The former Chairman of both the Kejetia Petty Traders Association and the Combined Kejetia Traders Association, Nana Akwasi Prempeh, has been elevated to traditional leadership and named chief-elect of Atwima Nerebehi in the Atwima Nwabiagya District of the Ashanti Kingdom.
The elevation marks a major transition for the well-known market leader, who for years championed the welfare of traders at Kejetia, one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs.
Nana Akwasi Prempeh served for several years as head of the Kejetia Petty Traders Association and later as chairman of the Combined Kejetia Traders Association, where he was credited with mediating disputes, advocating for traders’ interests, and promoting unity among market groups.
His work at the grassroots earned him wide respect across Kumasi’s trading community.
With his enstoolment as chief-elect of Atwima Nerebehi, Nana Prempeh now transitions from civic leadership into the traditional institution, where he is expected to play a key role in governance, development, and the preservation of culture in his community.
Community members have welcomed the announcement and have expressed full acceptance of Nana Prempeh as their incoming traditional ruler.
According to traditional arrangements, the oath-swearing and formal enstoolment rites for Nana Akwasi Prempeh will take place at the Bantama Palace in Kumasi on a fixed date.
The ceremony is expected to draw chiefs, queen mothers, government officials, market leaders, and residents of Atwima Nerebehi and surrounding communities.
Traditional authorities say the event will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Atwima Nerebehi under Nana Prempeh’s leadership.
Stakeholders in Atwima Nwabiagya say they expect the new chief-elect to leverage his experience in organization, negotiation, and community mobilization to drive development in education, health, sanitation, and youth empowerment.
Many described his elevation as a reflection of service and dedication, noting that his years of advocating for ordinary traders have prepared him for the responsibilities of traditional leadership.
As chief-elect, Nana Akwasi Prempeh will now be distinguished from ordinary social life and will assume the customs and responsibilities that come with occupying a stool in the Ashanti Kingdom.
