Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III (born Bernard Aboagye Owiredu, 11 April 1967) is the King of Akwamu and the Paramount Chief (Akwamuhene) of the Akwamu Traditional Area in the Eastern Region of Ghana. He is the Overlord of Akwamuman (Akwamu State), one of the oldest Akan dynastic states in Ghana, West Africa.[1] He was enstooled in 2011, restoring traditional leadership to the Akwamu State after a prolonged vacancy of the Akwamu stool.[2] He succeeded Odeneho Kwafo Akoto II.[3] He is widely regarded as one of the most progressive traditional leaders in Ghana, having worked since his enstoolment to rejuvenate the kingdom and modernise the chieftaincy institution.[3]
Early life and education
Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III was born on 11 April 1967 in Akosombo to Kingsley Aboagye Owiredu and Christiana Boamah Djan. He belongs to the Yaa Botwe royal lineage of Akwamu, one of the two houses eligible for succession to the Akwamu paramount stool.[3] [4]
He received his basic education at the Kwaku Boateng Experimental School in Koforidua and continued to the Anum Presbyterian Boys Boarding Continuation School. He obtained his Advance Level certificate from Tema Secondary School. Thereafter, he travelled to the United States, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Health Service Administration from the University of Central Florida. After returning to Ghana, he worked as a Health Services Administrator at the Tema General Hospital. He subsequently obtained an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) in Project Management from the University of Ghana Business School.[1] [3]
Enstoolment
Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III was enstooled as Akwamuhene in 2011, ending nearly two decades during which the Akwamu paramount stool had remained vacant. His installation restored traditional leadership to the Akwamu State and was conducted in accordance with the customs and practices of the Akwamu people.[2]
Under Akan custom, enstoolment represents both continuity and transformation, symbolising the assumption of authority as custodian of the traditions and people. The Akwamuhene is regarded as the supreme traditional authority of the Akwamu State, presiding over the Akwamu Traditional Council and representing the Akwamu people in cultural and national matters.
Reign and leadership
As Akwamuhene, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III serves as the supreme traditional authority of the Akwamu State, overseeing more than 100 divisional, sub-divisional chiefs and queen mothers. He became the President of the Akwamu Traditional Council in 2022,[9] a member of the National House of Chiefs of Ghana in 2025, and is also a member of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs.[1] His official residence is the Bogyawe Palace, Akwamufie, which serves as the traditional seat of authority of the Akwamu State.[6]
He has participated in national and inter-traditional engagements, including interactions with other prominent Ghanaian traditional rulers. He has been recognised as a dynamic and visionary leader committed to the development of the Akwamu State and the preservation of its rich cultural heritage.
Philanthropy and development initiatives
Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III is recognised as a progressive leader focused on modernising the chieftaincy institution and improving the welfare of his people.[2]
He established the Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III Foundation, which provides educational scholarships to brilliant but needy students across Ghana. In September 2023, during the Akwasidae Kese celebration, he launched the Odeneho Kwafo Akoto Education Fund, declaring a "war against illiteracy" to nurture the intellectual capital of the Akwamu people.[7]
"The first war I want to declare on behalf of my people is the war against illiteracy. The weapon against poverty must be fought with the mind and heart."
He is also the Chairman of Bavako Investment Company Limited, through which he established Bavako Farms. This initiative provides training and employment opportunities for the youth of his community and supports the government's agenda to increase the nation's Gross Domestic Product by reducing importation of farm produce.[1] He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Ghana Grid Company LTD (GRIDCo).[10]
Professional roles
Outside of his traditional duties, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III has held several distinguished professional positions. He served as the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Ghana College of Pharmacists from 2017 to 2024.[4]
| Role | Organisation | Period |
|---|---|---|
| King / Paramount Chief (Akwamuhene) | Akwamu Traditional Area | 2011 – present |
| President | Akwamu Traditional Council | 2022 – present |
| Member | National House of Chiefs, Ghana | 2025 – present |
| Member | Eastern Regional House of Chiefs | 2011 – present |
| Member, Board of Directors | Ghana Grid Company LTD (GRIDCo) | Ongoing |
| Chairman | Bavako Investment Company Limited | Ongoing |
| Chairman, Governing Council | Ghana College of Pharmacists | 2017 – 2024 |
Akwamu Traditional Area
Seal of the Akwamu State — Akwamu Kotoi
The Akwamu Traditional Area is located in the Eastern Region of Ghana, with its capital at Akwamufie (also known as Akosombo). The Akwamu State traces its origins to the Akwamu Empire, a powerful Akan state that rose to prominence in the 17th century and expanded to control significant portions of the Gold Coast.[8]
At its height, the Akwamu Empire extended from the Volta River basin to the coast, and its rulers wielded considerable military and commercial power. The empire was known for its sophisticated administrative structure and its role in the trans-Atlantic trade networks of the era. Following the decline of the empire in the 18th century, the Akwamu State continued as a traditional polity within what is now Ghana.[8]
Today, the Akwamu Traditional Area is governed by the Akwamu Traditional Council, presided over by the Akwamuhene. The council oversees more than 100 divisional, sub-divisional chiefs and queen mothers, and plays a vital role in the preservation of Akan customs, the resolution of local disputes, and the promotion of development within the area.
References
- Daily Graphic. "Odeneho Kwafo Akoto was duly installed as Akwamuhene" Retrieved 27 April 2026.
- Who's Who Ghana. "Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III" Retrieved 27 April 2026.
- Atinka Online. "Odeneho Kwafo Akoto is the Paramount Chief of Akwamu – Supreme Court affirms" 4 May 2022. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
- Ghana Grid Company LTD. "His Majesty Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III" Retrieved 27 April 2026.
- Ghanaian Times. "SC affirms judgement in favour of Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III" 7 July 2022. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
- Wikipedia. "Akwamufie Palace" Retrieved 27 April 2026.
- MyJoyOnline. "Akwamuhene launches Odeneho Kwafo Akoto Education Fund to reduce illiteracy" 8 September 2023. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
- Wikipedia. "Akwamu Empire" Retrieved 27 April 2026.
- GhanaWeb. "Akwamumanhene finally gazzetted, due for induction into the Akwamu Traditional Council" Retrieved 27 April 2026.
- Ghana Grid Company LTD. "Board of Directors" Retrieved 27 April 2026.