The history of the Ashanti people is richly interwoven with fascinating tales of discovery, tradition, and cultural evolution. Among these is the captivating story of how the Asantes first discovered yam—known in the Akan language as Bayere—in the sacred town of Ejura in the Ashanti Kingdom. This ancient discovery, which dates as far back as the 16th century, remains one of the most cherished aspects of Asante heritage and continues to be celebrated through customs and festivals that bind the people to their ancestral roots.
According to oral tradition and historical accounts narrated by Nana Akua Tiwaa II, the Queen Mother of Ejura, the discovery of yam was purely accidental yet profoundly transformative. In those ancient days, hunting was the principal occupation of the people of Ejura. The men would venture deep into the forests for days, building temporary shelters known as “Ennanso” where they prepared game meat and sent portions back to their families.
It was during one such expedition that a renowned hunter, Nana Boakye, believed to be from the royal lineage of Ejura, made a remarkable discovery. While tracking wild boars, he observed the animals digging persistently into the earth. After successfully killing them, curiosity led him to examine the spot they had been digging. To his astonishment, he uncovered an unfamiliar root tuber buried in the soil.
At first, the hunters called the strange root “Sekyerene”, a term symbolizing its mysterious nature. Driven by curiosity, Nana Boakye and his fellow hunters decided to take some of the roots home to experiment with their edibility. They cooked and tasted it, discovering its starchy and satisfying nature, unlike anything they had eaten before. This newfound food quickly became a delicacy among the people of Ejura.
In those days, cultural norms dictated that the preparation of the newly found root was a privilege reserved for the wife of the hunter’s son, traditionally called “Boffuo Ba Yere.” She was the one tasked to cook and serve the yam to the family and neighboring households. As people tasted the delicious meal, they often referred to it by saying, “Boffuo Ba Yere no aduane,” meaning “the wife of the hunter’s food.” Over time, this phrase evolved linguistically into “Bayere,” the name by which yam is known today among the Asante people.
The discovery of yam soon spread across the Asante Kingdom, becoming one of the most important food crops in the region. It was cultivated widely and transformed into various dishes, symbolizing abundance, strength, and communal unity. From the wild root called “Sekyerene,” yam evolved into different well-known varieties, including Pona, Serwaa, Dente, Esum ne Hyen, Afase, Apoka, and Afum, which continue to play a vital role in Ghana’s food culture and agricultural economy today.
To honor this historic discovery, the people of Ejura instituted the Ejura Sekyerene Festival, also known as the Bayere Festival, which is celebrated annually—usually in October. The festival serves as both a cultural remembrance and a platform for communal development. Chiefs, queen mothers, and residents of Ejura gather to offer thanksgiving to the ancestors for their wisdom and to promote unity and progress among the people.
During the festival, traditional drumming, dancing, and symbolic yam feasts are performed, signifying the enduring bond between the people and the land that gifted them this staple crop. Beyond its cultural significance, the festival has also become a rallying point for development, where community members and leaders discuss initiatives to enhance agriculture, education, and infrastructure in Ejura and its surrounding areas.
The story of how the Ashantis discovered yam at Ejura is more than just a tale of chance—it is a testament to the spirit of observation, innovation, and tradition that defines the Asante people. What began as an accidental find by a hunter centuries ago has blossomed into a symbol of identity, pride, and sustenance for generations.
Indeed, the journey from Sekyerene to Bayere is a beautiful reminder that even the simplest discoveries can shape the destiny of a people and become an eternal part of their cultural heritage.
—By Kwame Agyenim Boaten (Nana Kokooto), OTEC FM Newsroom
