The people of the Prang Traditional Area have celebrated the 81st Nkyifie Yam Festival, an event that also marked the 60th anniversary of the enstoolment of Nana Kwadwo Nyarko III, Paramount Chief of Prang.
The festival, which highlights the community’s longstanding values including nkyifie, meaning abhorrence of filth served as an occasion to honor the chief’s decades-long commitment to development and unity.
Over his 60-year reign, Nana Kwadwo Nyarko III has emerged as one of Ghana’s most respected traditional leaders. His leadership has centered on socio-economic transformation, consistent advocacy, and strategic engagement with successive governments.
According to the Werempehene of the Prang Traditional Area, Nana Kwame Gyabanwu II, Nana Nyarko III played a central role in a number of major development milestones. Key among them was the creation of the Pru West District on March 15, 2018—an achievement long sought by the people of Prang. The new district, with Prang as its capital, was the product of the chief’s persistent lobbying for increased administrative autonomy and development.
Nana Nyarko III is also credited with facilitating the establishment of a major starch processing factory in Prang under the government’s “One District, One Factory” (1D1F) initiative. The factory, described as a personal priority of the paramount chief, is expected to create jobs and stimulate local economic growth.
Further infrastructure improvements under his leadership include a modern regional office for the Department of Feeder Roads, upgraded access roads, boreholes and small-town water systems to curb perennial water shortages.
In a bid to improve healthcare delivery, Nana Nyarko III and his council donated more than 15 acres of land for the construction of a district hospital a gesture underscoring the traditional authority’s commitment to supporting government initiatives.
The Pru West District has also benefited from an Agriculture Mechanization Centre equipped with tractors and farming implements available to farmers at subsidized rates.
According to the Werempehene, the facility has strengthened the area’s agrarian economy.
Beyond the borders of Prang, Nana Kwadwo Nyarko III has served Ghana nationally, including a tenure on the Council of State during the administration of Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings.
He also previously served as President of the Brong Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, where his mediation skills contributed to peace and stability in the region.
The Werempehene recalled the 2003 demonstrations over the siting of the then-new Pru District capital at Yeji instead of Prang, noting that the chief’s resilience and diplomacy during the incident eventually paved the way for the later creation of Pru West District.
Reflecting on his long reign, Nana Nyarko III said his greatest achievement has been maintaining peace and harmony among his people.
Chairing the festival, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, Dormaahene and President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, emphasized the need for peace and unity across the Bono and Bono East regions.
He urged traditional authorities to uphold respect and loyalty to preserve the dignity of Bonoman, stressing that development is impossible without social cohesion.
The celebration of Nana Nyarko III’s 60 years on the throne was marked by widespread admiration, recognizing his humility, steadfast leadership, and lifelong dedication to the progress of Prang.
Source: www.kumasimail.com / Oheneba Kesse Brempong-Asare
