Report By: Francis MENSAH (Adwenpa-Hene)
The Late Akyem Akokoaso Chief Nana Asare Bediako III’s legacy Inspires Youth To Lead Virtuous Lives.
On Sunday, May 11, 2025, the Amoabeng family, the Chiefs and people of Akyem Akokoaso in Akyemansa District of the Eastern Region have held a memorial and centenary celebration to honor the life and legacy of their legendary Chief, late Nana Asare Bediako III.
A centenary church service was also organised by the local council of churches, led by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Akokoaso Congregation, in recognition of the Chief’s unwavering dedication to the Church.
The chiefs and people of Akokoaso fondly eulogised their renowned chief, describing him as a selfless and visionary leader who immensely transformed the lives of his people throughout his reign.
According to history, May 11, 2025, is precisely 29 years after the death of Nana Asare Bediako III, and he would also be in his 100th year of age if he were still living.
Family Remarks
Mr. Kwaku Boateng Amoabeng, the first-born son of the late Nana Asare Bediako III, reflected on his father’s achievements and legacy during the celebration.
Speaking on behalf of the children and family, he expressed gratitude for the late chief’s leadership and contributions to the community.
He highlighted the late chief’s dedication to promoting peace, development, and unity among the people of Akyem Akokoaso.
According to him, the late chief worked tirelessly to improve their lot, particularly in areas of Education, Transportation, Communication, and Agriculture.
He added that late Nana Asare Bediako III’s reign witnessed the building of the Akokoaso Post Office, the first in the Akyem Kotoku Area.
“Through his untiring initiative, an additional Elementary School, the Local Authority Primary and Middle School were established at Akokoaso. With his unique vision and effort, the Middle School was upgraded to Akokoaso Secondary/Technical School,” he said.
Mr. Kwaku Boateng Amoabeng reveals that Nana Asare Bediako III also worked hard and succeeded in linking Akokoaso to the rest of the country by initiating various road projects.
Prior to his ascension to the stool, Akokoaso was a one-way route only accessible through the Ofoase road, which was opened in 1929.
However, during his reign, the following roads were built: the Akokoaso–Made Motor Road, the Akokoaso-Boso Villa Road, and the Akokoaso–Adwafo Road.
This enabled easy access to the communities surrounding Akokoaso.
Late Chief’s Legacy Inspires
Speaking at an important ceremony, the Queen-Mother of Akyem Akokoaso Fabire Agyeiwaa Kodie II, discusses the significance of the event and why it is vital to memorialize late Nana Asare Bediako III, who passed away approximately 29 years ago.
The Queen-Mother urged community leaders in Akyem Akokoaso and its surrounding areas to draw inspiration from their late Chief Nana Asare Bediako III’s leadership style and legacy, which has left a lasting impact on the community.
He emphasized that his exemplary behavior has set a high standard for others to follow.
She also issued a heartfelt appeal to Ghanaian youth, particularly those of royal lineage, to lead virtuous lives and avoid indecent behavior to ensure their acceptability as future leaders.
She underlined that decency and discipline are essential qualities for anyone aspiring to chieftaincy or a leadership role.
According to the Queen Mother, indecent behaviors such as smoking, drug abuse, and violence can tarnish one’s reputation and hinder their chances of becoming a respected leader which including chief, queen-mother, community elder, etc.
The Queen-Mother urged the youth to avoid such behaviors and instead emulate the good examples set by their elders.
Nana Fabire Agyeiwaa Kodie II made these remarks during the memorial and centenary celebration of the late former Chief of Akyem Akokoaso, Nana Asare Bediako III..
Donation
Again, as part of the centenary celebration, one of the sons of Nana Asare-Bediako, Chairman Yaw Gyekye Amoabeng, donated 100 dual chairs that will contain about 400 congregants to the Akyem Akokoaso Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Amoabeng, who is a successful businessman and a former Eastern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP,) described his late father as a man with vision, who kept the minutest record of everything he encountered.
This, he said, helped his father to face challenges with great determination and therefore advised all to keep records of whatever they do.
Special prayers
As part of the centenary celebration, special prayers were said for the family of Nana Asare Bediako III and the Chiefs and People of Akokoaso.
Rev. Dr. Alijah Wuni Naboo who led the prayers entreated the children of the late celebrated Chief to stay united and emulate the exemplary life of their departed father.
Life and Legacy of Nana Asare Bediako III
Nana Asare Bediako III, known in private life as Samuel Kwabena Amoabeng, was born on April 21, 1925, at Akyem Akokoaso in the Eastern Region of Ghana. He was elected as the Chief of Akokoaso community on January 14, 1952, succeeding Nana Pobi Asomaning II, who passed away on December 13, 1951.
