Adekyem

The name

Adekyem is an Akan name for Bechem, meaning a place where things are shared out: it is said to be where the spoils of the Asante wars were divided.¹

What happens

The chiefs of the Bechem Traditional Area started the festival to celebrate the area’s history, heritage and way of life, and to raise money for development. The first, in November 2011, set up an education fund for students who had won places at senior high school but could not pay.² It is organised by the traditional council with the district assembly, with a strong focus on education.³

It ends with a grand durbar of chiefs at Bechem. At the 2013 durbar the paramount chief called on the government for roads and other infrastructure to open up the area, and invited investors to set up there.²

Good to know if you go

• Where: Bechem is the capital of Tano South. See the Ahafo page for places nearby.
• Every two years: check whether this is a festival year before you plan around it. The traditional council announces the dates.
• Respect the rites: some rituals are sacred and not for cameras. Ask before photographing chiefs, priests or anyone taking part, and follow what the ushers ask.