Okuapehene

Okuapehene is a significant Akan paramount stool within the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The traditional seat of the Okuapehene is Koforidua, the capital of the Eastern Region. The Okuapehene is the political and spiritual leader of the New Juaben Traditional Area, which encompasses Koforidua and surrounding communities. The stool is one of the most influential among the Akyem and Akwamu people, who form a significant part of the larger Akan confederacy.

The history of the Okuapehene stool is intertwined with the migration and settlement patterns of the Akan people. Legend states that the first Okuapehene was Nana Ofori, a warrior and founder of the settlement that would become Koforidua. The stool's authority historically extended over a large territory, and it played a crucial role in regional politics and defense. The current occupant of the Okuapehene stool is Nana Oware Otieku II. The installation of a new Okuapehene is a major event, involving traditional ceremonies and rituals that underscore the stool's importance. The Okuapehene presides over traditional councils, adjudicates disputes, and plays a vital role in preserving cultural heritage and customs within the New Juaben Traditional Area.