A 1772 Dutch report included the name Mampo (Mampong) in their records. This indicates that Mampong had been founded before 1772. The name Mampong might have been taken from the Shai village, Mankpon. Another tradition indicated that early settlers, after defeating an invading Asante army moved from an old settlement to a new one – the Damti shrine neighbourhood. In jubilation, they uttered the Akan words "Yɛabedu ha yi de, yɛapɔn", meaning 'so far so good!' Constant use of that phrase evolved to become Mampong.
The third probable reason for the name is the connection Mampong-Akuapem has with her Asante counterpart.
Mampong became famous when Tetteh Quarshie planted in 1879 some cocoa seeds in the town. He had brought them from Fernando Po. A plantation was set up in the 1890s to teach farmers the correct methods of raising the cocoa plant and other crops. Farmers of Mampong became the pioneers of the cocoa industry in Ghana.[4]
On July 7, 2017 Dr. Obadele Kambon, celebrated linguist, scholar, and professor at the University of Ghana at Legon, was enstooled as the Banmuhene Kyidɔmhene of Akuapem Mampɔn, (spelled as "Akuapim Mampong" throughout the rest of the article). He is the Banmuhene's king of the rear-guard for the Akuapem Mampɔn traditional area. He is the first person from the African diaspora to be given this prestigious honour. It's both a warrior title/role as well as a spiritual one.[5]
Festival
The People of Mampong celebrate Ohum and this ceremony is usually held in September/October. Ohum is one of Ghana's many festivals that see attendance from people from all walks of life including the diaspora.[6][7]
For many decades, the Ohum Festival has been a staple of Ghana's colourful, vibrant and diverse cultural expression, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate themes of victory, gratitude and harvest, in unity. However, even before Odwira became a part of Ghana's cultural landscape it had long been celebrated by the people of Abiriw, Dawu and Awukugua in the Eastern Region.[8]
The Ohum festival is celebrated to mark the beginning of harvesting new farm crops, just like the Homowo of the Gas, Ahoboa and Bakatue of the Ahantas, and Aboakyere of the Awutus and Afutus, Kundum of the Fantes, Adaekese of the Ashantis, Hogbotsotso of Anlo (Ewes), Dambaa of the Dagombas, and Appoo of Brong-Ahafo.
Ohum is an ancient traditional festival of the people of Akuapem, particularly the Larteh and Okere people including Abiriw who are Guans.[9]
