A major tourist site missed by tourists on their way to Cape Coast and Elmina is Nananom Mpow
Nananom Mpow is the most important place to all who consider themselves Fante. However, this sacred grove is rarely visited despite being a revered shrine for centuries.
The Nananom Mpow is located in Ekumfi Obidan, southeast of Mankessim. The Nananom Mpow is just a branch road on the Accra-Cape Coast Road.
The large stones and dense natural thicket of trees best describe the Nananom Mpow. This sacred grove was where the remains of the three famous leaders of the Fante, Ɔbrumankoma, Ɔdapagyan and Ɔson, were kept.
The Fante consulted priests and priestesses from this scared grove before they made any decision that affected all Fante people. These were known as Akomfo; they were in charge of the place and played a vital role in Fante migration as they served as a link between the people and the supernatural world.
It is a place where Fante people connect with their ancestors to seek advice for decision-making. It is simply where men and women meet gods.
In Fante’s relationship with Europeans on the Gold Coast, they consulted the Nananom Mpow before making important decisions. For instance, in their agreement with the British to exclude the French from trading on their coast, they consulted “Bura Bura Waiga”, literally translated as Borbor’s (Fante) Father.
Do well to visit the place as it provides an avenue for humans to meet and interact with divinity. It is a significant historical site, depicting a major landmark in Ghana’s history. Many European officers, traders and travellers visited this place for myriad reasons.
Stephen Baidoo is a writer who loves to research about Ghana's past. He brings Ghana's history to life with each unearthed fact and forgotten narrative, transforming dry dates into passionate stories.

Richmond Adaboh
January 5, 2024 at 1:14 am
Thanks so much Stephen for throwing light on a sacred place like this. I have heard a little history of the Nananom Mpow but didn’t know it’s a real place where I could still visit. I’m also happy as a Fante and Ekumfi son to learn that such an all important site resides on Ekumfi land.
It’s definitely a must visit place for me.
sbaidoo8
January 5, 2024 at 2:29 pm
You are welcome