History of Berekuso
Berekuso is a traditional agricultural town of about 2,000 residents located in the coastal highlands in Ghana’s Eastern Region. The residential area of Berekuso is approximately 0.16 square kilometers, though farms, stool, and family land extend far beyond. Most families in Berekuso engage in small-scale farming of pineapple, maize, plantain, teak, cassava, or vegetables. For generations, the people of Berekuso depended heavily on the land and natural environment around them. Traditional accounts and historical research describe the people as farmers and hunters who interacted commercially with neighbouring communities. Agricultural products and game were exchanged with communities including Ga and Adangbe groups for other goods. The surrounding hills, valleys, forests and water sources therefore played an important role in the economic and cultural development of the community.
The history of Berekuso is ultimately a story of people, place and perseverance. From the journeys of our ancestors, through periods of conflict and migration, to the establishment of the settlement around its natural water sources, each generation has contributed to the identity of Berekuso. The traditions handed down by our elders remind us that our heritage is not simply something from the past. It is a living connection between our ancestors, the people of Berekuso today and generations yet to come. We honour those who came before us. We preserve the traditions they entrusted to us. And we build upon their legacy for the future.
Ohum & Cultural Heritage
Berekuso is known for its celebration of the Ohum Festival. Historical accounts state that although the people formally observed Odwira like many communities on the Akuapem ridge, the custom changed in the 17th century under Nana Dartey Kofi to the observance of Ohum.
Berekuso eventually became one of the principal communities of the Akuapem traditional area. The Akuapem Traditional Council today recognises Berekuso among the principal towns of Akuapem. The history of Berekuso therefore forms part of the broader story of Akuapem, a traditional area whose communities developed through the interaction of different peoples, migrations, alliances and political changes. Historical research also confirms that Akuapem has a complex history involving both Akan and Guan communities, with different towns developing distinct traditions and identities over time.
According to the account, when the location of the water source was being communicated, the expression **“Bra-oku-noso”** became associated with the place. Over time, the name developed into what is now known as **Berekuso**. This traditional explanation is an important part of the community's heritage and demonstrates how geographical features, language and historical events became intertwined in the naming of the settlement. One of the most memorable traditions surrounding the settlement of Berekuso concerns the discovery of a water source in the area. According to the traditional account, the people eventually settled near River Boade, which became an important source of water for the community. The river was reportedly discovered during a hunting expedition by **Amoa Gyan**, a son of Nana Oteng Korankye I. The discovery of water was significant because access to water was essential to the survival and development of an early settlement. The river therefore became closely associated with the community's establishment and its identity.
Heritage Today
For generations, the people of Berekuso depended heavily on the land and natural environment around them. Traditional accounts and historical research describe the people as farmers and hunters who interacted commercially with neighbouring communities. Agricultural products and game were exchanged with communities including Ga and Adangbe groups for other goods. The surrounding hills, valleys, forests and water sources therefore played an important role in the economic and cultural development of the community. Traditional leadership has always been central to the identity and organisation of Berekuso. Through successive generations, chiefs and elders have served as custodians of the land, customs and traditions of the people. They have also played an important role in maintaining peace, resolving disputes, protecting community interests and preserving the relationship between the living and the ancestors. The Berekuso stool remains an important symbol of the community's identity and continuity. The present traditional leadership also maintains a strong connection with the wider Akuapem traditional structure. Odeefoo Oteng Korankye II is recognised as Chief of Berekuso and Twafohene of Akuapem