With its roots still intact and leaves still fresh despite being 300 years old, Mpeni Kofi is a tree that is considered a demi-god by the people of Akuapem.
Beyond the never say die traits of the aged tree, which is situated in the heart of Akropong, the people of Akuapem allege that Mpeni Kofi protects them.
Thet 300 years old tree, Mpeni Kofi, can be found in the heart of Akropong, a town in Ghana’s Eastern region.
The mythic tree, local media reports, turns human at night to serve as a protective shield to its people – the people of Akuapem.
Recounting the history of the Akuapem people, Nana Addo Kwataa said they see Mpeni Kofi as a special entity that holds the people up and leads them.
The tree, which is covered in white at its base and for centuries fortified and protected the people of Akuapem, one of the main ethnic groups of the Akan people living in Ghana.
“Mpeni Kofi, that is the name. He is clothed, in white cloth. We don’t see that one as a tree but we see that one as a special entity that holds us up and leads us,” explained Nana Addo Kwataa.
“It is a signal to us. When we went to war, we could trace it and know that we are heading home. 300 years ago when our forefathers came, they saw it and it was of importance to them and it is a generational worshiping. We keep on worshiping it up till today,” he added.
Apart from providing a protective shield to the people, the mysterious tree serves another purpose. According to Ahenenanhene Osae Adade, it has a special bond to the palace of the Okuapehene and serves as a unifier for the houses surrounding it.
“All the four houses surrounding it, the roots of the tree are beneath it. Those houses are watering it and have special things to do with it. There’s another house behind it. They are feeding the Okuapehene,” said Ahenenanhene Osae Adade.
“It is believed to be a security man also. Whenever we are asleep, it goes round the town. A very tall man, protecting us,” he added.
