For the people of Axim, Kundum is more than a date on the calendar; it is a spiritual rebirth, a celebration of harvest, and a time of communal cleansing. For The Haven Place Foundation (HPF), the 2025 celebration was a defining milestone that solidified our commitment to this vibrant community, a commitment recently honored by the highest traditional authorities in the land.
The Spirit of Kundum: A Legacy of Resilience
Rooted in the ancient legend of the hunter Akpoley, Kundum translates to the triumph of life over hunger. It is a period where the Nzema and Ahanta people expel the misfortunes of the previous year and usher in a season of plenty.
The 2025 Kundum Celebration was a masterclass in cultural preservation and modern progress. From the rhythmic Abisa Dance to the majestic Grand Durbar at Victoria Park, the festival proved that Axim’s heritage is as strong as the walls of Fort St. Antonio.
A Week of Impact: HPF Program Highlights
At The Haven Place Foundation, we believe that “service is our signature.” To celebrate Kundum 2025, we rolled out a week-long series of programs designed to uplift the mind, body, and spirit of Axim:
- Pre-Festival Community Cleanup: Before the first drum was struck, our team led a massive cleanup exercise. We believe that a sacred festival deserves a pristine environment thus ensuring the streets of Axim were ready to welcome visitors from across the globe.
- Health & Wellness (Tuesday): On Tuesday, we shifted focus to the wellbeing of our people. HPF hosted a massive NHIS Registration Drive and Health Screening. 556 renewals & 129 new registrations fully funded by HPF and 161 people screened for malaria, diabetes, and hypertension. By removing the barriers to healthcare access, we ensured that hundreds of residents could bridge the noticeable health gap in the community.
- The Sompahene Enstoolment (Saturday): During the peak of the festivities, a historic bond was sealed. The Executive Director of The Haven Place Foundation was formally enstooled as the Sompahene (Chief of Exemplary Service) for both the Upper and Lower Axim Traditional Councils. This dual honour reflects the trust the community places in our foundation to lead development across all borders.
- Gospel Rock Show (Sunday): We closed the week with a powerful Gospel Rock Show on Sunday evening. It was a night of soul-stirring music and gratitude, bringing the community together to thank the Almighty for a peaceful and successful festival.
Why Axim? Our Mission of Impact
The Haven Place Foundation chose Axim not just for its beauty, but for its potential. Our work is grounded in the belief that for a community to thrive, its children must learn, its women must be empowered, and its culture must be honoured.
Our presence in Axim is focused on tangible, bottom-up transformation. As our Executive Director takes on the mantle of Sompahene, our mission becomes even more integrated into the fabric of the town. We aren’t just an NGO working in Axim; we are a partner growing with Axim
Looking Ahead
As we look toward the 2026 season, The Haven Place Foundation remains dedicated to the people of Axim. We celebrate the past, we serve the present, and we are building the future, one project, one life, and one festival at a time