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In an effort to bridge tradition with modernity, the Larteh and Akwapem Benkum Abontendomhene, Baffour Odei Agyei, has commemorated her 10th anniversary as a traditional leader.
She called on the youth to renew their mindset and urged them to work closely with traditional authorities for developmental purposes.
Delivering a speech to mark the 10th-anniversary celebration and the official launch of the Larteh Marathon, on August 30, 2025, she not only appreciated the youth for their efforts during her reign but also charged them not to sit on the fence, encouraging them to continually engage the chiefs on issues pertaining to development.
Caution to the Youth
Baffour Odei Agyei also used the moment to caution the youth about the dangers of drug abuse, urging them not to indulge in illicit drugs, especially a popular substance commonly called ‘red’.
Furthermore, the Akwapem Benkum Abontendomhene appealed to parents to heighten their supervisory roles over the youth to help curb the incidence of illicit drug use and challenged them to keep their children in school. She urged the youth “to concentrate on education to improve themselves and Larteh as a whole,” she stressed.
Touching on sanitation, Odei Agyei reminisced about the past when President Rawlings christened Larteh as the cleanest city. However, she asked, ‘Could he say the same if he were to visit Larteh again?’, charging everyone to act with urgency and put their shoulders to the wheel to make their beautiful community clean again.
Achievements Within the Decade
As the Chair of the Odwira Planning Committee from 2016 to 2023, her leadership saw the committee embark on several renovation works. These included a complete facelift of the Palace Visitors Hall and washrooms, the construction of a permanent pavilion for one of the clans, and the ongoing construction of a 10-bedroom storey building.
Her tenure has been marked by innovation, and with the assistance of their chief, new chieftaincy titles have been added to their division.
Larteh Marathon – A Hub of Health, Culture, and Community Spirit
The 10th-anniversary celebration of Odei Agyei was marked by activities starting from August 27th with a Medical Health Screening, followed on the 28th by a Free Snail and Mushroom Farming workshop, and climaxing on the 30th with the launch of the marathon. This vision was born out of a collective desire to project Larteh and the Akuapem area as a hub of health, culture, and community spirit.
Highlighting the rich history of Akuapem, Baffour Odei Agyei revealed that their land is blessed with natural beauty and is home to hardworking people whose resilience and hospitality continue to inspire generations. Through this initiative, “we are not only creating a platform for sports development but also opening our community to the world — inviting visitors, investors, and sports enthusiasts to discover the treasures of Larteh and Akuapem,” she noted.
Emphasizing the merits of sports, especially long-distance running, she noted that it teaches discipline, endurance, and unity. “These are the same values that build strong communities and lasting legacies.” underscoring this point, she added, “In this spirit, we are proud to announce our collaboration with the Ghana Athletics Association, whose expertise and support will help position the Larteh Marathon as a credible and nationally recognized sporting event.”
She continued, stating that as they set the foundation today, they should also look to the future with enthusiasm and commitment. “It is my privilege to extend a special call to all lovers of sports, both within Ghana and beyond, to join us for the next grand edition of this event — the 10-kilometre Larteh Marathon, to be held in 2026. This will not only be a race but a celebration of life, wellness, and the enduring spirit of Akuapem,” stated Baffour Odei Agyei.
On behalf of the people of Larteh, she thanked all stakeholders, partners, and supporters who made the launch possible. “May this initiative continue to grow, and may it shine a bright light on our beloved land.”
Appreciation
She paid flowing tribute to Nana Oseiko Dankwa, Bekumhene Akyeamehene; Okyeame Addae Sekyi, linguist; Okyeame Appiah Densu; and Akyeamehene Mante, who have in diverse ways contributed to the success chalked over the last decade. Also worthy of mention were Ebusuapanyinfo Enoch Agyei, Bediako, and Siaw for their steadfast commitment and massive support shown to her over the last 10 years.
Odei Agyei thanked her husband and President of the Oti Region House of Chiefs Nana Mprah Besemuna III, Krachiwura for his immense support, understanding, wise counsel, and direction during her reign as the Akwapem Benkum Abontendomhene. She further thanked her children—Abena Mansa Poku, Kofi Gyamfi Poku and Kwabena Ofori Poku—for their massive support and availability whenever their help was needed.
Finally, she thanked Osabarima Asiedu Okoo Ababio III, Benkumhene of Akwapem, for the opportunity to serve him and the division, pledging her unwavering support to him and to Larteh and Benkumpem as a whole.
