In the midst of controversy surrounding the attendance of the Asantehene and Dormaahene at the funeral of the late Berekumhene, Okyeame Ofori, a linguist from the Berekum Traditional Council, has provided clarity on the identity of the people of Berekum.
In an interview on Angel TV on Thursday, November 23, 2024, at the funeral grounds, Okyeame Ofori affirmed that, despite residing in the Bono land, the people of Berekum consider themselves Ashantis.
“The people of Berekum are Ashantis… It is 100% right for a person to say I come from Berekum in the Bono Region, I’m an Ashanti,” he stated in Twi.
Okyeame Ofori elaborated on the cultural aspect, mentioning the significance of “mentia,” which indicates one’s origin. He pointed out that the Berekumhene’s “mentia” is aligned with Ashanti heritage, as evidenced by his proclamation, ‘Berekum, Berekum, Berekum, we are true Ashantis.’
While the Berekum Traditional Council is part of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, Okyeame Ofori clarified that they operate under the Asanteman Council. He emphasized that the loyalty of the people of Berekum lies with Asanteman and its overlord, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.