Meet Ehunabobrim Prah Agyensaim VI, the Paramount Chief of Owirenkyi Traditional Area (Assin Kushea) in the Central Region of Ghana. Born Wellington E. Jonah in 1942 in Obuasi, Ashanti Region, he is the first of eight children, including the renowned Dr. Sam Jonah.
Ehunabobrim’s educational journey took him from Obuasi Anglican School to Ghana National College, Cape Coast, and eventually to the Metropolitan University of London, where he graduated with an LLB/BA (Honours) in Business Law in 1976. He worked in London for Arnold and Sons after his law degree and then returned to Ghana to serve as a legal officer at the Ministry of Trade. He was called to the Ghana Bar in 1995 and is a Barrister at Law and a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Ghana.
Enstooled as chief in 1984 following the death of his uncle, Nana Prah Agyensaim V, Ehunabobrim has led his community with distinction, championing environmental sustainability and development. His palace, the largest in West Africa, boasts a botanical garden, zoo, courtyard, and traditional artifacts. The palace also serves as a museum, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Owirenkyi Traditional Area.
Under his leadership, Assin Kushea has become a model for community development, with initiatives in education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and cultural preservation. He has established scholarships, built schools and healthcare facilities, supported local businesses, and promoted the arts.
In recognition of his tireless efforts, Ehunabobrim has received numerous awards, including:
- Ghana Environmental and Sanitation Awards (GESA) Man of the Year (2023)
- Central Regional Best Chief (2019)
- Ghana National Traditional Leaders Award (2017)
- African Leadership Award for Community Development (2015)
- Honorary Doctorate in Development Studies from the University of Cape Coast (2012)
With over 40 years of experience in senior management, he has served on various international boards and corporations, including:
- Council of State (Constitutional Presidential Advisory Board)
- Perseus Mining Ghana Limited (Board Chairman)
- Ghacem Cement Foundation (Board member)
- Industrial and Engineering Services Ghana Limited (Executive Chairman)
- Bayport Ghana Limited (Board member)
- PMI and Asante Mining Ghana Limited (Consultant)
- Tema Development Foundation (Former Board Chairman)
He has also served on government committees, including:
- Member of State Committee for Economic Co-operation on Bilateral Trade with Ivory Coast
- Member of Government’s Negotiating Team on Bilateral Trade with Bulgaria
- Member of the National Development Planning Commission
- Member of the Council of State Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Ehunabobrim is a member of the Central Regional House of Chiefs and the Life Patron of Assin North Council of Chiefs. He is also a fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences and the West African Nobles Forum. We celebrate his achievements, dedication, and leadership, which have brought significant development and recognition to the Owirenkyi Traditional Area. Piawww!!
