The Meko Bono Festival, a cherished celebration of Bono heritage and identity, made history on Saturday, April 18, 2026, with its firstever international launch in New York, United States. The event drew a vibrant gathering of Bono citizens and friends from across the diaspora, many of whom described the event as a longawaited homecoming on foreign soil.
The launch was held under the distinguished leadership and patronage of Ohempon Dr. Yeboah Asiamah (Atebubumanhene), Odumfour Dr. Kwasi Apraku III (Omanhene, Odumasi No. 1), Osagyefo Ampen Anye Amoampong Tabrako III (Wenchimanhene), DaasebreOkogyeaman Duodu Ampem II (Nsawkawmanhene), Nana Akosua Asor Duah Brayie
(Sunyanimanhemaa), and Nana Yeboah Pene II (Chiraamanhemaa).
Held under the theme “Honoring Our Roots, Shaping Our Future Through Active Participation,” the event marked a milestone for Bonoman. It showcased the resilience of Bono cultural identity and the unbroken thread that connects the diaspora to their ancestral home. Attendees were immersed in the rhythms, regalia, and symbolism of Bono tradition, aptly affirming that culture travels with its people, wherever life takes them.
The New York launch followed a successful domestic launch in Atebubu on March 21, 2026, signalling a new chapter in the festival’s evolution and its expanding global footprint.
A Call for Bonoman Unity
In his address, Ohempon Dr. Yeboah Asiamah, Paramount Chief of Atebubu and host of the event, reflected on the deeper meaning of the gathering. He described the international debut as “evidence of what can be achieved both home and abroad when the people come together,” reminding all present that unity remains Bonoman’s greatest strength.
Chairman of the occasion, Odumfour Dr. Kwasi Apraku III, Omanhene of Odomasi No. 1, urged participants to honour their roots not only through celebration, but through deliberate action. He emphasized the importance of passing on traditions, especially native language, to younger generations, noting that cultural continuity begins in the home.
Special royal guest Daasebre Okogyeama Duodu Ampem II, Nsakawmanhene, praised the spirited participation of Bono citizens in the diaspora in the ceremony. He encouraged all to maintain the unity displayed at the event and to channel same into meaningful contributions toward the development of Bonoman and Ghana at large.
Adding historical context, Nana Ama Kwakye, originator of the Meko Bono events, expressed pride in the successful organization of four previous editions of the festival in Ghana. She shared her confidence that the same enthusiasm would carry into the fifth edition, whose international launch was being celebrated in New York.
Government and Diplomatic Support
The event also received endorsement from government and diplomatic representatives.
Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi, Bono East Regional Minister, commended Nananom for organizing the historic gathering. He reaffirmed the commitment of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, to preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage through a strengthened chieftaincy institution. He also encouraged traditional leaders to work diligently toward resolving chieftaincy disputes, noting their negative impact on development.
Representing the Consulate General of Ghana in New York, Mr. John Caleb Amoah, the Deputy Consul General, applauded the chiefs for showcasing Ghanaian culture on the international stage. He urged the diaspora to emulate Bonoman’s example, take pride in their identity, and use the power of their uniqueness to drive development wherever they reside.
Royal Presence and a Celebration of Ghanaian Unity
In a moving display of national cohesion, traditional leaders from Ga Dangbe, Akyem, and several other ethnic groups joined the Bono chiefs and people to mark the occasion. Their presence symbolized the unity and mutual respect that define Ghana’s cultural landscape.Many attendees described the act as a reminder that Ghana’s diversity is its strength.
Outdooring Ambassadorial Chief, Queenmother for Atebubu Natives in the US
Another highlight of the evening was the outdooring of two customarily enstooled traditional leaders for Atebubu natives in the United States: Nana Owusu Sekyere Peprah, USA Atebubufoɔhene (Ambassadorial Chief) and Nana Akosua Baffowaa Akrapim,Atebubufoɔhemaa (Ambassadorial Queenmother). Ohempon Dr. Yeboah Asiamah charged them to exercise their delegated authority with integrity and to serve as bridges between the Atebubu diaspora and the traditional leadership at home. Dr Kennedy Bomfeh, Chief of Staff of the Atebubumanhene, also urged Atebubu natives in the United States to rally behind the Ambassadorial Chief and Queenmother to champion unity and collectively seek the development of Atebubu.
Invitation to Meko Bono 2026 in Atebubu
In his closing remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Odumfour Dr. Kwasi Apraku III,encouraged all present to continue showcasing their culture with dignity wherever they may be in the world. He called for active participation in the development of Bonoman and Ghana, and extended a warm invitation to the global Bono community to attend the main Meko Bono Festival in Atebubu, scheduled for August 17–23, 2026.
As the evening drew to a close, many attendees lingered, taking photos, sharing memories, and expressing pride in witnessing the landmark event. For the Bono diaspora, the New York launch was a reaffirmation of their identity, belonging, and the enduring bond between home and abroad.
