'This tree was planted by my ancestor hundreds of years ago and my family settled here'
Summary
In the town of Apam, Ghana, there is a tree called Santseo that was planted hundreds of years ago by Nana Asumbia, a royal and spiritual leader. The tree marks where her family and followers settled after traveling from the Akwamu Kingdom, using tree planting to choose where to live.Key Facts
- The tree, called Santseo, means "Under" in the Fanti language because people settled under its shade.
- It was likely planted in the 13th Century by Nana Asumbia, a royal figure and chief priest.
- Nana Asumbia led a group from Akwamufie, the capital of the Akwamu Kingdom, who moved westward and settled in Apam.
- The group planted seedlings at stops along their journey to test if a place was suitable for settlement; if the tree grew, they stayed.
- The tree species is Piliostigma thonningii, known for surviving in tough environments and for traditional uses like medicine.
- The tree stands between Fort Patience (built in 1697) and the Apam Methodist Church, linking different parts of Ghana’s history.
- The family home in Apam has been built around the tree, showing its importance to the community.
- Oral history and a worn plaque commemorate Nana Asumbia and her descendants in the area.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.