Berekuso Explained

Official Name:Berekuso Akuapem
Settlement Type:Town
Blank Emblem Size:130px
Pushpin Map:Ghana
Pushpin Label Position:bottom
Pushpin Map Caption:Location of Berekuso in Eastern Region, Ghana
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Type1:Region
Subdivision Type2:District
Unit Pref:Imperial
Timezone:GMT
Timezone Dst:GMT
Coordinates:5.7593°N -0.2201°W

Berekuso is a town in the Eastern Region of Ghana, approximately an hour from Accra. It is located in the foothills of the Aburi Ridge, on a road linking the Accra suburb of Kwabenya with the hills around Aburi. The town is known for being the location of Ashesi University, the first liberal arts college in sub-Saharan Africa.[1]

Berekuso is the westernmost town traditionally inhabited by the Akuapem people.[2] According to the 2010 census of Ghana, the population was 1,759.[3]

Festival

The People of Berekuso celebrate Ohum and this ceremony is usually held in February. Ohum is one of Ghana's many festivals that see attendance from people from all walks of life including the diaspora.[4] [5]

For many decades, the Ohum Festival has been a staple of Ghana's colourful, vibrant and diverse cultural expression, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate themes of victory, gratitude and harvest, in unity. However, even before Odwira became a part of Ghana's cultural landscape it had long been celebrated by the people of Abiriw, Dawu and Awukugua in the Eastern Region.

The Ohum festival is celebrated to mark the beginning of harvesting new farm crops, just like the Homowo of the Gas, Ahoboa and Bakatue of the Ahantas, and Aboakyere of the Awutus and Afutus, Kundum of the Fantes, Adaekese of the Ashantis, Hogbotsotso of Anlo (Ewes), Dambaa of the Dagombas, and Appoo of Brong-Ahafo.

Ohumwas an ancient traditional festival of the people of Akuapem, particularly the Larteh and Okere people including Abiriw who are Guans.

Notable places

Notes and References

  1. News: Inside Higher Ed. A Liberal Arts College Marks Five Years in Ghana. Elizabeth. Redden. 2007-10-19. 2015-01-08.
  2. Book: Ayisi, Eric O.. An Introduction to the Study of African Culture. 102. 1992. 9789966466174.
  3. Web site: 2010 Housing & Population Census. District analytical report: Akwapim South District.. live. 2021-05-23. Ghana Statistical Service. https://web.archive.org/web/20150316105333/http://statsghana.gov.gh/docfiles/2010_District_Report/Eastern/AKWAPIM%20SOUTH.pdf . 2015-03-16 .
  4. Web site: Berekuso celebrates annual Ohum Festival. 2021-06-28. Graphic Online. en-gb.
  5. Web site: Berekuso marks Ohum Festival highlighting peace and unity over the year. live. 2021-06-28. www.ashesi.edu.gh. https://web.archive.org/web/20190308055633/http://www.ashesi.edu.gh:80/stories-and-events/stories/3362-berekuso-marks-ohum-festival-highlighting-peace-and-unity-over-the-years.html . 2019-03-08 .