kwahu traces back to a chief, Nana Damuyonko Kyereyre, and that before the famous Ashanti-Denkyira wars, Kwahu was already in existence. “Kwahu is a pacific and ingenious tribe. All the eight major tribes of Ghana are represented in Kwahu, making it a true microcosm of the nation.”
Diving into its spiritual past, Prof. Akasanoma revealed that long before Christianity, Kwahu had its own festivals led by traditional priests. The gods Bruku, Attia Yaw Buom, and the widely known Tigare were central to worship and cultural practices.
Touching on Easter, he clarified a common misconception. “The Easter celebration did not originate with the Kwahu people. It was introduced in 1876 by Presbyterian missionaries, particularly Rev. Phersagar and Rev. Ramsay. In 2026, Kwahu will celebrate 150 years of the Easter tradition,” he said.
Over time, the Kwahu people embraced Easter and transformed it into a rich cultural event. Prof. Akasanoma outlined three key reasons why Easter has become synonymous with Kwahu:
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Churches are filled to capacity, reflecting deep religious participation.
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It serves as a major homecoming for traditionalists.
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It boosts local economy as the affluent and political class flock to Kwahu during the celebrations.
Kwahu people even marry during Easter, and politicians use the event for their campaigns. It’s a time of economic boom,” he added.
However, the respected historian expressed concern over recent trends. He lamented the growing prevalence of see-through and half-naked dresses, especially among the youth. “This nakedness is not our culture. Such things belong in the bathroom, not in public,” he stressed. He also warned about the rising cases of thievery and drug abuse, calling on all to preserve the sanctity of the celebration.
Prof. Akasanoma also noted a shift in the celebration’s location. “Once centered in Nkwatia and Bukruwa, Obomeng has now taken over as the heartbeat of Kwahu Easter.”
As Kwahu gears up for the 150th anniversary of Easter in 2026, Prof. Akasanoma’s message is clear: “Let’s honor our heritage, preserve our values, and make Easter a symbol of pride for future generations.”
