Royalty has visited a North Devon market town to forge new links

South Molton has been hosting a rare royal visit – but this king had travelled a little further than London to forge new links with a North Devon community.

The town has welcomed a visit from Paramount Chief Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV of the Shama District in Ghana – in other words, its king – to renew the twinning relationship with Shama and South Molton.

South Molton has a twinning relationship with Shama under the Sister City initiative, but until February the Shama District in western Ghana had not had a king for 13 years.

Recently he travelled to the UK with fellow Ghanaian Francis Mensah and stayed with South Molton councillor David Worden for a few days in order to view the town’s facilities and revitalise links with South Molton.

Above: The King and visitors with Councillor David Worden at South Molton Parish Church.

They visited many places including the Pannier Market, Pathfield Estate, South Molton Library, the museum, Mayor’s parlour and the Smart Swim Centre.

Before leaving, the King was a guest speaker at South Molton Town Council by kind invitation of the mayor, Councillor Paul Henderson, where he talked about his reasons for visiting the town.

In his speech, he said: “I seized this opportunity to visit South Molton to discuss our partnership and to revitalise our collaboration for the mutual benefit of both our communities.

“Before I begin, let me express my heartfelt gratitude to councillors David Worden, Stephen Lock and Christian Lock, for visiting Shama and signing the memorandum of understanding in 2010.

“I also want to thank Kathrine Govier, a medical doctor from South Molton, who came to stay and work in Shama Hospital in 2010. As a Christian, I say, ‘God bless you’.”

Above: Paramount Chief Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV of the Shama District in Ghana in traditional dress.

The King explained Shama was the ‘gateway to western Ghana’ and said it had something between 120,000 and 150,000 inhabitants. He said he also served as the President of the Shama Traditional Council and the Chairman of the Sister City Commission.

Above: trying out a different 'throne' for size!

He added: “As the Paramount Chief, I am dedicated not only to preserving our culture but also to fostering unity, stability and progress.

“I oversee land and resources, ensuring sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. My leadership aims to protect our natural resources while promoting economic activities that benefit our people.

“I am confident that together we can reinvigorate this Sister City partnership to meet the evolving needs of our communities.

“My vision is not only to renew our co-operation but to strengthen it with the stability and continuity that my office provides, allowing us to pursue long-term, impactful goals for the mutual benefit of Shama and South Molton.”

Above: Calling in at Mole Valley Farmers.

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The role of paramount chief is highly regarded in Shama, but the position had remained vacant for some 13 years due to prolonged chieftaincy disputes.