Cultural Heritage: Akum Fon Urges Community Unity

T he Paramount Fon of the Akum Village in the North West Region of Cameroon, His Royal Majesty Foh Chinelum Ngwashi I, met his sons and daughters residing in Yaounde for the first time on September 20, 2026, since ascending the throne two years ago. The Na­ tional Museum was the meeting ground for the Akum community as representatives of the diffe­ rent quarters, age groups and associations turned out in num­ bers under the various canopies set up for the occasion. The ga­ thering, organised by the Akum Welfare Association (AWA), was graced by traditional rulers, elites and friends of Akum. The visit formed part of the Fon’s "Meet the People Tour", in­ tended to reconnect him with Akum sons and daughters living outside the Fondom and streng­ then their attachment to home. In his address, the Fon called for unity, solidarity and greater commitment to community de­ velopment, urging those living in Yaounde not to lose touch with their roots. He also encou­ raged parents to support the re­ turn of children to schools in Akum and announced the esta­ blishment of traditional gover­ nance structures. “Development dues are not a punishment. They are an investment in our com­ mon future,” he said. For the Akum community in Yaounde, the occasion was also a de­ monstration of loyalty to their traditional institution. The Pre­ sident of the Akum Welfare As­ sociation (AWA) in Yaounde, Ade Achu Remy-Roger, welcomed the Fon, describing his arrival as a historic moment for the com&...