Activities during the Festival
The activities of the festival has been captured as they occurred on each of the days at the Fawomayo
DAY 1 (Thursday, 17th August, 2017)
As per the schedule of the programme outline, this day was scheduled for general cleaning activities and preparation for the various days ahead. The youth and community demonstrated their excitement by coming out in their numbers to the streets to weed and sweep their neighborhoods. The community and school where most of the activities were centered were also tidied in anticipation for the coming events.
DAY 2 (Friday, 18th August, 2017)
By the Grace of God this day was successful judged by the events that occurred during the day. The main activities carried out were the various health screening services and Bible trivia;
General Medical Screening including malaria, BP BMI among others were carried out. The team for the medical screening came from Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, led by Dr. Nana Ama Barnes with Nurse Caroline as the focal person on the ground. Due to logistical challenges, the time for the commencement of the screening delayed but many people were screened and those conditions for which medication was available (mainly provided by Amponsah Efah Pharmaceutical) were prescribed and served free of charge. In all about 300 people, both children and adult were served.
The long queue outside the classroom of the community members going in for the Health and Eye Screening
Eye/Optical Screening: The team came from Kumasi from the Anglican Eye Clinic in Jachie-Kumasi, sanctioned by Archbishop Yinkah Sarfo.
The team spent two days carrying out various screening services and giving various prescriptions to patients. Participating in the screening services have been very successful as various people came from adjoining communities came to receive screening and treatment. Some of the medicine prescribed could not be supplied the patients as not enough funds were raised to cater for them. Their names were written and their respective prescriptions so that when the funds were available those patients will be served. About 400 people were screened for various eye related issues.
Mobile Dental Screening Van in sponsored by Dentist Brown from the UK
Dentist Brown in his Mobile Van ready to receive patients…
The next medical screening was the dental screening led by Dr. Dentist Brown from the United Kingdom (U.K) with his mobile dental van. This was another service that a lot of people patronized with some receiving tooth care and tooth paste with brushes. There were testimonies of first timers who received dental screening and care. About 50 people had their teeth screened.
Then was an exciting event that attracted both adults and children; “Bible Trivia”. This activity was led and organized by Sis Cheryl Broadus – Gill from the United States of America. This activity included asking basic biblical and Christian related questions and people who got the correct answers assorted different gift items. Dozens of both children and adults were blessed as they had fun and received gift items. Activities for the day closed by 7:00pm.
Mrs. Cheryll Broadus-Gill from USA handling the Bible Trivia during the Festival
Free Gift (School bag) during Bible Trivia
Participants in Bible Trivia
DAY 3 (Saturday, 19th August, 2017)
This day was the climax of the 3-day event. It is also called the Congregation or the Grand Durbar where various family and friends, well-wishers, dignitaries, invited guests, adjoining communities and their leaders joined the people of Fawomanyo and their leader Nana Kwadwo Tano II for the celebrations.
Being very good allies of Breman Essiam the Omanhene of Essiam, Odefo Afrankwa III joined in the celebrations in his entourage. Amidst drumming and dancing with expectant onlookers from the community who had lined the principal street in the town. Nana Kwadwo Tanno II with his elders and entourage arrived in a colorful display of tradition cultured in a biblical parameters. Various speakers rendered speeches of goodwill and testimonies, pledging their commitment to seeing the vision of Nana Tanno II come true.
A Beautiful Young Lady displaying tyhe rich cultural dance of the Breman
Nana Tanno II enroute to the the Durbar Grounds during the Homecoming Festival 2017
The Chairman for the occasion was Odefo Afrankwa III. In his opening remarks Nana Afrankwa III expressed his excitement for the festival with particular emphasis on the fact that it is a Christian programme. He hoped that the future for traditional leadership would work harmoniously within a Christian environment to bring about development, citing what was happening as a second main example of such in the entirety of the country. He commended the efforts of Nana Tanno II and his people for putting to action the meaning of the community; taking their destiny into their own hands and doing something for themselves.
A male Traditional Dancer on display drawing attention unto himself
This Dancer displays her matured composure over the moves
A younger Tradional Dancer dazzles with her cultural moves
He expressed hope that helpers will undoubtedly be willing to support Fawomanyo achieve her development aspirations. He also pledged his commitment to influence the extension of any development project and or program that comes to the traditional area to reach the people of Fawomanyo.
A key dignitary who graced the occasion was Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh. Dr. Tetteh both said the opening prayer for the day and launched the projects envisioned for the community including;
- Provision of a Health Facility
- Community Centre
- Portable Water
- Donation to Schools
- Telecom Penetration
During the launch of the projects, Dr. Tetteh recounted his association with Nana Tanno II and his brother including Venerable George Ansah and Mr. Robert Ansah. He affirmed his belief in the ability of Nana Tanno II and the Yaa Akoto Family to attract the required goodwill and support from various entities and individuals to bring about the envisaged development in Fawomanyo.
Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh launching the projects at the Mainden Homecoming Festival
Dr. Tetteh raised seed funds and pledges for the projects with great enthusiasm and charisma. The response was commendable which signaled a positive reception of the vision shared by Nana Tanno II and his people. He committed himself also to support the community in by giving a cash pledge and giving airtime on his television channel with international viewership to speak and air programs regarding the Fawomanyo.
The school organized poetry regarding patriotism and community spirit needed to bring about the required changes in the community. These activities contributed to a colorful festival. Then came the drama group who acted a play that portrayed the power of God over idol worship. Amidst laughter and awe, the community applauded the demonstration of how dependence on God can cause His glory and grace to manifest in their lives.
The invited guests pledged their support for the vision of Nana Tanno II and committed to mobilize in their various capacities to assist the community to realize her development ambitions.
Odeefo Afankwa delivering his Key Note Speech at the Maiden Homecoming Festival
Exchange of Pleasantries between Odeefo Afankwa III and Nana Tanno II
Nana Kwadwo Tanno II also gave his speech emphasizing his vision and passion to realize all the projects aspired by the community. He called on all and sundry, home and abroad to come rally efforts to build the community to her desired state. Nana Tanno II emphasized the place of Christianity in the administration of the community. He recounted the process that led to his installation as the Regent, to the extent that all the ceremonies carried out was Biblical and conducted by an ordained Minister of Religion. In his speech he emphasized that the Bible and Christian way of doing things was not only limited to the installation but will become the normal way of life for all inhabitants of Fawomanyo. Moral uprightness and high spiritual standards will be the yardstick for governance of his people. Nana Tanno II underscored the importance of Agriculture, Education, Water and Sanitation, Health and telecommunication as the main urgent needs which provision will set a good stage for an improved standard of living for his people.
He further used the opportunity to invite all friends and family members within the country and abroad as well as philanthropists to join Fawomanyo in her struggle for growth. He also called on the government to come to the assistance of the community through the extension of the various government interventions into the area.
He challenged the community to give their best and cooperate with the leadership of the area and community to alter positively the present state of things.
Arch.Bishop Daniel Yinkah Sarfo and Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh at the Homecoming Festival
DAY 4 (Sunday, 20th August, 2017)
He is the Alpha and Omega! The Lord purposed and used his servants to bring to pass all that He had put in our hearts. The scheduled activities for the day was the Thanksgiving Service and the finals of the Football Gala in the area.
The day’s activities commenced with a massive dawn jogging by the youth. The throng went from Fawomanyo through the neighboring communities and back before the service commenced. The elderly were the first to represent and then the younger cohorts to the community park where the service was held.
The service was conducted by Most Reverend Prof. Daniel Yinkah Sarfo (The Primate and Metropolitan Archbishop of the Church of the Province of West Africa/ Archbishop of the Internal Province of Ghana and Anglican Bishop of Kumasi). The opening prayer was said by Elder Sam Akombisah whiles the MC for the day was Elder Christian Agyare Poku.
Messrs Robert Ansah and Sam Kwaa at the Thanksgiving Service
In his sermon, Archbishop Sarfo cited the nations that depended on God and the positive result that emanated out it for the betterment on the people. He admonished Nana Tanno II to continue his leadership and administration in the Bible way, which he was confident will yield the expected favorable results for the people of Fawomanyo. He listed some Kings of Israel who succeeded because they relied on God such as David, Hezekiah and Josiah while citing king Ahaz for idol worship and the a disastrous end. He further recounted the coronation of Nana Tanno II and likened it to that of Kind David and prayed the reign of Nana Tanno II be that of King David. He also prayed Nana’s reign be that of the golden age of Fawomanyo. Archbishop praised and admonished the royal family to support the vision of bringing development to Fawomanyo.
The message dedicated this verse for the community, which is;
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance” -Psalm 33:12.
Linking Fawomanyo to mobilization by the Founders of the Nation called “Kenya” with the motto “Haraambe” meaning “Let us all pull together”, he admonished the people to pull together resources, abilities, energies and expertise to build Fawomanyo into what it is supposed to be.
His Grace the Archbishop did the consecration of the land of Breman Fawomanyo as a Christian Village. After this he prophesied in this concluding remarks about the the trasformation that the Lord will wrought in Breman Fawomanyo.
Nana Kwadwo Tanno II with Archbishop Sarfo at the Thanksgiving during the Festival
In his conclusion, he again encouraged the people to rally behind the dynamic leadership of Nana Kwadwo Tanno II and was the case of Nehemiah who rebuilt the broken walls of Jerusalem which they did within fifty-two (52) days.
Venerable George Ansah conducting the Alter Call during the Service
Nana Tanno II said a fervent closing prayer which the people responded with great unison of faith and unity believing the Almighty will bring to pass all that he requested. Offerings and donations were taken and the service came to a close.
In the afternoon, the finals of the football gala that was organized between Fawomanyo and neighboring communities was played. The football field was filled to capacity when Nana Tanno II officially opened the finals of the games. In what can best be described a keen competition, the Fawomanyo Basic School came from a goal down from the first half to win the main trophy as they beat their opponents in a 2-1 win in the second half. Presenting the trophy to the winners, Nana commended the Head teacher of the school and his staff, as well as the leadership of the youth for organizing such a successful tournament. He prayed the next soccer stars of the country would emerge form Fawomanyo and its environs. Amidst a joyful victory throng with singing, the winners left into the town to celebrate their win after the crowds were dispersed.
Trophy presented to winning Team with medals
Nana Tanno II with familiarising with the players before the final match
Mr. Robert Ansah, brother to Nana Tanno II at the festival during the games
Fawomanyo Soccer Team wins the trophy
Nana Tanno II kicks the ball to open the games
DAY 5 (Monday, 21st August, 2017)
It is the day after all the festivities and a lot of the invited guests and well-wishers had returned. As tradition and protocol demands Nana held an appreciation meeting with all the teams. He expressed his profound gratitude for the efforts and sacrifice they all made for this historic feat in the village and prayed their labour or love would not go unrewarded. Other elders and community and religious group leaders also came to show their appreciation for the great work Nana had accomplished for the development of Fawomanyo.
Though tired and worn out from the hectic activities of the previous days, and battling some flu, after the brief appreciation meeting with the town leaders, Nananom and the organizing team, Nana Tanno II had a special moment with the youth where he preached the gospel to them and many gave their lives to Christ. He took the opportunity to conscientize and prepare them to transition into the change that is coming and that became the theme. He promised to continue in bringing up the people in basic doctrinal teachings of the Bible which he believes is the surest foundation to build and develop a people.
