Larteh-Akuapem: The story of a Ghanaian chief who died twice

Ebenezer Kwame Akwatia Akrofi (Nana Akrofi) chief of Larteh-Akuapem, Ghana.
Reigned: 1885 – 1900

Ebenezer Kwame Akwatia Akrofi: One of the first twelve (12) pupils who had formal education at Larteh-Akuapem in 1857, when Rev. Edward Amaadi Samson (Osofo Samson), was sent by the Basel Mission to the town established a Basel Mission school while propagating the Gospel.

Ebenezer Kwame Akwatia Akrofi fell sick and died in the course of schooling.

The death of Kwame Akwatia angered the natives who held Rev. Samson and his fellow Christians hostage (wanted to lynch them).

They claimed the death was due to activities of the Christians. Rev. Samson prayed unto God to prove Himself by restoring life to the dead for the unbelievers to see the glory of God.

In the course of the prayers, the motionless body of Ebenezer Kwame Akwatia Akrofi started moving hands, legs and other parts.

The movement of the motionless body originated the famous Larteh statement, “ayi mɔ yo” meaning, he is moving the body.

Rev. Samson then called the dead boy loudly: “Kwame Akwatia..!”. The boy responded, “Yes….!” and Rev. Samson made him sit up on the bed.

People rushed out to call in the Chief and the elders who came to see Kwame Akwatia alive and speaking, that miracle of God was the turning point in the life of people in Larteh – Akuapem.

Right there, one hundred and seventy-five (175) converted to Christianity, baptized and became members of the Basel Mission (Presbyterian church).

Ebenezer Kwame Akwatia Akrofi lived to continue schooling with the other pupils, grew up and later became the chief of Larteh before his death at the age of sixty – three (63).