From Forest Discovery to Cultural Heritage: The Ancient Story Behind Asante’s ‘Bayere’ Yam

Long before the rise of modern agriculture in Ghana, a simple yet profound discovery in the forests of Ejura gave birth to one of the most treasured food staples of the Asante Kingdom—Bayere, known in English as yam. This discovery, steeped in legend and passed down through oral tradition, not only changed the eating habits of the Ashanti people but also became an enduring symbol of culture, identity, and thanksgiving.

According to Nana Akua Tiwaa II, the Queen Mother of Ejura, the origin of yam among the Ashantis dates back to the 16th century, when Ejura served as a vital hunting and farming settlement. In those ancient times, the people of Ejura relied heavily on hunting for survival. Groups of hunters, mostly young men of royal descent, would journey into the dense forests to hunt wild animals, staying for days or even weeks. During these expeditions, they built temporary shelters called “Ennanso”, where they processed game and stored their catch before sending portions back home.

It was during one of these forest adventures that destiny unveiled one of Asanteman’s greatest agricultural treasures. A skilled royal hunter named Nana Boakye, a descendant of the Ejura royal lineage, was out hunting when he observed a group of wild boars frantically digging into the ground. Out of curiosity and instinct, he approached, hunted down the animals, and inspected the spot where they had been rooting. To his amazement, he uncovered a large tuber hidden beneath the soil.

Unsure of what it was, he carried several of the roots back to his camp. When the hunters boiled and tasted the mysterious tuber, they found it surprisingly edible, nutritious, and filling. The new food was unlike anything they had eaten before—starchy, tender, and satisfying. Out of excitement and curiosity, they named it “Sekyerene”, which means “the unknown or wild root”.

When they returned to Ejura, they presented the discovery to the elders, who approved its consumption and encouraged further harvesting. The root quickly became a delicacy among the people, especially during gatherings and feasts. Over time, the preparation of this newfound food became a highly respected responsibility. Tradition decreed that it should only be cooked by the wife of the hunter’s son, a woman known in the local dialect as “Boffuo Ba Yere.”

As the community enjoyed the meal prepared by this woman, they would refer to it affectionately as “Boffuo Ba Yere no aduane,” meaning “the wife of the hunter’s food.” As generations passed, the phrase gradually evolved into “Bayere”, the name that has stood the test of time and is now synonymous with yam across Asanteman and beyond.

The discovery of yam marked a turning point in the social and agricultural life of the Asante people. What began as a chance encounter in the forest soon transformed into a cornerstone of Asante cuisine, spirituality, and identity. Yam became not only a staple food but also a sacred crop used in traditional rituals, royal feasts, and festivals. It symbolized abundance, fertility, and divine provision.

Through centuries of cultivation and experimentation, the wild Sekyerene evolved into several yam varieties that are now famous in Ghana and across West Africa. These include Pona, Serwaa, Dente, Esum ne Hyen, Afase, Apoka, and Afum, each with distinct qualities that cater to diverse tastes and uses—from fufu and ampesi to roasted and boiled delicacies.

To immortalize this ancient discovery, the people of Ejura instituted the Ejura Sekyerene Festival, also known as the Bayere Festival. Celebrated annually, usually in October, the festival serves as a thanksgiving event to honor the ancestors and the land for blessing their forebears with yam. It is also a time to reflect on the wisdom of the early hunters and to renew communal unity.

During the Bayere Festival, the town of Ejura bursts into color and celebration. Chiefs, queen mothers, elders, and citizens—both home and abroad—gather in traditional attire, accompanied by drumming, dancing, and rituals symbolizing fertility and prosperity. Cooked yam dishes are shared among participants as a symbol of togetherness, while traditional leaders use the platform to launch community development initiatives in agriculture, education, and infrastructure.

The story of Bayere is, therefore, more than a mere tale of discovery—it is a living testimony of how the Asante people’s interaction with nature birthed a food that nourishes millions to this day. It speaks of observation, adaptation, and gratitude, values that continue to shape Asante society.

From a forest root once dug up by wild animals to a crop that anchors festivals, families, and livelihoods, Bayere stands as a timeless emblem of Asanteman’s heritage. Ejura, the land of its discovery, remains a sacred symbol of that legacy—a reminder that even the humblest beginnings can yield the richest traditions.

—By Kwame Agyenim Boaten (Nan

a Kokooto), OTEC FM Newsroom