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THE STORY OF BARIMA NKUM AND THE ORIGIN OF BEBARIDUM

Long ago, in the traditional town of Breman Ehumaso, in the Asikuma Odoben Brakwa area of Ghana’s Central Region, there lived a brave young man called Nkum. Nkum was born into a royal family. His father was a member of the royal lineage and was also a renowned hunter.

From his childhood, Nkum often accompanied his father whenever he went to the farm or into the forest to hunt. Through these journeys, his father taught him the ways of the forest, farming, hunting, courage, and how to protect himself and his people.

As Nkum grew older, he became familiar with the forest and the hunting territories of his people.

THE ENCOUNTER IN THE FOREST

One day, Nkum went into the forest alone to hunt. While moving through their usual hunting territory, he unexpectedly came across three armed attackers who had entered the area.

The three men confronted Nkum and attempted to kill him. Realizing that he was outnumbered and in serious danger, Nkum ran for his life. He managed to escape from the attackers and returned home safely.

When he reached the house, he told his father what had happened. His father listened carefully and said to him:

The following day, Nkum and his father set out for the hunting territory. As they approached the area, they decided to take different routes through the forest but head toward the same destination.

NKUM'S COURAGE

As Nkum moved through the forest alone, he unexpectedly came face-to-face with the same three attackers. This time, however, Nkum was prepared.

The three men attempted to attack him again, but Nkum stood his ground. He confronted them bravely and, using his hunting weapon, shot all three attackers.

Several hours later, Nkum's father arrived at the location and found his son standing near the three fallen attackers.

His father was greatly impressed by Nkum's courage and bravery. He praised him and said:

He then gave Nkum the name:

The name Barima Nkum became a symbol of his courage, strength and bravery.

THE ORIGIN OF BEBARIDUM

After the victory, Nkum and his father removed the intestines of the three attackers. According to the tradition passed down through generations, they used the intestines to encircle a large Odum tree standing in the forest.

That particular place became known as Bebaridum.

The name and the story became connected with the bravery of Nkum and the events that took place in that forest. Bebaridum therefore came to be remembered as a place associated with courage, strength, protection and victory over enemies.

THE LEGACY OF BARIMA NKUM

The story of Barima Nkum has continued to live through oral tradition. His courage in confronting the three attackers, together with the recognition given to him by his father, became an important part of the history and identity of the people connected to Breman Bedum.

For generations, the name Barima Nkum has represented the qualities of a true man of courage—one who does not surrender when faced with danger, but stands firmly to protect himself, his family and his people.

The story of Bebaridum therefore is not merely the story of a place. It is the story of a brave young man whose courage earned him the name Barima Nkum, and whose actions became part of the history and heritage of his people.

This account is presented as a traditional oral-history narrative.