By Samuel SAM
Every self-professed Fante is familiar with the term ‘Nananom Mpow’, a phrase that means ‘The Grove of the Ancestors’. Known to Fantes as the sacred burial site of their founding fathers – Oburumankoma, Odapagyan and Oson – Nananom Mpow remains a symbol of Fante heritage, even though it is rarely visited today.
Located near the village of Obidan, southeast of Mankessim junction along the Accra-Cape Coast road, this sacred grove contains stones and trees marking the burial place of these three ancestral warriors.
Despite Mankessim being a bustling market town, the historical significance of Nananom Mpow has faded into obscurity with only a minority of Ghanaians, particularly Fantes, recognising its importance. The site is a neglected monument, largely forgotten even though it represents the heart of Fante cultural identity.
Mankessim is not only a commercial center but also the traditional headquarters of the Fante people. Its history is deeply intertwined with Oburumankoma, Odapagyan and Oson, who led the Fante migration from Takyiman in the Brong Ahafo Region to their current settlement in the Central Region.
Historical roots of Nananom Mpow
Fante oral traditions trace the origins of Nananom Mpow back to the early days of Fante settlement, long before Portuguese traders arrived on the Ghanaian coast in the 1470s. The grove became a sacred site where the ancestors were venerated and Fante spiritual leaders sought guidance, especially during the Atlantic slave trade era. The shrine’s spiritual power shaped the Fante people’s strategies for defence and survival during a tumultuous period in history.
The Nananom Mpow shrine marked both an ancient settlement and the burial site of Fante ancestors. Initially, it served the Borbor Fante – early settlers in Mankessim who migrated south from the Akan forest interior to the Atlantic coast.
Their migration pre-dated European contact, with oral traditions highlighting their leadership in founding one of the first Akan coastal settlements. The term ‘Borbor’ in Fante which implies a long journey – reflects this migratory history.
For centuries, Nananom Mpow was a revered local shrine for the Fante, particularly for those living within 20 kilometres of Mankessim. The shrine grew in significance over time, becoming a spiritual haven during the transatlantic slave trade’s height in the late 1600s. As the Gold Coast’s economy shifted from gold to the trade of enslaved Africans, Fante people increasingly relied on the shrine for spiritual protection.
Economic shifts and decline of the shrine
In the early centuries of European contact, the Gold Coast – including Fante territories – was integrated into the Atlantic economy through the trade of gold, not enslaved people. It wasn’t until the late 1600s, when gold mining in Ghana became less profitable and Brazil’s gold production increased, that the slave trade came to dominate the region’s economy. This shift drastically altered the political and social landscape, creating violent competition and insecurity.
During this period of upheaval, Nananom Mpow became more than just a local shrine – it grew into a regional spiritual hub, guiding Fante leaders through difficult times. However, the site gradually fell into disrepair as European imperialism and Christianity spread throughout Ghana, relegating traditional practices and knowledge to the background. The once-vibrant connection between the Fante people and their ancestors began to fade.
Calls for revitalisation
Today Nananom Mpow lies largely abandoned, its significance forgotten by most – even as local residents of Obidan and traditional authorities call for its restoration. Encroachment by farmers and charcoal burners has begun to threaten the forest, and there is a real concern that the legacy of the Fante forefathers will be lost forever.
Opanyin John Eduah, a local elder, expressed worry over neglect of the site, lamenting that many people no longer know the burial place of the Fante’s founding leaders. Similarly, Madam Emelia Caryner – daughter of the renowned Fante historian Joseph Brandford Crayner – highlighted the shrine’s historical importance as a place where Fantes sought ancestral guidance.
She emphasised the urgent need for preservation, noting that encroachment is worsening as people convert parts of the grove for farming and charcoal production.
The Way Forward
The people of Obidan are appealing to the Ghanaian government and philanthropists to invest in revamping Nananom Mpow. Revitalising the site would not only protect the forest from further encroachment, but also create jobs for local youth and preserve a key aspect of Fante cultural heritage.
By restoring Nananom Mpow, the Fante people can reconnect with their history and reinvigorate the spiritual legacy of their ancestors.
Nananom Mpow is more than a historical relic; it is a symbol of Fante resilience and unity. Its preservation is vital for future generations to understand and appreciate the sacrifices of their forefathers and the spiritual foundations upon which their community was built.
