Nana Yaw Mensa

Nana Obosomfoo Yaw Mensa a.k.a. Ayiso was born in 1954 in Takyiman, Brong Ahafo region of Ghana West Africa. He was the third of nine sons to the parents of Nana Okomfoɔ Adwoa Akumsa also known as Asabea, who was a very important Bono ɔkɔmfoɔ and Nana Kwame Adduo a Bono healer. Nana Mensa started his schooling at Takyiman Methodist School and completed it at Kyekyewere local council middle school in Ashanti region. After school Nana had job at Accra Ghana National Trading Company (GNTC) as salesman for three years and then moved back home to support his mother and practice akɔm (traditional religion and healing). Nana was instructed in ɔkɔm drumming skills and over time he became an excellent drummer and was awarded many prizes by the traditional Authority. Nana learned how to practice healing from his uncle Nana Obosomfoɔ Kofi Donkɔ and elder brother Okomfoɔ Yaw Manu both whom he has inherited. Nana was trained for the Asuobonten shrine by Nana Kofi Kyereme, Ta Kwasi Obosomfoɔ, Nana Kwabena Mensa, Ta Mensa Obosomfoɔ and Nana Kofi Asamadu, Bokyerewa Obosomfoɔ for almost three years. Nana was married and had thirteen children before he was initiated into ɔkɔm as an Obosomfoɔ. Nana also trains new akɔmfoɔ; many people from abroad visit him for help. Nana is an indigenous farmer producing maize, yam, cassava, plantain and etc. to feed his family. He continues the herbal clinic started by Nana Donkɔ near his house where people from all walks of life visit him for healing. Apart from healing and other duties, Nana carries his ɔbosom Asuobonten assisted by Nana Okyeame Kofi Oboɔ with the support of the elders for consultation; his main working days for the obosom are Tuesdays and Fridays.