The Chief of Ejura, Barima Osei Hwedie II, has shared a fascinating historical account of how yam, one of Ghana’s most important staple foods was first discovered by the Asantes in 1642.
In an exclusive interview with GhPage’s Rashad, the traditional leader revealed that the discovery was made by the ancestors of Ejura during their migration from Mampong in search of fertile land and better living conditions.
According to Barima Osei Hwedie II, when the group finally settled in Ejura, their leader, Nana Boakye, who was a renowned hunter encouraged the men to focus on hunting, as the area’s soil was not initially suitable for cultivating other food crops.
However, during their hunting expeditions, they repeatedly noticed wild boars digging and eating a strange tuber from the ground.
Curious about the mysterious food source, they decided to dig up some of the tubers, boil them, and eat only to discover the delicious and filling yam, locally known as sekyereni.
“This was how our forefathers discovered yam. It became part of their meals, served with the meat they hunted in the wild,” the chief recounted.
The discovery marked the beginning of what would later become a rich agricultural tradition in the Ejura area, now widely regarded as one of Ghana’s leading food-producing hubs.
To commemorate this historic discovery, the people of Ejura instituted the Ejura Yam Festival, an annual celebration that continues to this day.
Barima Osei Hwedie II noted that the festival holds deep cultural significance and symbolizes gratitude to the ancestors for their wisdom and to the gods for blessing the land.
He also revealed that, as a matter of custom, he and some elders refrain from eating freshly harvested yams until the festival has been officially observed.
“Ejura has been the food basket of Ghana for generations, and we take pride in the fact that yam, one of the country’s major staples was first discovered here,” he proudly stated.
