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Asante Day 2014 - Washington, DC(Motto: “The Kingdom that embraces Unity”)

Asante Day 2014 is hosted by the Asanteman Association of the Washington Metropolitan Area. As partof this annual event that actively and genuinely promotes and celebrates the unity, culture and history ofthe Asantes in North America through symbols, motifs, rituals, education, scripts, proverbs, andceremonies, the organizers are planning the following events/activities:

i) Saturday, August 30, 2014 (daytime): - Hold a grand Durbar and Cultural Show, preceded by AsanteUnity Picnic at Fort Hunt Park, Alexandria, Virginia;

ii) Saturday, August 30, 2014 (evening): Night time of “Meet and Greet” some Asante Royals, Dignitariesand Business Friends and Partners of Companies doing business or seeking to do business in theAsanteman areas of Ghana at the Springfield Hilton amidst sharing of Asante Fun Jokes, Proverbs andAsante History;

iii) Sunday, August 31, 2014 (daytime): Asante Congress and Delegates Forum in a Town Hall format wheregeneral discussions on socio-economic issues affecting Asanteman and ACONA sponsored developmentprojects will be held. Otumfuo’s Representative, delegates of member associations and ACONAExecutives will take and respond to questions.

iv) Sunday, August 31, 2014 (evening): Grand Fundraising Dinner Dance will be held at the SpringfieldHilton where attendees will have the pleasure and honor of dining and sharing the dancing floor withOtumfuo’s Representative and the Asante Royals and Dignitaries.

v) Asante Day 2014 Souvenir Book Launching on Sunday Night and Otumfuo’s Representative willautograph the first copies sold. Copies of the program book will be on display at Manhyia Palace –Asante King’s Official Residence and Kumasi Cultural Center. All major sponsors and supporters of theProgram will be acknowledged in the book.

Purpose of the Asante Day

The purpose of the Asante Day celebrations is twofold:

1. Educating the general public about the traditions and culture of an indigenous African people thathave had a worldwide impact on civilization – namely, the Asante Kingdom; Showcasing the richAsante Culture with the objective of inculcating core “Asanteban” Values into nurturing our youngones so as to maintain a sustainable community of responsible citizens as well as strengthening theiremotional attachment to the Asante Kingdom in any social and economic phenomenon and

2. Establishing a network of Asantes, friends and sympathizers of Asantes in the Diaspora to helpsupport; initiate businesses and development projects for the well-being and development of AsanteKingdom in particular and Ghana in general.

Theme of the Celebration

The theme for the Asante Day 2014 celebration is “Rekindling the Spirit of Asante Unity and EnsuringCivic Commitment to the Asante Kingdom” and with the Goal to raise $50,000 for Improving MaternalCare in the Asanteman areas of Ghana have been chosen in view of pressing need to save the lives ofpregnant mothers during child birth.

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Asanteman Council of North America (ACONA)

ACONA is the umbrella organization of all the Asanteman associations in the United States and Canada.The Asanteman Council of North America currently embraces the following Asanteman associations inthe following states/cities:

1. New York, NY 8. Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas2. Toronto, Canada 9. Houston, Texas3. Chicago, Illinois 10. Colorado4. Washington, DC 11. North Carolina5. Atlanta, Georgia 12. Cincinnati, Ohio6. Montreal, Canada 13. Columbus, Ohio7. Southern California

The Asanteman Association of Washington Metropolitan Area, the host organization, is an active memberof ACONA. Both organizations have received the US IRS recognition as a 501 © 3 tax-exemptorganizations and as such contributions and donations to the organizations are tax deductible to the extendallowed by law. Working with, collaborating and assisting member organizations, ACONA seeks topreserve Asante cultural heritage and promote unity and cooperation among Asante people. ACONAworks to harness the collective resources of its members to provide socio-economic assistance to Asantesin Ghana and North America.

The main aims and objectives of ACONA and the member associations include:

• Unite Asantes in North America

• Promote the social, moral, educational and the general welfare of its members.

• Provide a source of cultural enrichment, and promote interest, inform and educate the generalcommunity about Asante’s culture.

• Instill and inculcate in the youth the love and pride of Asante cultural heritage.

• Provide social networking and support for the members.

• Organize periodic workshops to educate members on pertinent issues, such as Asante culture andtraditions, legal, immigration, health, employment, insurance, and investments.

• Project good image of Asantefuo in North America

• Support Asanteman development efforts by motivating and educating members to financiallysupport educational, health and other social programs in Asanteman.

• Develop linkages to and networking with other African ethnic groups and participating in inter-cultural exchange programs.

• Assist the needy financially and in kind.

• Contribute to the development of the various communities in North America by performingvoluntary services.

The Durbar in its Traditional and Contemporary Setting

In traditional Asante, the durbar is part of the annual Adae Kese Festival and is held in a large open spacein Kumasi near Manhyia Palace. Presided over by the Asantehene, it involves a colorful parade ofcanopies and umbrellas accompanied by fontonfrom drums, kete and adowa dancers, horn blowers andsingers. First celebrated over three hundred years ago after winning the war of independence against theDenkyiras, the Adae Kese became an annual event during which the paramount chiefs pledged allegianceto the Asante kingdom and demonstrate their continued loyalty to the occupant of the Golden Stool. Theoccasion serves the purpose of preserving unity and loyalty. The durbar is the public setting where all thistook place.

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In America, this tradition lives on under the auspices of the Asanteman Council of North America(ACONA) Asante Day Durbar Event. The ACONA constitution established Asante Day to be celebratedduring the Labor Day weekend in one of the Association’s member states or cities. All Asantefuoworldwide and especially in North America are expected and encouraged to attend. It is an occasion forshowcasing Asante culture and stimulating pubic appreciation for it as well.

For more than twenty years, the annual Asante Day event has been held in various cities across the United

States and Canada, including New York, Denver, Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, Dallas, Los Angeles andAtlanta. The most recent Asante Day took place in Houston (2012) and Cincinnati (2013). The AsanteDay event was last held in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area in 2004.

The main elements of the Durbar will consist of:

A procession of chiefs and Ahemaas (Queen Mothers) wearing traditional kente and goldornaments;

The seating of the Asantehene’s representative who will preside over the Durbar;

Traditional dancing and drumming;

Message from the Asantehene delivered by his representative;

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Paying homage to the Asantehene

Exhibitions, lectures and demonstrations

Speeches by special guests

The most recent Asante Day held in Cincinnati was used to swear in the new Asantefuohene of Cincinnati,the new Queen Mother and the other divisional chiefs. The Asantehene was represented by Nana AduseiAtwerewa Ampem, Omanhene of Tepa Traditional Area, and other prominent chiefs that accompanied him.All the various Asante Ahenfo and Ahemaas brought colorful cultural artifacts. The scene was very typicalof the durbar of chiefs held at Manhyia Palace. All the chiefs were dressed in rich kente cloths and adornedwith gold ornaments. They were followed by attendants who wore feathered hats and carried gold platedswords.

As a public display of Asante culture, the durbar provides abundant opportunity to educate and informthe general public about Asante history and culture. Below are but a few examples of the kinds ofcultural artifacts that can be explained and/or demonstrated:

Kente cloth symbols Kente cloth weaving;

Talking Fontonfrom drumming

Hand gestures associated with Kete and Adowa traditional dance

How the Asante Confederacy was formed historically

The traditional system of chieftaincy,

The role of the Ohemaa (Queen Mother)

The role of the Okyeame (spokesman)

The Asanteman Association of the Washington Metro Area plans to open a Kente Academy as a summerproject to provide an opportunity for interested youth in the Washington Metropolitan Area to learn theskill of kente weaving, traditional drumming and dancing and wearing traditional Asante cloth. TheKing’s Representative will cut the sod to officially open the Kente Academy in the Washington D.C. area.Participation in the Academy will be open to all youth members of the general public.

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OVERVIEW OF THE FOUNDING OF THE ASANTE NATION

The Asante kingdom was founded at about the end ofthe seventeenth century by Osei Tutu with the help ofhis priest friend and constitutional adviser OkomfoAnokye. This kingdom emerged from a union of anumber of states which had been established withinthe radius of about thirty miles of the modem city ofKumasi , then known as Kwaaman, by variousmatrilineal clan groups and families which migratedthere from the Adansi-Amansie area, the cradle of theAkan people of Ghana , in the sixteenth andseventeenth centuries. Among the first batch of statesto be founded were Tafo, Otikrom, Amakom,Anyinase, Domaa, Kaase, Ohwim, Obookrom andKwaaman by the Ekoona, Aduana, Asenee and.Agona clan groups.

The second batch of states included Atasomanso,Amoafo, Baworo, Essumeja, Of in so, Denyaase,.Edweso, Mampong, Afigyaase, Asokore, Antoa,Beposo and Agyaase (later changed to Kumawu)founded by the Bretuo, Aduana and Asona clangroups probably during the first three decades of theseventeenth century. The last group of states in thearea were Kokofu, Dwaben, Bekwai, Nsuta,Asaaman and Kenyaase, probably between 1630 and1660. Many of these later states absorbed some of theearlier ones either through conquest, diplomacy,marriage or a combina­tion of all the three strategies.Thus the Oyoko immigrants who founded Kumasi ona piece of land bought for 30 preguans from AdwoaKrawiri of Kwaaman under their first three rulersKobia Amanfi, Oti Akenten and Obiri Yeboah,conquered such states as Anow and Kwadwokrom orwon the allegiance of Mamponten, Anyinase, Atutue,Ahenkro, Awiem, Pampaso, Oyoko-Breman andEsereso which Osei Tutu was to group into thepresent three Oyoko groups of states of Abohyen,Atutwe and Oyoko­Breman, while Obiri-Yeboa'ssuccessor, Osei Tutu, acquired Amakom and Tafoand conquered Domaa. The Oyoko of Dwaben alsoconquered or absorbed the pre-existing states ofAppianyinase, Abooso, Nsuoso and Bomfa. Thus, bythe 1680's, a number of fairly large independentking­doms had emerged in the Amansie, Kwabereand Sekyere areas, the lead­ing ones being Kumasi ,Dwaben, Kokofu, Bekwai, Nsuta, Mampong,Essumeja and Kumawu. But by the last decade of thecentury, all these had been conquered and subjectedto tyrannical rule by Denkyira, and it was thecommon hatred of this oppressive domination ofDenkyira that enabled Osei Tutu and OkomfoAnokye to convince all of them to form a union tofight for their liberation. Hence the name Asante ,meaning "because of war".

To preserve the unity of the Confederacy andconsolidate it, Osei Tutu promulgated a number oflaws, forbidding under pain of death any member ofthe Union to disclose or even make reference to theorigins or conquest of any clan state in the Union,

recognising the head of the Kumasi state as theAsantehene, Kumasi as the new capital of the Unionand a national annual festival, the Odwira. It was toprovide a seal of Union that Okomfo Anokye isbelieved to have conjured the Golden Stool (SikadwaKofi) from the sky to be the pre-eminent stool for thewhole of Asante . The Golden Stool became therepository of a national spirit transcending all localties. The Golden Stool also became the visiblesymbol of the mystical bond that united all Asante .The stool is both the symbol of unity and a source ofstrength for the Asante nation.

Finally, it was to ensure the power, survival, rapidexpansion and continued independence of the Unionthat Osei Tutu and Okomfo Anokye devised a politico-military constitution for the Union which involved "adefinite strategy of militarisation not only of politicsbut also of govern­ment". Under this constitution, theUnion was to be governed by a coun­cil headed by theAsantehene as not only the political head but also thesupreme commander-in-chief of the Asante army.Members of the council were the Krontihene andAkwamuhene, who were the first and second warchiefs as well as administrators of the Union in theabsence of the Asantehene. The next officers were theNifahene, who was also the com­mander of the rightwing of the Union army, the Benkumhene who wasalso the commander of the left wing of the army, theKyidomhene was the com­mander of the rear guard,and finally, the Gyaasehene was commander of theAsantehene's bodyguard as well as the minister incharge of domestic affairs and head of theAsantehene's bureaucracy.

The Union states were appointed to these offices.Thus, the Mamponghene became the AsanteKrontihene and deputy commander-in­chief of theAsante army, and the Essumejahene became theAsante Benkumhene while the Bekwaihene andNsutahene became members of the Asante right andleft wings respectively. Each of the component statesof the Union also adopted this five-wing politico-military organisation of the Union . Since each adultAsante automatically became a soldier, and armedwith a gun provided by his father or the stateimported from the coast, and by adopting andimproving upon the military organisation learnt fromAkwamu and Denkyira, Osei Tutu and his successorsdeveloped a powerful army which soon acquiredfame for its martial ardour, bravery and invincibility.It was this army which, inspired by its leaders and theGolden Stool, was able not only to overthrow theoppressive Denkyira rule at the battle of Feyiase in1700, but to expand the frontiers and domination ofthe Union over an area wider than modem Ghanabetween 1700 and 1750 under its great kings OseiTutu I and Opoku Ware I.

Source : http://manhyiaarchives.org/page.php?id=5

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PRESIDENT’S REMARKS

Improving Maternal Health

Akwaaba and welcome, my brothers andsisters, friends, and distinguished guests. It iswonderful to have you all here, especially thosewho have traveled far and wide to be with us.I want to take a few moments to share ourmission with you.

Tonight I want to speak with you about animportant issue, an issue that is at the the verycore our community’s prosperity. That issue isthe health of our women and children.According to the World Health Organization(WHO), everyday in the world, 800 women diein pregnancy or childbirth and of that numberover 50% of the women are from Sub SaharanAfrica. In 2010 UNICEF reported that inGhana per 100,000 live births, 350 women diefrom pregnancy-related causes. Compare thisto 21 deaths per 100,000 live births in the U.S.

To put it in human terms, that is 350 families broken by the death of a mother, wife,sister, and/or daughter. It represents the number of children who will grow up without thenurturing and guiding love of their mothers. The survival of our community is at stake.

It may seem bleak, but what you may not know is that most of these deaths can be prevented. Infact, the three leading causes of maternal mortality, severe bleeding, infection, and high bloodpressure, are preventable and treatable. As members of the Ghanaian diaspora, it is ourresponsibility to do our part in addressing this issue. We are well positioned to make adifference.

That our healthcare system back home is in need of serious repair is well known. Whileour government is working to provide adequate prenatal and postnatal care to our women, thereis still much more that can be done. We as citizens can do our part. We can have an impact bydonating money to fund hospitals, doctors and nurses, and purchase much needed healthcaresupplies. The money you give today will go directly toward the aforementioned efforts to stemmaternal and child deaths

This evening, I implore you to not stand by while our mothers, sisters, and daughters die. I askall and sundry to contribute and ensure we save lives, I implore you to give from your hearts.The Ghanaian woman is at the center of our society and when she suffers, so do we all.

Thank you all for your time and attention.

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Ultra-Modern Clinic For Akyawkrom

Healthcare provision in the Ejisu Municipality is expected to receive a massive boost, followingthe proposed establishment of an ultra-modern medical facility in Akyawkrom, near Ejisu.Residents are expected to benefit from the facility, estimated to cost several millions of dollars,as part of efforts to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services to communities underthe Municipality.

The proposed project is being spearheaded by the George and Angelina Owusu Foundation, anon-governmental organization founded by the former Country Director of Cosmos Energy andChief Executive Officer of EO Group, Mr. George Owusu, and his wife, Mrs. AngelinaOwusu, in collaboration with a US-based medical organisation.

Construction of the facility would take off in August this year, and is expected to be completedby March 2015. Briefing the Ashanti File on the project, Mr. George Owusu said all thenecessary facilities, including logistics and resources for construction, had been made availablefor work to commence. He said the facility would be fitted with the state-of-the-art medicalfacilities, and would be manned by US-trained medical personnel.

Mr. Owusu said additional satellite clinics would also be established in other small communitieswithin the Ejisu community, and would be fitted with a telemedicine facility, a modern system ofusing telecommunication and information technologies to provide clinical healthcare from adistance. “Apart from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), which will not be immediatelyavailable, every other medical service, including CT Scan, X-Ray, General Healthcare, would beprovided when completed,” he noted.

He said an additional 20-acre land had also been acquired by the Foundation for the futureexpansion and construction of an orphanage to take care of the needy and children who havebeen deprived of parenthood. Explaining the rationale behind the decision by him and his wife toestablish the hospital, Mr. Owusu said his aim was to assist people access medical care withease, stressing that he could not bear to see people lose their lives through avoidable healthconditions.

“It is highly unacceptable in this modern age for people to lose their lives, simply because theycannot access basic health care services; it is, therefore, my hope that this facility would helpprevent such avoidable deaths, by improving access to basic healthcare,” he noted.

He said apart from providing the medical facilities, construction of the clinics would also makeuse of local labour, stressing that economic activities within the communities would beadequately enhanced, since the youth would be gainfully employed.He said the Foundation had,so far, assisted five medical facilities, including the Toase Medical Centre and other healthinstitutions across the region.

Source: The Chronicle, URL: http://thechronicle.com.gh/?p=75217, Date published: May 12, 2014

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INTRODUCTION OF THE CHAIRPERSONPHILIP BANNOR

Dr. Philip Yaw Bannor, was born in Kumawu,

Ashanti to Reverend Emmanuel Kwadwo and Mrs.Margaret Adwoa Bannor. He grew up in Akim

Oda, and in the garden city, Kumasi. He have 2brothers and 4 sisters. After completing the

national service at my alma mater, St. Peter’sSecondary School, at Nkwatia, Kwahu where he

taught Biology at form five O’level, he came tothe US on a scholarship to study pre-medicine at

the Western Illinois University, and obtainedDoctor of Medicine degree from the Medical

College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee in 1997. Hetrained at the Froedtert Memorial Hospital,

Milwaukee, WI and at the Nashville GeneralHospital in TN.

He became Board Certified, and have since practiced Internal Medicine in Tennessee. He hasbeen a preceptor for residents physicians, clinical pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and manyother allied health personnel.

He met his wife Dora Osafo in Milwaukee, WI and they have been married for 20 years. Theyhave two daughters, Brittany Gyamfuah 18, and Jannelle Serwah 12, and a son Philip Jr Kofi. 16.

He has been involved in many community activities including numerous Health Fairs with manyChurches and Civic organizations. He has been involved with Community Cancer AwarenessProjects on Breast, Colon, and Prostate Cancer screenings. Other activities include Pneumoniaand Influenza Immunization Awareness, and Radio Guest to speak on Diabetes Mellitus andBlood Pressure. He has also been involved with Medical missions to Ghana.

His personal mission in life can be summed up as follows:

To Lead in humility, to Serve where needed, and to Unite all people. To that end, hebelieves our collective vision should be To build a prosperous and a more hopeful future for allGhanaians, a nation at peace within and with her neighbors, leading the ideal of African unity.

One of his favorite scriptures is Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but inhumility count others as significant as ourselves.

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CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS AT DURBAR

Dr. Philip Yaw Bannor

The Distinguished Guest of Honor,Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem I,Omanhene of Tepa Traditional Area and the officialrepresentative of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene,Nana Kofi Boateng, Asantefuohene and Nana AmaAchiaa, Asantefuohemaa of Washington MetropolitanArea, all the Asantefuohene of the respective states of theAsanteman Council of North America (ACONA),members of the greater Washington DC Ghanaiancommunity and all well-wishers gathered here today, Iwould like to add my voice to many speakers before me,to thank you the Asanteman Association and ACONA foryour invitation today. It is a true honor to be recognizedby your own to chair such an important occasion of durbarof Chiefs and Queenmothers.

Indeed, in Ghana, Asanteman is the cradle of our culturalheritage! When Nana Osei Tutu I, Komfo Anokye, andtheir band of warriors set to create an Ashanti State, it wasprincipally for the protection of the people and self-identity. Hardly, did Osei Tutu and others know or couldhave imagined the reach of their influence on futuregenerations. Many cultures have adapted our language,traditions and customs. The Kente cloth is claimed bymany as their own. We are glad to share with them.Today, even far away from the shores of Ghana, wegather regularly to celebrate the achievements and visionsof Osei Tutu, and women like Queen Yaa Asantewah, aswe reflect on the challenges at home. I will return to thechallenges Ghanaians are grappling with, later in myspeech.

For now let us ask ourselves what were the achievementsof Osei Tutu and Komfo Anokye? They taught us thatthere is strength in unity. They taught us effectiveorganization can make what seems impossible, become

achievable. Above all, they taught us to make and live inpeace with our neighbors. So Asanteman, let me stateemphatically, whether you are from Offinso or Obuasi,Ejisu or Effiduase, Konongo or Kumawu, let us resolve tostand firm in unity, for in unity we CAN overcome whattomorrow may throw in our paths. Let us resolve toorganize, for in spite of our sheer will to succeed, andunyielding determination to wrestle with what lies ahead,we cannot achieve much, if we are not effectivelyorganized. So now let this be the clarion call to ALL, toimmerse ourselves in our communities, not only here, butin the larger political landscape of Ghana, a place we calland share as home.

Through effective political organization and alignmentwith like-minded Ghanaians, we CAN bring about theeconomic, political, and social changes that will benefitALL Ghanaians. Change will not come because we aregood natured or kindhearted; Change comes because weorganize, we unite to make it happen. What is thechange we seek? We seek change To live freely withoutfear of intimidation because of ones expressed views orpolitical associations or beliefs; We seek change To livefreely for improved educational standards, and betterpaying jobs for the many unemployed youths of Ghanatoday; We seek change To live freely for better housing,for greater access to quality health care and for SaferRoad networks in Ghana. The economic, political, andsocial developmental changes we seek are not mereaspirations. In fact, the changes we seek are universallyshared. We must seek change in peace with our neighbors,and with the greater Ghanaian community at home. Wewant clean campaign, and an Electoral Commissioncapable of conducting elections free of violence, doublevoting and improper verifications at the pools. No one canput a price on peace! We must ALL work for peace.

A little while ago, I mentioned the need to reflect on thechallenges at home, even as we celebrate our culturalheritage today. To put it succinctly conditions in Ghanatoday are unspeakably unbearable. Ghanaians werepromised lower taxes, only to have the highest taxes everlevied on electricity, phone services, and even on personalhygiene items, under the Mahama NDC government.Ghanaians were promised lower fuel prices, only to beburdened with the highest fuel prices ever in the history ofGhana under the Mahama NDC government. Ghanaianswere promised to bridge the gap between the rich and thepoor, only to see the well connected rich crooks, walkfreely in the company of government officials. Woyome!Do I need to say more? The gap between the rich and thepoor is wider than ever before. Ghanaians were promisedone time NHIS premium, the Mahama NDC governmenthas failed. Ghanaians were promised the STX deal wouldbuild over 200,000 houses, Mahama NDC governmenthas failed. The government ridiculed the NPP promise offree SHS education, now the government thinks it may begood idea after all. NDC can borrow some of our ideas.We have plenty of them.

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CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS AT DURBAR

Friends, and invited dignitaries, it is a sad commentary toreport that the Ghanaian Cedi is the worse performingcurrency in the entire world today. The cedi is worse thanthe currency of Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine, South Sudanjust to name a few. There are civil unrest and war in thesecounties. Since 2010, the Cedi has fallen from US$1:1:20GH ȼ to 3:84 GH ȼ today. That is 69% drop in value ofthe cedi. What does this mean for the average Ghanaianand the businessman? Under such harsh economiccondition is it any wonder that the Ghana government isfinding it harder and harder to attract private sectorinvestments into the country? Is it any wonder thatinvestments by developmental partners have declined? Isit any wonder that the local businessmen have transferredtheir precious resources and hard earned capital out of thecountry? Who blames them ? These harsh economic timesare due to uninformed, untested, and frankly unwisegovernment policies, which were advanced by the inept,corrupt Mahama government. The governmentorchestrated a forum at Senchi ostensibly to fix theeconomic problems, when their own measures were,pardon my words “screwing the economy”. No one canbuild sound economy based on data skewed bypropaganda, and false economic theories. When astuteeconomists like Dr. Bawumiah and others warned thegovernment about the real state of the economy,government operatives hurled unprintable expletives attheir direction. Pres. Mahama is quoted as saying, “I willcontinue to borrow”. His government continued to pursuequestionable deals in desperation. The Subaa contract hasresorted in over US$ 74 million loss per year to GhanaRevenue Authority. The GYEEDA contract investigationhas revealed it cost Ghana over $354 million in US dollarsin 2012. The STX deal promised to build over 200,000houses has an unknown price tag. The Ridge Hospitalproject will cost Ghana over $306 million in US dollars torenovate 420 beds. In 2013, the same company, in chargeof the Ridge Hospital project, the Bartiment International,built a 500 bed hospital in Saudi Arabia at $126 millionUS dollars. The question is where is the value for themoney? Bad contracts takes away needed capital forsound investments, and burdens the ordinary man withmisery. And that is what Ghanaians are dealing withtoday!Friends, let me touch on the issue of NHIS, since yourtheme for this year’s gathering is to emphasize the plightof maternal health. The maternal mortality rate in Ghana,according to UNICEF in 2010, was 350 per 10,000 livebirths. The maternal mortality rate improved from 760 in1990 to 350 in 2010. For comparison, Togo’s maternalmortality rate is 300, Botswana is 160, Iraq is 63, the USis 20, and Canada is 12. The trend in maternal mortalityrate in Ghana has worsened to 380 according to UNICEFin 2013. The UNICEF Millennial Development Goal-5target is 185 or better for sub Saharan Africa. Let metouch on some of the reasons for the above observation.

1. Chronic health problems/issues like DM-II,Cardiovascular Disease, Anemia, Sickle cellDisease, Age of the mother under 14/40, accountfor 28%

2. Bleeding 27%

3. High Blood pressure (Pre-eclampsia, eclampsia),14%

4. Infections from poorly sanitized equipment, andcultural practices, like FGM 11%,

5. Unsafe termination practices, anddifficult/obstructed labor 9%

What are some possible solutions to these problems? Firstand fore most we need to improve access to qualityhealthcare for prenatal, perinatal, and the postpartumperiods. Secondly, we need to train skilled healthprofessionals (SBA). The MDG-5 is to raise skilled SBAfrom the current 60-65% to 95%. Thirdly, we need toequip facilities that deliver expectant mothers.Additionally, we need programs on maternal education,with some emphasis on contraceptives and familyplanning, nutritional classes, etc., Lastly, we need soundeffective policy. And here again we need governmentinvolvement. The MDG-5 is to reduce the maternalmortality rate by 75% by 2015 ( i.e., for Ghana from 350to 190). We need to continually review local maternalhealth policies to make sure they are culturallyappropriate, coherent and effective. We need to enforceuniformed standards through monitoring all providers. Wesimply need to Promote what works!

Friends, let me conclude with one final observation, ournation is obviously facing many challenges and some ofthese challenges are self-inflicted. No one will solve theseproblems for us but we Ghanaians. The IMF and the worldBank can save us from our own unreasonable investmentchoices. We need new leadership with the right set ofpriorities. We need leadership that is committed tofighting corruption, fraudulent and bloated contracts, andabuse of precious resources. We need leadership that willinvest in needed public infrastructure, quality healthcare,better educational opportunities for the youth and everyonewho wants to learn for brighter job prospects. We needmodern housing, urban and rural planning, safer roadnetworks, and public safety. I want to assure you that weCAN marshal our resources to solve these problems. Wemust remain engaged in our own affairs, even as weremain so hopeful for a new day in Ghana.

Let us remember who we are, and what made our fore-bearers the great men and women they were. Let’sresolve to unite, to organize and build a prosperous and amore hopeful, peaceful Ghana. I believe as much as youdo that, there is a brighter future that awaits us ALL. Let’sget to work.

Thank you for your attention, and for the honor of yourinvitation.

Philip A. Bannor, MD, Chairman’s Remarks at the Asante Day2014, Washington DC, August 30, 2014.

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KEYNOTE SPEAKER’S REMARKS

Mrs. Susan O. Koduah Brobbey, BSN, OCN, RNPresident, Kumasi Girls Old Students Association – USA Chapter

Member, Oncology Nursing Society

Our distinguished guest of honor,Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem I,Omanhene of Tepa Traditional Areaand today the official representative ofOtumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene,Nana Kofi Boateng, Asantefuohene of WashingtonMetropolitan Area, Nananom of the AsantemanCouncil of North America, Asanteman Association ofWashington Metropolitan Area and all distinguishedguests who are here today to grace this occasion, I feelvery privileged to be here with you today. I’m alsovery enthused to be addressing such a great audienceas the president of Kumasi Girls Old StudentsAssociation, USA chapter. As a child, I used to recitepoetry for my church on a park but I never thought ofhaving to come back to speak on a park after aboutthree decades. I will share some highlights on“Improving Health Care Delivery System in Ghanawith close attention to Maternal Health and Women’sHealth in General.

Ghana as one of the sub-Saharan African countriesfaces health issues which are similar to the otherAfrican nations. According to the World HealthOrganization (WHO), our total population as of 2012was 25,366,000. Out of this population a significantnumber suffers from high maternal and child mortality,diarrhea, malnutrition, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and otherendemic diseases. Our health care system hastraditionally been a top-down structure, with policiesdetermined by the Ministry of Health (MOH). Thesehealthcare policies are then transformed intoprocedures by the Ghana Health Services, which works

very closely with MOH. Ghana has about 200hospitals but most of them are in the cities, whichleaves our folks in the rural areas deprived ofhealthcare services. As a nation, our previous healthcare system was “Cash and Carry”. This system wasfatal, because most people died due to insufficientfunds to cover healthcare needs. Our past “Cash andCarry” system led the government to promoteuniversal health coverage and balance in healthcaredelivery services. This resulted in the adoption of theNational Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in 2003,which was implemented in 2005.

The NHIS is based on District Mutual Health InsuranceSchemes (DMHIS). Although about 67% of the peoplehad the NHIS as of June 2009, there continues to besome challenges. One of the major challenges mentionedby healthcare workers was a delay in reimbursement.Some of the delays in relation to reimbursement arepossibly due to inadequate and incompetent staff toprocess claims. The delay in reimbursement has also hadan impact on the smooth operation of services byproviders, as they are not able to purchase essentialsupplies such as drugs. Our nation requires an urgentfollow through on how best reimbursement procedurescould be handled, which in turn will enhance the flow ofcare and increase providers confidence in the NHIS.With maternity care as part of the benefit package andpregnant women exempted from paying a premium onthe NHIS, then as a nation we have an obligation toreimburse our providers to prevent maternal health andwomen’s health to be placed on a halt. This leads me tothe discussion on improving maternal health andwomen’s health in our nation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has eightMillennium Development Goals (MDG) andimproving maternal health is the fifth. I’m verypleased that Asanteman Association has chosen to helpour nation fulfill this goal. One will ask, “What ismaternal health?” Maternal health is defined by WHOas the health of women during pregnancy, childbirthand the postpartum period. With MDG5, countries areto be committed in the reduction of maternal mortalityby three quarters between 1990 and 2015. Maternaldeaths worldwide have dropped to 45% as of 2014.According to WHO, on the average women indeveloping countries have more pregnancies thanwomen in developed countries. Also the lifetime riskof pregnancy related deaths are higher among womenfrom developing countries. The probability that afifteen year old woman will eventually die from amaternal cause is 1 in 3700 in developed countriescompared to 1 in 160 in developing countries. On theother hand as reported by Yakong, et al, for us fromsub-Saharan Africa, one woman in twelve will die ofmaternal related causes.

Let’s ask ourselves, why is our women’s health injeopardy, for that reason escalating our numbers in

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KEYNOTE SPEAKER’S REMARKS

maternal mortality rates (MMR). It is reported thatmaternal deaths are of a big concern in our rural areas.Some of the contributing factors include poorprovider-patient relationship, which is alsocharacterized by power imbalances and socialhierarchy. It was reported by Yakong, et al, that ourwomen listed some challenges they faced in their questfor reproductive health care;

Intimidation and scolding by nurses and doctors

Limited choices when it comes to options withchild birth

Receiving silent treatment: nurses withholdingother health information from them

The influence of infrastructure: lack of privacy

I believe if we take charge as a nation to address someof the above challenges faced by our women seekingfor better maternal health, it will not be too late toreach the point of death by our women. I would like toencourage our nation’s nursing education programs toinclude and mandate as part of the code of ethics to dono harm by addressing some of these challengesdiscussed above.

There are several other factors that affect maternalmortality or death. Women die as a result ofcomplications during and following pregnancy andchildbirth. Some of these complications may have beenthere but gets worse during pregnancy. The majorcomplications that account for about 75% of allmaternal deaths are;

Severe bleeding (postpartum hemorrhage)-27%

Infections-11%

Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (pregnancy-inducedhigh blood pressure)-14%

Other complications-9%

Unsafe abortion-8%

Let’s take a closer look at pre-eclampsia, which ispregnancy-induced hypertension. Pre-eclampsiausually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy butcan also present as late as four to six weekspostpartum. It can be mild or severe. If a woman hadhypertension prior to pregnancy, pre-eclampsia isdiagnosed as systolic blood pressure (SBP) hasincreased by 30mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure(DBP) has increased by 15mm Hg. If pre-eclampsia isuntreated it can also lead to eclampsia. Some of thesymptoms associated with pre-eclampsia are;

Headache

Visual disturbances such as blurred vision

Change in mental status

Dypsnea (difficulty breathing)

Edema

We can help educate our mothers on some of the signsand symptoms to look for in a complication like pre-eclampsia, which will help them, seek for healthservices sooner than later. If our women are educatedon how fatal some of these complications can be, earlyintervention will be sought and our maternal mortalityrates will then decline.

Postpartum hemorrhage is another severe complicationand this can be identified within our community. It isthe leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide.According to WHO, it accounts for 25% of maternaldeaths. It occurs usually within 24hours of delivery butit can also happen 24 hours after delivery. In ourcommunity as we fall within the class of developingcountries, there is lack of some of the medications usedin the management of labor and sometimes lack ofskilled personnel during delivery. Our women also havesome spiritual belief to overcoming postpartumhemorrhage. In a study by Wilkinson and Callister, awoman who had this complication with her firstpregnancy had the belief that, because she was prayedfor in the past it would not happen the second time.This woman was scared during delivery as a result ofsome bad dreams she’s been having which she relatedto not going to prayer meetings on a regular basis. Thiswas supported by an informant, who made the woman’sanxiety worse by stating that, she can even die duringpregnancy for not attending prayer meetings on aregular basis. Asanteman Association and our Ghanaiancommunity at large, I cannot emphasize enough ourrole in the education of our mothers with regards tosome of these challenges hindering their general wellbeing with particular attention to maternal health.

I would leave you with a story which touched my heartas reported by Udani. This is a story about a dedicatednurse at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH)who started off as a midwife at the hospital. Thisnurse, who visited the premature unit in the 1980’switnessed a disturbing trend, where babies will diewithin a short time of admission. She noticed thatbabies became cyanotic shortly after feeding, followedby a period of apnea, then death. There was death on adaily basis on that unit. Unfortunately, this trendseemed to be acceptable to the other nurses except forthis particular nurse. She took it upon herself to changethis trend by educating herself on how to care fornewborns through workshops and working with otherpediatricians. She did not keep this knowledge toherself but shared it with her colleagues. Herdedication and enthusiasm for learning earned her therole as the principal nursing officer in charge ofKATH’s neonatal unit in 1998.I would like to call on the entire AsantemanAssociation within North America and the Ghanaiancommunity at large to show such dedication, and Ibelieve with that we can help in the facilitation ofbetter maternal health and our women’s general healthin our nation.

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INTRODUCTION OF THE CHAIRPERSONCHARLES N. OFORI

Mr. Charles N. Ofori, CPA is the Founder,

President and Chief Executive Officer of Ofori &Associates, PC (“Ofori”), a real estate and

financial information management company basedin Washington, D.C. Mr. Ofori is a graduate of

Howard University, where he earned a Bachelor’sof Business Administration in 1983. In 1987, he

earned his Certified Public Accountant (“CPA”)license. He founded Ofori in 1991, as a one-

person CPA firm in Washington, D.C thatprepared tax returns and financial statements for

small business clients. Over the past 23 years, hehas grown Ofori to approximately 140 employees,

located in Washington, D.C., Hartford, CT, andAtlanta, GA.

Through Ofori , Mr. Ofori has advised countless Federal agencies, such as U.S. Dep’t of Housingand Urban Development, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Dep’t of Agricultureand many more on mission critical projects and financial management throughout the country.

Since 1982, he has been married to the former Harriet Agyeman, of which they have three sons.Their eldest, Curtis N. Ofori is a CPA as well; who received a Bachelor’s in Accounting from theUniversity of Virginia and received a Master in Business Administration from the University ofPennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. His second son, Otis N. Ofori earned a Bachelor’sin Economics from the University of Virginia as well as a law degree from University ofVirginia School of Law. His youngest, Charles N. Ofori, Jr. earned a degree in BusinessAdministration from Morehouse College.

Mr. Ofori has dedicated his private life to philanthropy, having consistently made charitabledonations to support the work of God and other charitable organizations around the world.Accordingly, Asanteman Council of North America is privileged to have such a distinguishedperson, along with his wife, Mrs. Harriet Ofori, to chair the Asante Day 2014 Fundraising DinnerDance Event.

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ASANTEMAN ASSOCIATION of WASHINGTON METRO AREA

Introduction

Asanteman Association of Washington Metropolitan Area was born out of the merger of former Asante Associationof Washington Area and Asanteman Kuo of Washington Area.

Asanteman Groups in Washington (Asante Kotoko Association of Washington Metro Area; Asanteman Kuo ofWashington Metro Area and Asante Association of Washington Metro Area) - Historical Perspective.

In the early 1960s, significant number of people from the Asanteman areas of Ghana migrated into the WashingtonMetro Area. The population of Asantes in this part of North America grew steadily over time but realizing theweakness of a divided people and the strength of a united body, in early part of 1982, some thirteen (13) Asantesincluding Mr. Osei Adu Boahene, Mr. Kwaku Abankwa, Mr.Johnson Boadu, Mr. Aboagye Manu and Nana NimoAchiaa, to mention but a few, with their collective vision and determination, organized the sons and daughters ofAsanteman in the Washington Area to form the first association of Asantes and friends of Asantes in the name ofAsante Kotoko Association of the Washington Metro Area. The association, among others, aimed at promoting acommon forum for the exchange of ideas among all people interested in the association and to cater for the social,moral, cultural and financial needs of its members as well as assisting in the socioeconomic development of Ghana ingeneral and particularly the Asanteman Areas in Ghana. In June 1982, Asante Kotoko Association was formallyinaugurated and Mr. Osei Adu Boahene was sworn in as the first President of the Association. The Association grewfrom strength to strength and it was well known among the length and breadth of the Ghanaians in the WashingtonMetro Area. In November 1984, Mr. Sekyere Aboagye-Mainu became the second President of the Association. Mr.Kwaku Ageman-Duah was sworn in as the third President in 1987 and in 1990, Mr. Johnson Boadu became thefourth President. Nana Kwame Amoah in 1995 and Nana Adu-Gyamfi Kumanin in 1999 became the fifth and sixthPresidents respectively. Mr. Akwasi Owusu was sworn in as the seventh President of Asante Kotoko in 2001afterserving the Association as the Vice President under Nana Adu-Gyamfi Kumanin's administration .However, in 1989, some members of Asante Kotoko Association and other Asantes in the Washington Metro Area,spearheaded by Nana Pipim, Nana Osei Bonsu, Nana Aboagye and Nana Adusei Kantinka organized yet anotherAssociation of Asantes in the area with similar aims and objectives but with inclusion and adoption of the AsanteChieftaincy System in the affairs of the Association and with the election of Asantefuohene, Asantefuohemaa andother Subchiefs and Abusuapanin who ran and managed the administrative functions of the Association. ThisAssociation came to be known and called Asanteman Kuo of Washington Metropolitan Area. Asante Kotokomembers fiercely and vehemently opposed the adoption of the Chieftaincy system by their Association. Thisdifference sharply defined the two organizations and contributed to a long period of division and perceived hatredamong the Asantes in these two organizations in the Washington Area. Nevertheless, both Associations co-existed.Asanteman Kuo of Washington Metro Area, invigorated by the recognition of the introduction of the ChieftaincySystem in North America by Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, the then Asantehene and who signified his recognition bybringing the first Asantefuohene Stool to New York and consented to one of his Paramount Chiefs to proceed to NewYork to represent him to take the oath of allegiance of the first Asantefuohene of New York and coupled with similarAsantefuohene's stool being sent to Toronto, Canada and New England State in that order, left no stone unturned tobe the fourth North American City to receive Asantefuohene's stool for the Washington Metropolitan Area. The firstoccupant of Washington Asantefuohene's stool was the late Nana Baffour Akoto with the late Nana NyarkoAbronomah as the first Asantefuohemaa of Washington. Nana Adusei Kantinka came after Nana Akoto with NanaSerwaa Brakatu as the Asantefuohemaa. Nana Baafour Awuah became the next Asantefuohene after Nana AduseiKantinka with Nana Asantewaa as the Asantefuohemaa. Nana Amo Gyebi was sworn in as Asantefuohene with NanaAfua Buo as the Asantefuohemaa.

It is, however, worthy to note that all these while, well-meaning and prominent personalities who had the unity ofthe Asante People in Washington at heart relentlessly held unification talks with the two Asante Organizations withthe objective of bringing together all Asantes under one unified and strong Association. Unfortunately, several ofthese unification talks failed to yield the desired results.

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ASANTEMAN ASSOCIATION of WASHINGTON METRO AREA … 3 of 3

Then during the administrations of Mr. Akwasi Owusu as the President of Asante Kotoko Association and NanaAmo Gyebi as the Asantefuohene of Washington and heading Asanteman Kuo, the timely intervention of Mr. AlanKyerematen, the then Ghana Ambassador to United States, Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem I, Omanhene of TepaTraditional Area and Nana Bompatahene, brought about the much expected unification between the two AsanteGroups. Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding that ensued, a new Asante Union was formed andnamed the Asante Association of Washington Metropolitan Area which adopted a hybrid organizational structurewhich has the governing body headed by the Presidency and the Executives on one arm and the Chieftaincy andCouncil of Elders headed by the Asantefuohene on the other arm. When one would think all was set for a lastingand strong united Asante Association to cater for the needs and aspirations of Asanteman in Washington, theunexpected happened and the unification was short lived. At the very first meeting of members of the unifiedassociation in 2003, misunderstanding broke up which led to the further breaking down of the Asantes inWashington. Instead of the desired one united Association, Washington wake up with three Associations, namely,a section of the Asantes reneged on their unity pledge and went back to Asante Kotoko Association while a fewothers went back to Asanteman Kuo. But the vast majority of members from both Associations faithfully honoredtheir unity pledge and moved on to organize and form the newly unified association and name it the AsanteAssociation of Washington Metro Area. It took the hard work, determination and sacrifice of some ten foundingleaders who contributed seed money of $200 each to get the new Association financially grounded. Thesefounding leaders include Kwame Bonsu, Odiatuo Asante, Golash Adadey, Akwasi Owusu, Kwame Prempeh,Eddie Asante, Nana Amo Gyebi, Nana Baffour Akoto, Atta Nsafoah and Simon Owusu. The Asante Associationreceived the recognition by Asanteman Council of North America (ACONA) and the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi,the official seat of Asantehene, as the Asante Group authorized to elect and swear in Asantefuohene andAsantefuohemaa of Washington Metro Area.

Accordingly, the Asante Association in 2004, after due process in line with the newly adopted constitution, electedNana Kofi Boateng and Nana Ama Achiaa as the Asantefuohene and Asantefuohemaa of Washington Metro Arearespectively. The Association had earlier on in the year, elected Mr. Kwame Prempeh as the first President of thenew Association.

Swearing-in of Nana Kofi Boateng as Asantefuohene of Washington in 2004Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene’s Representative, Nana Adusei Atwerewa Ampem I,

Omanhene of Tepa Traditional Area is seen taking the oath of allegiance.

The Washington Asanteman Stool

The two former Asantefuohene (Nana Akoto and Nana Amo Gyebi) who supported the unification and worked tobring it to fruition later sabotaged and threatened the very unity they had fought for. The Washington Stool issacred to the Asantes in Washington Metro Area as we believe that it contains the spirit or soul of the Ashantipeople in Washington. The Stool is regarded as sacred and that not even the Asantefuohene is allowed to sit on it, asymbol of our unity.

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ASANTEMAN ASSOCIATION of WASHINGTON METRO AREA … 3 of 3

The Asantes have always defended their Stool when it wasunder threat. No wonder in 2005, the Asanteman ofWashington took issue with Nana Akoto and Nana AmoGyebi when the two seized the Washington Stool, kept it tothemselves and refused to hand it over to Asanteman whenthe two ex-chiefs disassociated themselves from WashingtonAsanteman. The Asantes have always been proud of theuniqueness of their Stool, as it signified not only theirindependence, but a common bond between their people.

It came not as a surprise when Washington Asanteman resolved to wage war against these two individuals for thereturn of the Stool. However, upon the wise counsel of Nana Adusei Atwerewa Ampem I, Asanteman rescinded itsdecision and upon persistent refusal to return the Stool to Asanteman and through the instrumentality of Nana KofiBoateng, Washington Asantefuohene, Nana Tepahene took the matter to Otumfuo who after performing thenecessary rituals, desanctified the old Washington Stool and sanctified a new Stool for Washington.

Mr. Kwame Prempeh's administration was severely challenged to maintain the fragile unity and peace and tosolidify the gains the fractured unification brought to Asante Association. Though the challenge was daunting, hisadministration was equal to the task and managed to steer the affairs of the Association until Mr. Kofi Afful tookover the Presidency and for four years Mr. Afful presided over the affairs of the Association which saw significantgrowth in membership as well as marked improvement in the Association's finances. Member contentment andsatisfaction reached an unprecedented height. The Association sponsored and supported Mr. Afful, their presidentto win the Chairmanship of the Council of Ghanaian Associations in Washington, a position he held for two termsand with distinction. Then Mr. Samuel Akwasi Agyeman, who had previously served the Association as theGeneral Secretary and after serving the Association as the Vice President for two years in Mr. Afful's second termadministration, became the next and the current President of Asanteman Association. Within the first year of hisadministration, Asante Association and Asanteman Kuo sealed a successful unification deal and today we have astrong, united and dynamic Asanteman Association of Washington Metro Area and Nana Kofi Boateng and NanaAma Achiaa have served as Asantefuohene and Asantefuohemaa of the Washington metro Area respectively forthe past ten years and they have, over the years, worked well with the three different administrations and haverepresented Washington Asanteman honorably and creditably both at home and beyond. In October 2011,Asantefuohene and Asantefuohemaa were featured at the front page of the Washington Post depicting the Asanteroyalty in their rich and gorgeous kente clothes and adorned with golden ornaments and apparels to the admirationof the international community. Additionally, Nana Kofi Boateng was featured in the documentary, "Obama inGhana, the Untold Story" directed by the award winning Film Maker, Tony Regusters.

Asantes in Washington Metro Area, over the years, contributed to the development of Asanteman areas in Ghana.In 1989, the then Asante Kotoko adopted Ward C2 of the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghanaand by 1998, the Association had contributed over $20,000 towards renovation works at the Hospital and othermedical supplies. In more recent time, and from the school year of 2008 through 2012, Washington Asantemandonated a total of $12,000 for four-year scholarship in tuition assistance of $300 per year, per student to ten (10)brilliant but needy students to assist them through their Senior Secondary School Education. Additionally,Washington Asanteman has been an active and strong participant in all Asanteman Council of North America(ACONA) events, programs and activities. Mr. Kwaku Agyeman Duah, an illustrious elder of WashingtonAsanteman is the current Executive Secretary of ACONA. Needless to say, Asanteman Association of WashingtonMetro Area is proud to host the Asante Day 2014 in the nation's capital city.

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ASANTEMAN ASSOCIATION OF WASHINGTON METRO AREA

IN MEMORY OF DEAR DEPARTED MEMBERS

FRANCIS OSEI NSAFOAH25TH MAY 1950 – 22ND OCTOBER 2003

OWUSU WADIE NKWANTABISA–

ADDAE BOADU16TH JUNE 1943 – 4TH DECEMBER 2003

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MR. KWASI ADDAI AGYEMANPRESIDENT

MR. ABOAGYE FRIMPONGVICE PRESIDENT

MRS. SANDRA OSEISECRETARY

MR. YAW OFORI AHENKORAHTREASURER

MR. CHARLES ADDAIFIANCIAL SECRETARY

NANA AKOSUA BARNIEHCULTURAL CO-ORDINATOR

MRS. VIVIAN ANOKYE DANSOSOCIAL ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR

MS. AFUA DUFIEASST. CULTURAL CO-ORDINATOR

MS. AMA SERWAHASSISTANT SECRETARY

ASANTEMAN ASSOCIATION OF WASHINGTON METRO AREA

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

MR. AGYARE WIAFEASST. PUBLICITY OFFICER

MRS. MARGARET BOAMPONSEMPUBLICITY OFFICER

NANA KWAME BRONYAHASST. TREASURER

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NANA KOFI AGYENIM BOATENGASANTEFUOHENE

& CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL OF ELDERS

NANA AMOAH GYAAMI OFORI PANIN II

NANA AMA ACHIAAASANTEFUOHEMAA

NANA KWAME DARKOKONTIHENE

MR. KWAKU AGYEMAN-DUAH

NANA SERWAA BRAKATU

MR. ADOLF KOFI AFFUL

MR. AKWASI OWUSU

ASANTEMAN ASSOCIATIONOF WASHINGTON METRO AREA

COUNCIL OF ELDERS

NANA OPOKU ADUSEI KANTINKA

NANA BAFFOUR AWUAH

NANA KWASI MENSAH NANA AFIA BUOR MR. KWAME FOFIEABUSUAPANIN

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THE AKAN ABUSUA

The various Akan families are the root of all Akans. On migration the people were living together as one Abusua or family. The family orAbusua is matrilineal and each Akan belongs to one of them. Every Akan whose mother is an Akan belongs to one of these Abusua, and itis along these lines that inheritance is determined with regard to Akan stools or family properties.

The Aduana (Atwea, Abrade, Amoakare ne Ada) Abusua is one of the largest abusua or clans ofthe Akans. The Aduana people are believed to have been led out of the ground by a dog which hadfire in his mouth. Hence they are referred to as Ogyaasefuo. This has also become one of the accolades of the Dormaahene who

is also from the Aduana family.

It is also believed that the first Aduana had a dog that once was out to search for food and on seeing fire the dog thought there was somethingto eat for him and in doing so got his mouth seriously burnt. When the owner saw it coming with the fire he then said , "m'atwea woabre meadie" meaning my dog you have brought me something worthy. This gave birth to the name of the Aduana people "Aduana Atwea Aberade".Another accolade is "Aduana Nyankonpa Sakyire"!!!

The totem or symbol of Aduana is the dog and fire. It is believed that their Patriach was Nana Bomaa Kusi of Wam. Although Akwamu wasthere before Wam this has become the general belief and this has been accepted. Their symbolic qualities are honesty and industriousness. Ifsomeone from the Aduana Clan greets you the response is, "Yaa Aberade or "Yaa Ogyaba".

In Asante the principal towns for the Aduana are Kumawu, Asumanya, Kwaman, Boaman, Agogo, Apromaase, Tikurom, Kaase, Apagya,Bompata, Kwaso, Akyease, Takyiman, Nsuatre, Drobo, Manso-Mmem, Manso-Abodom, and Nyinahen.

The Bretuo ne Tena family (Fantse - Twidanfo) is often referred to as "etene ne bretuo" becauseetene or tana is said to be a youngersister of the big Bretuo family. Bretuo is also said to be the sister of the Agona Abusua.

According to the oral tradition, the first known ancestress of the Bretuo is Nana Asiama Guahyia. She gave birth to seven children includingNana Bafuo Antiedu. After the death of Nana Guahyia at Odaso which is on the present Oboase road, there was a conflict over her successionand two of her children migrated towards Akyem and Kwahu. Nana Bafuo Antiedu led a section of the Bretuo to Behenase and finally toAkrofoso. From Akrofoso they moved to make a final settlement at Mampong. The other brothers and sisters and their family that left for Kwahusettled at Obo and Abetifi. Those who left for Akyem settled at Kukurantumi and Apedwa but were however not the first settlers. They wereoffered a piece of land for settlement by the Asona families who had previously been there.

Their totem is the leopard and their symbolic quality is Bravery and Aggressiveness.It might be interesting to know that it is as a result of the bravery of the Bretuoba Nana Boahene Anantuo of Mampong that the Silver Stool wascreated by Okomfo Anokye, this stool was meant to be next to the Golden Stool of the Asantes. If a Bretuo greets you the response is "Yaatwidan" or "Yaa tana".

Here are some of the Akan stools occupied by members of the Bretuo family:Mamponghene, Kwahumanhene, Affigyaasehene, Abetifihene, Amoafohene and Ofoasehene.

The Agona Abusua or Family (Fantse- Eguanafo) is classified as a brother to the Bretuo family. According to oral tradition,these people were very powerful in terms of statesmanship and governance. With the help of their first King Nana Boa Amponsem I,they founded the first Akan Empire, Denkyira. The Empire controlled the whole of the Akan states and also had a direct access tothe coast and were also the middlemen to the white traders at the coast.

The Agona family members are by nature very good businessmen because it is said that their ancestors had always controlled the gold andkola trade before arriving at Adanse. From Denkyera two brothers who were hunters left with their families to seek for a new settlement.One of the families found themselves at Nsaabaa and the other at Tafo in Kwaaman (later Kumase). Much is not known of the family that arrivedat Nsaabaa. Those who settled at Tafo became the first settlers of modern Kumase. Nana Oti Akenten's hunter who discovered Kwaamanactually on behalf of his chief bought the first piece of land for settlement from Agonaba Nana Adwoa Nkraa Awere. Because the Agona's werethe first settlers in Kumase the chief of Tafo still controls a large portion of the land in Kumase.

The patriarch of the agona family is Nana Boa Amposem l of Denkyera. Their totem is the parrot and their symbolic quality is eloquence andperfect management. If an Agona greets you their response is "Yaa Adome" or "Yaa Otwidamâ".

Here are some of the major Akan Stools that are occupied by members of the Agona family:Denkyerahene, Tafohene, Nkaawiehene, Fomesuahene, Asuowinhene and Amoamamhene

The Asakyiri Abusua or family, (Fantse Anonafo) people are also referred to as Amoakaadefuo. Unfortunately this family isrelatively small in their numbers. They also settled at Adanse and founded the State of Akorokyere. They lived here until thebeginning of the 17th century when some of them migrated to place like Asakyiri (Amansie) Aberankese-Nyame Ani, Nzema andWassa.

Their patriarch is Nana Yankyimadu of Akorokyere and their totem is the Hawk. Their symbolic qualities are calmness and patience.If an Asakyiri greets you the response is "Yaa Amoakaade Nana".

Here are some of the few Akan stool that are occupied by the members of Asakyiri today:Akorokyerehene, Asakyirihene - Amansie, Bobereasehene, Adukromhene and Odumasehene - Adanse

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THE AKAN ABUSUA

The Oyoko Abusua or Clan (Yokofo or Dehyena in Fantse) is the most powerful family in Asante because it is the rulingfamily and the occupant of the Golden Stool. The Ayokofuo (plural) have up to date tried to maintain that is forbidden fortwo Ayokofuo to marry irrespective of town or tribe. There are only few such marriages.

The Oyokuo family is said to have come out of the Ekuona family.The first known Oyoko woman was Nana Ekuru who had migrated from Adanse to settle in Asuom. She had two children called Nana Yitaand Nana Antwiwaa Nyame. Nana Antwiwaa Nyame and her people migrated from Asuom to Betenase in the Akyem area. Since they didnot have the ambition to stay there they renamed the place "Yesii-ha-kwa or Asii-ha-kwa", this later changed to become Asiakwa.They then left Asiakwa but left some of their people to take care of the place and that is the reason why the Asiakwahene, who is theNifahene of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, belongs to the Oyoko family. And that is also the reason why in the olden days theAsiakwahene was not always loyal to the Okyehene with regard to Wars against Asantes.

After leaving Asiakwa we heard that Antwiwaa Nyame and her children emerged from a hole at Asantemanso in Asumnnya. NanaAntwiwaa Nyame had the following children: Nana Twum, Nana Antwi who ruled the Oyoko family together, Nana Kwabea Amanfi, theiryounger brother who succeeded them as the next ruler, Nana Pinaman Panin who was the first queen of Kokofu and the direct greatgrandmother of the first Asantehene King Osei Tutu ll, and Nana Oti Akenten who moved the Ayokofuo from Kokofu to Kwaaman, whichlater became Kumase.

The present occupant of the Golden Stool is the direct descendant of Nana Antwiwaa Nyame in the 21st generation. The patriarchs of theOyoko family are Twum and Antwi of Asantemanso and Kokofu and their totem is the falcon.Their symbolic qualities are statesmanship, patience and bravery.If an Oyokuo greets you their response are "Yaa Eburu", "Yaa Oyokuoba" or "Yaa Odohyie Nana".

Here are some of the Akan Stools that belong to the Oyoko family:Asantehene, Kokofuhene, Dwabenhene, Bekwaihene, Asiakwahene, Juasohene, Kuntanasehene, Sawiahene, Dwansahene and Oboguhene

The Asona Abusua or Clan is called Nsunafo or Dumana in Fantse. The first known Asona woman was Asonaba Nana AnoBoadie who gave birth to Nana Ofori Panin, Nana Nyaako Braae and Nana Aberewa Dokuaa. It is interesting to know that allother members of the Asona Family trace their origin from this root, irrespective of what tribe they belong to today. A tribe issomething that later came into existence and created a serious problem for the families because it divided them and eventuallymade them strangers to each other.

The akyenaboa or totem symbol of the the Asona Clan is the crow(Kwaakwadebi) and their patriarch is Nana Kunkuntunkununku l of AkyemAbuakwa. It is also a taboo for an Asona to come across the red snake popularly known as Asonawo, this might mean the death of a familymember. The symbolic quality of the Asona Clan is statesmanship and patriotism and this is even portrayed by Asona women of today.

Among the Asantes the Offinsohene is considered the head of the Asona family.

The Asona Clan is among the few families where the women were given the privilege to rule as Kings or Chiefs. Three examples could begiven here. Nana Abena Boaa who ruled Offinso (1610-1640),Nana Afia Dokuaa who ruled Akyem Abuakwa (1817-1835), and Nana YaaAsantewaa who ruled Edweso (1896-1900).

One of the accolades of the Asona family is that they look so beautiful and pretty. The saying goes this way: "Asonafuo a ahoofe adware won,won atiko tese obi anim." Literal meaning is - the people of the Asona family are so pretty that the back side of the head is as beautiful assomeone's face. Nananom asonafuo a yennko nsuo ngu obi ahinam.

If you are greeted by an Asonaba the response is "Yaa Oforina" or "Yaa Asonaa".Here are some of the major Stools occupied by the Asona family: Okyehene (Ofori Panin's Stool), Offinsohene (Wiafe Akenten's Stool),Edwesohene, Okuapehene, Mankessimhene, Nkwatiahene, Asafohene, Kumase Akomferehene, Toasehene and Kwahu Aduammoahene.

The Ekuona Abusua are also referred to as Ekuo ne Asimpi. The family is also sometimes referred to as Asokorefuo.It is believed that most the Akan families originally belonged to this family and this makes them the mother of all the families.The Ekuona family members are believed to be the first among the Akans who built houses hence the name "Adan-sifuo"house builders.

The Asokorefuo generally love their sons so much that they have always made it possible for them to occupy their various stools althoughsuccession or inheritance is matrilineal. This for example has created a problem in Berekum that when the last Chief died the real Asokorefamily claimed their stool and it nearly led to a war. This problem started when in 1770 Nana Amankona Diawuo succeeded his father NanaKyere Diabour. According to oral tradition, it was the Ekuona family that introduced the job of an Okyeame into the Akan system when theirchief Nana Awurade Basa of Adanse in the 15th century appointed the first Okyeame. A linguist is capable of changing the original speech ofhis chief without making him look stupid, hence the name “Okyea-ameneeâ€. Literally translated means somebody capable of bending orstraightening up the brain. The patriach of the Ekuona is Nana Asante Gyima of Adanse and their totem is the Buffalo (Ekuo). Theirsymbolic quality is honesty and uprightness. If someone from the Ekuona family greets you the response is "Yaa kuona" or "Yaa obatanpa".Here are some of the Akan stools that are from Ekuona family: Adansehene, Berekumhene, Oguaahene and Asokorehene

The Asenie Abusua. like almost all the Akan families, is also originated from Adanse. They migrated to Dompoase andNana Dufie gave birth to six children at Dompoase including Nana Adutwumwaa and Nana Dwirayikwaa. Some ofNana Dufie’s children then migrated to places like Asantemanso, Amakom, Aduaben and Awukuguaa. From Asantemansosection of the family migrated to Nkuroso, near Bonwire and finally to Agona Akyempem. Nana Dwirayikwaa gave birth toOkomfo Yamoa and Okomfo Anokye. After Anokye and Nana Osei Tutu had met at Denkyerahene's palace they became friends

and Anokye Komfo helped Nana Osei Tutu to escape execution and eventually followed him to Akwamu. Okomfo Anokye later became the chiefand priest of Agona Akyempem and eventually the caretaker of the Golden Stool of Asantes. If you are greeted by an Asenie the response is"Yaa Abrawo". Here are some of the Akan stools occupied by Asenie members: Wenchihene, Agonahene, Amakomhene (Kumase), Antoahene,Nkoransahene, Dompoasehene, Denyaasehene, Tekyimanhene, Poanohene, Kobirisohene, Asuboahene , Atwomahene and Kwaamohene

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From the Archives

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu IIwith Queen Beatrix of Netherlands

Kumasi in 1900

Adum in 1931

Kumasi Railway Station in 1903

Asantehene Otumfuo Prempeh IIwith Muhammad Alin in 1964

From the Archives

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From the Archives

Asantehemaa Yaa Akyaa in Sechelles Islands

Asantehene Prempeh I in Sechelles Islands

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General meetings of the Association are held on the last Saturday of the month starting at 7:30 P.M. at Fairlington United Methodist Church, 3900 King Street, Alexandria, VA [Directions: From DC: Take 395 South, exit to King Street (Route 7 East), then right at first traffic light - the Church is on your right. From 495:Take 395 North, exit to King Street (Route 7 East), then right at first traffic light - the Church is on your right.] For additional information, Please contact: Mr. Kwasi A. Agyemang (President) 703-904-0684 Mrs. Sandra Osei (Secretary) 301-925-2204 Nana Kofi A. Boateng (Asantefuohene) 301-213-9114 Nana Ama Achiaa (Asantefuohemaa) 703-966-5862

UNITING ALL ASANTES TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER

AND FOR ASANTEMAN DEVELOPMENT

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OVERVIEW OF ASANTEMAN ASSOCIATION

OF WASHINGTON METROPOTAN AREA

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

As a democratic, non-profit, non-political and non-religious organization, the goals and objectives of the Association are to: * Unite Asantes in Washington Metropolitan Area. * Promote the social, moral, educational and the general

welfare of its members. * Provide a source of cultural enrichment, and promote

interest, inform and educate the general community about Asante culture.

* To instill and inculcate in the youth the love and pride of Asante cultural heritage.

* Provide social networking and support for the members. * Organize periodic workshops to educate members on

pertinent issues, such as Asante culture and traditions, legal, immigration, health, employment, insurance, and investments.

* Project good image of Asantes in the Washington metro area.

* Support Asanteman development efforts by motivating and educating members to financially support educational, health and other social programs in Asanteman.

* Develop linkages to and networking with other African ethnic groups and participating in inter-cultural exchange programs.

* Assist the needy financially and in kind. * Contribute to the development of the Washington

Metropolitan area community by performing voluntary services.

GOVERNING BODY

An Executive Council headed by a President is the policy making body and is responsible for the general running of the Association. An Advisory Council, headed by an Asantefuohene (Chief) as the Chairman, has the role of advising on the progress and smooth running of the Association and projecting Asante culture and traditions.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership of the Association is open to all Asantes and sympathisers residing in the Washington metropolitan area who subscribe to the goals and objectives of the Association. A member is in good standing if he/she has fully met all his/her financial obligations to and participates in the affairs of the Association. Financial obligations include but not limited to payment of membership fee, monthly dues, and pledges, and all monies from fundraising activities. Monthly dues of ten dollars ($10) are payable to the Treasurer on the first of each month. Membership application fee is twenty-five dollars ($25).

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

FUNERAL CONTRIBUTIONS Each member shall make a certain minimum contribution towards the funeral expenses, and which shall be collected by the Treasurer and presented to the bereaved member or family, following the death of : * A Member; * The spouse of a Member; * A minor child (less than 18 years old) of a Member, ; and * A relative of a Member. The minimum contribution for each case shall be defined in the Association's Bylaws WEDDING / CHILD NAMING / OUTDOORING There shall be no financial obligation to the Association towards a member*s wedding, child naming or outdooring ceremony. Members present at a wedding, child naming or outdooring shall voluntarily contribute money for collective presentation at the ceremony. FINANCIAL AID TO A SICK MEMBER If a member in good standing is hospitalized for a period of time, the Association shall present to him/her a bouquet of flowers and an amount as defined in the Association's Bylaws.

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NANA KOFI AGYENIM BOATENG10-Year Reign as Asantefuoheneand Service to the Community

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NANA KOFI AGYENIM BOATENG10-Year Reign as Asantefuoheneand Service to the Community

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NANA KOFI AGYENIM BOATENG10-Year Reign as Asantefuoheneand Service to the Community

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NANA KOFI AGYENIM BOATENG10-Year Reign as Asantefuoheneand Service to the Community

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ASANTEMAN ASSOCIATION of TORONTO, CANADA

Nana Kofi Owusu, the former Abusuapanin Of Asanteman Association Of Toronto, visited his brother in New YorkCity, the late Aboafuohene Of Kumasi, Nana Tweneboa Bawuah-Bonsafo, popularly known as Nana Adum Bawuah.He found out that, his brother, had Just formed the first Asanteman Association in North America in New York City.Nana Kofi Owusu came back to Toronto with the video tape of the swearing-in ceremony with the aim Of forming aSimilar association in Toronto.One sunny Sunday afternoon of June 1981, after a soccer match at Eglington and Jane Street, he Invited the Asantesamong the then Morning Star Soccer Club, which later became Black Star Soccer Club, to his apartment at 1555 JaneStreet to view the video tape he brought from New York City. Those who were present that day were, myself, NanaOsei-Achampong, Nana Sikafutro Serwaa Ampem, Nana Wiafe Akenteng, Mr. Owusu Nkwatabisah, the late KwameEdwin Brefo, Nana Fredua Agyemang, Nana Sarpong Serebuor, Mr.Newman Nkrumah and Nana Kwaku Agyemang.After Viewing the video, the above people decided to form an association of Asantes . Therefore, in 1982, the firstmeeting was held at Malton Community Centre, and the name Ashanti Canadian Multicultural Association OfToronto was selected as an official name of the Association. Some months later an Interim Committee was chosenheaded by late Nana Agyeman Prempeh. In the middle of 1982, a Constitunal Committee was formed with NanaOwusu Baah as the Chairman. They came up with the aims Below.The Ashantis residing in Canada seek to promote the rich cultural heritage we know for the mutual benefit ofourselves and the multi-culturalism Of Canada.The other basic aims of the Association are:

A. To encourage a sense of togetherness and to discourage Divisiveness.B. To assist ourselves socially, morally and financially; also to give group support when neccesary.C. To assist in educating ourselves and our children in Asante cultural values and promote good citizenship inmulti-cultural Canada.D. To endeavour to help Ashanti Region, Ghana, in its development.E. Also Tto Cco-operate with any association with similar aims and aspirations.

( It is interesting to know that, our Constituion is only one in North America which Has been translated into Twi,thanks to one of our devoted members, Mr.Ken Ntiamoa.)

Under the supervision of an interim committee and an Electoral Commission, Nana Owusu Baah and Nana AbenaaMansah became the first King (Asantefuohene) and Queen Mother (Asantefuohemaa), respectively from 1983 to1985. With the help of the members and advisors from Manhyia, the Association was inaugurated in August 1983.Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, the Spiritual and Cultural Leader Of the Asante people sent Nana Akuoko Sarpong ,Omanhene Of Agogo, as his personal representative to Toronto to oversee the traditional inauguration and swearing-in ceremony (enstoolment) of Nana Owusu Baah and Nana Abenaa Mansah. Nana Akuoko Sarpong presented astool from the Asantehene to the Toronto association and Wofa Kwabena Antwi also gave the Association atipim.The Association was also registered with the government of Ontario as a non-profit organization.

Aided by the hard work of the membership and the influence of Nana Owusu Baah, the association was granted somemoney by the government of Ontario to start off. Nana Owusu Baah also promoted Asante customs and traditions byestablishing a heritage school with the help of the government, to learn the Twi language and history of Ghana. Atthe end of the reign of Nana Owusu Baah and Nana Abenaa Mansah in the year 1985, a Regent Committee of sixEminent Members of the Association headed by Nana Osei Bekoe was appointed to handle the affairs until the year1986.

1986 to 1988 was the era of Nana Wiafe Akenteng with Nana Konadu-Yiadom as the Queen Mother. With thepermission of Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, the King Of Asante, Nana Wiafe Akenteng and his sub-chiefs wereauthorized to swear the oath of allegiance to Oheneba Adusei Poku, the Akyempemhene and Nana Boakye AnsahDebrah, Asokore Mamponghene, who is also Kumasi Nifahene.

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Nana Wiafe Akenten was very much interested in show-casing Asante tradition in the larger CanadianCommunity. The Association, therefore, participated in ihe Caribana Parade in 1987. The Ashanti Canadian Multi-Cultural Association eventually became the first African group to participate in the annual Caribana parade. It isinteresting to know that the Association was awarded Caribana's Best Prize For Costume And Druming that year.It was during the reign of Nana Wiafe Akenteng that, the Board of Trustees was changed to Council Of Elders.Abusuapanin was introduced as the head of Council Of Elders as compared to Chairman as head of Board OfTrustees. Nana Wiafe Akenten also introduced chieftancy titles and created some sub-chiefs in his administration.Nana Adu Boakye Tenten and Nana Amma Gyamfuwaa Amonu were the third King and Queen Mother,respectively from 1988 To 1991. Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, the Asantehene relegated some of his powers to NanaBoakye Ansah Debrah, Asokore Mamponghene, who is also Kumasi Nifahene and the late Nana Kanin Abrefa,Ampabamehene oo officiate the Swearing-in ceremony of Nana Boakye Tenten and his sub-chiefs.

President of Asanteman Council Of North America and held Asante Day Conference in Toronto with the AsanteKings in North America. At present, Asanteman Association Of Toronto has Nana Kofi Anokye Bresiamah andNana Pokuaa Gyamfi Kumanini as Asantefuohene and Asantefuohemaa, respectively. They were introduced inMay 2010, And Their Swearing-in ceremony was held September 2011.

By Nana Osei-Achampong (Abusuapanin) - Asanteman Association Of Toronto

EXECUITVE COUNCIL

NANA KOFI ANOKYE BRESIAMAH ASANTEFUOHENE

NANA POKUAA GYAMFI KUMANINI ASANTEFUOHEMAA

NANA AKWASI AGYEMANG TUTUMIRIKA KONTIHENE

NANA AMMA ANYIMADUWAA OHEMAA ABADIAKYIRE

MR. PETER MANU EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

NANA SEREBOUR ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

NANA KWAME AMOATENG FINANCIAL SECRETARY

NANA KWAME GYAMFI ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY

MRS. SHIRLEY AGYEKUM TREASURER

NANA AKWASI ADJEI PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

NANA ASARE BAAFOUR FRIMPONG MEETING CO-ORDINATOR

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ASANTE KROYE KUO OF GREATER HOUSTON

Asante Kroye Kuo of Greater Houston came into being in 1985. The original name of the association was AsantemanAssociation of Greater Houston, which was the first Ghanaian Association based on ethnic lines to be formed inHouston Texas. It started as a result of some thoughtful thinking and ingenuity of some Ghanaians from the AshantiRegion of Ghana in West Africa. The late Ohene Asare, who had just moved to Houston in the early eighties, cameup with the idea of an association based on ethnic lines and contacted all the well known Ghanaians in Houston andencouraged them to be a part of an association of people from the Asante Region of Ghana. Most of the people hecontacted showed interest and thought it were a great idea, so their first meeting was held in 1985.

Some of the original members were: Dr. Sannie Reagan, Mr. & Mrs. Dabanka, Nana and Mrs. Kwayie’Kyem, Mr. Kwame Akosa, Mr. Yaw Mensah, Nana Osei Bonsu, Mr. Kwadwo Sasu of blessed memory, Mr. KwasiMensah of blessed memory and his wife Mary Mensah, the late Justice Mensah Bonsu, Nana Akua Serwaah, the lateNtiamoah Mensah, Madam Joan Saucedo ( Nana Afia Fowaah, Makola), Mr. & Mrs. Wiafe, Oheneba Kofi Nti andthe late Nana Effa and his wife Margaret Effa.

Asanteman Association of Greater Houston lost some members when they elected to run the association based on theAsante traditional/ethnic system which gives administrative power to Asantefuohene, Asantefuohemaa and their subChiefs, over the administrative system, which comprises of elected Executive officers including a president, a vicepresident, a secretary, a treasurer etc. Nana Osei Bonsu was elected the first Asantefuohene with Madam JoanSaucedo ( Nana Afia Fowaah, Makola) as Asantefuohemaa of Houston Texas. Their term was over after four years,so they stepped down for someone else to be elected. Subsequent to their rule, Nana Effa and Mrs. Mary Dabankawere elected as Asantefuohene and Asantefuohemaa respectively. Mrs. Dabanka was later on replaced by Mrs.Rosina Antwi. Nana Effa and Mrs. Rosina Antwi were in charge until 1996.

Nana Effa was succeeded by Nana Owusu Akyaw Brempong as Asantefuohene of Houston in August 1996. Femalemembers of the association raised objections against Mrs. Rosina Antwi and she resigned as Queen Mother, so shewas replaced by Nana Adwoa Komaah I (Mrs. Theresa Mensah). Immediately following the declaration of NanaOwusu as Asantefuohene, Dr Sannie Reagan brought out an Asante State sword for Nana Owusu to swear an oath ofallegiance to members of the association. After that, all the members present swore an oath to him to signify theirrecognition of him as the new Asantefuohene of Houston. During Nana Owusu's first speech, he requested the then‘Abusuapanin’, Nana Osei Bonsu to ask the newest member of the association, Nana Essah Mensah, if he will acceptthe position of chief linquist and work with him to uplift the association and Nana Essah-Mensah readily acceptedand swore the oath of allegiance to Nana.

Again, it is worth noting that Asanteman Council of North America (ACONA), the national umbrella for allAsanteman Associations in North America, had a clause in its constitution which, stated that only one AsantemanAssociation would be recognized in each state. As a result of this clause, Asanteman Association of Greater Houstonwas viewed as a subset of the Asanteman Association of Dallas. The late Nana Osei Asibey Bonsu was theAsantefuohene in Dallas at that time and had already been inaugurated by Otumfour's representative, Nana EffaApenteng. Nana Osei Asibey Bonsu claimed Texas as his jurisdiction and in fact, tried to prevent any election ofAsantefuohene in the State of Texas to get inaugurated by ACONA. He recognized Asanteman Association ofGreater Houston as a strong and vibrant association but considered their chief as his right hand chief (Nifahene).

The first task that Nana Owusu Akyaw Brempong decided to undertake was to have Asanteman Council ofNorth America (ACONA) remove the clause from their constitution. Nana sent Okyeame Essah-Mensah to attendACONA meeting in Montreal, Canada in September 1996 to argue that case out. This was only one month after NanaOwusu came into office. That issue was finally settled in May 1997 in Chicago, Illinois and the full house ofACONA voted to cancel the clause and accepted Houston as the eleventh member of the ACONA, making Houstonan autonomous association void of Dallas. Nana Owusu became the first Asantefohene of Houston to swear the oathof allegiance to Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, the Asantehene. This took place in 1998 and as a result of the inaugurationand swearing in of Nana Owusu, Asanteman became strong with lots of Akans in Houston joining the association. In1999, ACONA meeting was held in Houston for the first time, and Okyeame Essah-Mensah was elected as PublicRelations Officer of ACONA. 82

ASANTE KROYE KUO OF GREATER HOUSTON … 2 of 3

In 2004, Nana Owusu stepped down, after eight years of Kingship to go to Ghana to become the Country Managerfor Kosmos Energy. Dr Sannie Reagan acted as leader for a while, and Nana Kwadwo Annor became theAsantefuohene for a while. In late 2009 and early 2010, Asanteman association of Houston was re-structured andits name changed to Asante Kroye Kuo. A new leader called Nana Kankan was elected but he ruled for only twomonths and left the scene. As part of the re-organization, two systems were put in place; the day-to dayadministration of the association is now handled by a President, Vice president, Secretary etc and the traditionalaspect is handled by a chief, queen mother and sub-chiefs.

Nana Ama Serwaah Akoto was elected as Asantefuohemaa in 2010 and Nana Kwaku Owusu AddaeMununkum I, was elected as the Asantefuohene in 2011. Nana Addae Mununkum elected the following people assub chiefs: Nana Kojo Amoah – Kuronti Hene, Nana Antwi Boasiako – Nifahene, Nana Frank Appiah – AnkobeaHene, Nana Kwasi Amuzu - Nkosuo Hene, Nana Achina – Akwamu Hene, Nana Okyem Kontor- Gyasi Hene), andNana Kwadwo Agyemang – Kyidom Hene. Nana Kwayie-Kyem serves as Abusua Panyin and Nana AkuaSerwaah is the Obaa Panyin of Asante Kroye Kuo of Houston. Administratively, Dr. Samuel Fordjour is thePresident and Mr. Lawrence Kofi Frimpong is the Vice President. Nana Essah-Mensah is the Secretary and Dr.Jude Debordes is the acting Secretary.

The re-structure has put Asante Kroye Kuo of Greater Houston on a sound footing administratively,financially and socially. A national Asante Day by ACONA was held in Houston in September 2012 for allassociations in North America to attend. Asante Kroye Kuo is seen in Houston as the leader of all the ethnic groupsin Houston. It is one of the best functioning groups within ACONA. It has gone through trials and tribulations butit has survived and it’s now stronger than ever, after going through the test of time.

LONG LIVE HOUSTON ASANTE KROYE KUO !!!!!!!!

ASANTE KROYE KUO!!!!!! ODO NKOAA!!!!!!!!!!!

Dr. Samuel FordjourPresident

Mr. Lawrence Kofi FrimpongVice President

Nana Essa MensahSecretary

Mr. J. Kofi Atta DebordesActing Secretary

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

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Nana Kwaku OwusuAddae Mununkum I

Asantefuohene

Nana Ama Serwaah AkotoAsantefuohemaa

Nana Kwayie-KyemAbusuapanin

Nana Kojo AmoahKuorntihene

Nana Akua SerwaahObaapanin

Nana Kwame AgyemangKyidomhene

Nana AchinaAkwamuhene

Nana Okyem-KontorGyasihene

Nana Afia Sarpong

ASANTE KROYE KUO OF GREATER HOUSTON … 3 of 3

CHIEFS AND QUEENMOTHERS

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ASANTE CULTURAL SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

The Asante Cultural Society of Southern California was founded in 1989 about 25 years ago.Nana Osei-Tutu was the first chief and Nana Kofi Ennin was the second chief, Nana Kofi Nti wasthe third and Nana Kwame Atta Yeboah is the current chief.

The Asante Cultural Society seeks to preserve Asante Cultural values and tradition among itsmembers and to introduce the general American society to the rich cultural of the Asante people.Hailing from a strong kingdom nestled between the Eastern and Western frontiers of Ghana, theAsantes. are the largest tribal grouping in Ghana. In Southern California the over 2000 Asanteshave over the years established strong cultural bonds and have been very successful and promotingtheir culture.

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ASANTEMAN ASSOCIATION of COLORADO

Asanteman constitute a political confederacy or state which developed in the eighteen and early nineteenthcenturies in the central part of Southern Ghana, West Africa. The largest and most prestigious of the kingdoms inGhana, it had wealthy and a powerful cheifdom based in Kumasi. It is believed that the state was created andmaintained by the dedicated and committed leaders who were ready to sacrifice their lives for the sake of theConfederacy. The Golden stool (sika gua) a symbol of unity brings all Asantes together. It is this spirit of unitythat touched and guided these distinguished members of our community for the formation of the AsantemanAssociation of Colorado in May 2002.

Organizing an association is never a solitary effort and as always there are many people that helped to thesuccessful formation of the association. A few that need mentioning are Nana Osei Sarpong, John Adase(Akonta), Peter Afriyie (Nana Wiafe), Anthony Yeboah, Kwadwo Agyekum, and Oheneba Danso Abeam. Thereare many others who are not mentioned here that deserve many kudos. To them I say “Yeda moase” (thank you).After several meetings and planning, the association was organized in May 2002 under the interim leadership ofAnthony Yeboah (President), Nana Osei Sarpong (Vice President), Eric K. Danso (General SEcretary), andKwadwo Agyekum (Tafa) (Treasurer).

In August 2005, the association was inaugurated by ACONA under the leadership of Rev. K. Agyarkwa-Boansi(President), Freda Agyeman (Vice President), Eric K. Danso (General Secretary). The association that began with24 members had as many as 70 members at the inauguration.The coronation of the first Asantefuohene, Nana Wiafe and Asantefuohemaa, Nana Serwaa Ampem was inSeptember of ‘09. When they pledged their allegiance to the Golden Stool in the presence of Nana EduseiAtwenewaa Ampem I (Paramount Cheif of Tepa Traditional Area) representative of Otumfuo. ColoradoAsanteman enstooled their first chief and Queen Mother Nana Wiafe and Nana Forwaa. They led the Associationfrom 2009 to 2013. The present executive members are the following, including Nana Abena Pokuaa the presentQueen Mother who was introduced in June 28, 2014.

Executive Members:

Oheneba Danso Abeam - President

Edward Opoku - Vice

Florence Owusu - Secretary

Kobina Annor - Treasurer

Nananom

Nana Wiafe - Asantefuohene

Nana Abena Pokuaa - Asantefuohemaa

K Agyarkwa Boansi - Abusuapanin

Comfort A. Sarpong - Ohemaa Maame

Other Chiefs & Queen Mothers :

Nana K Ampratwum

Nana Appiah

Nana Amo Mensah

Nana Sefa Adomanko

Nana Mark Antwi

Nana Akua Saa

Nana Fosuaa

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NANA KOFI FRIMPONGNIFAHENE

NANA YAA TABUAANIFA HEMAA

NANA KWAME KUSI APPIAHAKYEAMEHENE

ASANTEMAN ASSOCIATION of THE CAROLINAS

COUNCIL of ELDERS

PRINCE ACHEAMPONGMEMBER

NANA MARFOWAA AYOMDOKYEIOBAAPANIN

NANA BAFFOUR OSEI AKOTOASANTEFUOHENE & CHAIRMAN

NANA YAA FREMA OTATUOASANTEFUOHEMAA

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MR. SOLOMON AGYEMANGPRESIDENT

MR. KWAKU AGU-GYAMFIVICE PRESIDENT

MRS. NANA AFRIYIEGENERAL SECRETARY

MS. DORIS GYAMFITREASURER

MR. KWAKU BOATENGFIANCIAL SECRETARY

ASANTEMAN ASSOCIATION of THE CAROLINAS

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

MR. EMMANUEL NKETIAPUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

MS. BERTHA AKUMINGASSIT. FIANCIAL SECRETARY

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ASANTEMAN ASSOCIATION of GREATER CINCINNATI

The Asanteman Association of Greater Cincinnati, Ohio was founded in August 2007 by a groupof Asantes residing in the Greater Cincinnati. The founding members felt the desire to establishan organization to provide a forum where the Asante culture could be displayed. Furthermore,the need for the association was spurred by similar organizations in New York, Toronto and otherAsanteman Associations in other cities and their desire to educate second generation Asantesabout their culture heritage. Since its inception, the Asanteman Association of Greater Cincinnatihas not only provided a forum for Asante culture, but also engaged in developmental projects inGhana. Since development of every nation hinges on education, the association is very keenabout helping to educate Ghanaian children, especially in the rural areas in Ghana.As part of our mission for 2014 and 2015, the Association plans to renovate at least twoclassrooms blocks and assist three rural health centers with medical equipment.

The Association meets twice a month. For more information, please contact,NANA ADU OPOKU ASANTE KOTOKO (Asantefuohene) : 513-256-1690NANA ABENAA OBIYAA KUSIKYIWA (Asantefuohemaa) : 513-667-9030MR. MARTHIN ADJEI : 513-302-8281NANA GYIMA BONSU : 513-907-1317NANA ABENAA OTIM : 513-293-2512NANA OBENG NYAMEKYE : 513-823-8591and NANA AKUA NYARKO.

Executive Members of the Asanteman Association of Greater Cincinnati

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ASANTEMAN ASSOCIATION of COLUMBUS, OHIO

Over the past six years, there had been efforts by some natives of Asanteman living in Columbus,Chio to come together as a group to uplift the image of the Asante Kingdom by portraying theAsante culture. There were lots of ups and downs. However, with perseverance, this associationtook its shape in the year 2011. In order to participate in the Asanteman Development Fund, aninitiative by Otumfuo and to show reverence to the source of our traditional authority, we joinedthe Asanteman Council of North America (ACONA) in the year 2012.

We have installed our first Chief (Asantefuohene) and Queenmother (Asantefuohemaa), namelyNana Antwi Boasiako and Nana Ama Mansah Akoto, respectively.

We extend our thanks and appreciation to Nana Agyei Kwarteng II, Kronomhene, for without himwe could not have come this far.

Members of the Asanteman Association of Columbus, Ohio

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ACONA Council

ACONA Secretariat

• Executive Secretary - Samuel K. Duah• Asst. Executive Secretary - Kwabena Agyankwa Boansi• Financial Secretary - tbd• Treasurer - Charles K. Manu• Public Relations Secretary - Nana Yaw Marfo• Women’s Organizer - Diana Ahenkora• Youth Organizer - Nana Akosua Brayie

• President - Nana Okokyeredom Acheampong Tieku (outgoing)

- Nana Kofi Agyenim Boateng (incoming - 8/31/2014)

• Member Representatives(4 delegates from each member association)

Asanteman Associationof USA, New York

Asanteman Associationof Toronto, Canada

Asante Cultural Associationof Quebec, Canada

Asanteman Associationof Washington Metro Area

Asanteman Associationof Georgia

Asanteman Associationof the Carolinas

Asante Kroye Kuoof Greater Houston

Asanteman Associationof Texas (D/FW)

Asanteman Associationof Cincinnati, Ohio

Asanteman Associationof Chicaco & Midwest

Asanteman Associationof Southern California

Asanteman Associationof Colorado

Asanteman Associationof Columbus, Ohio

Organizational Structureof Asanteman Council of North America (ACONA)

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Summary submitted by Rex Poku (Immediate Past ACONA Executive Secretary) – August 2014

THE HISTORY OFASANTEMAN COUNCIL OF NORTH AMERICA (ACONA)

1982 The Asantehene, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II recognized Asanteman Chieftaincy in theUnited States and Canada with the with the swearing in of the first Asantefuohene ofAsanteman Association of USA, in New York and the first Asanteman Stool given toNew York by Otumfuo Opoku Ware II.

What was the Rationale for Otumfuo’s recognition of Asanteman in North America?

a. To foster unity among Asantes in the US and Canada because in unity lies ourstrength as Asantes

b. In our strength lies the birth of development projects for us here in the Diaspora andin Asanteman areas of Ghana. This might have been one of the most importantreasons for Otumfuo’s introduction and recognition of the chieftaincy conceptin North America.

c. Otumfuo also believed that chieftaincy; with its attendant cultural paraphernalia andsplendid glamor, would facilitate Asantes in North America efforts in contributingto the development in ASANTEMAN areas of Ghana.

The Concept gained popularity and spread like wild fire, quickly spreading to ten metroareas within a span of fifteen years.

1992 FORMATION OF THE HOUSE OF CHIEFSa. Six Asanteman associations that had been formed by then, came together to form

the Asanteman Union of North America, ASUNA, much like the House of Chiefs inAsanteman, during the installation of Nana Wiafe Ababio I, the Asantefuohene ofChicago and Midwest.

b. A Chief was elected President of the Union, with a General Secretary and otheradministrative support group, reporting to the President.

1st President – Nana Fredua Agyeman (Toronto)2nd President – Nana Boahen (Toronto)

c. The ASUNA name was changed to ACONA because of its similar pronunciation tothat of the ancestral and traditional ASONA abusua / clan.

d. Subsequent struggles for power among members for the position of the Presidencyimpeded progress, and bred animosity among members and member associations.

1995 FORMATION OF THE SECRETARIAT CONCEPT

In order to alleviate the problem of power struggles and internal politics, the majority ofthe members decided to adopt the Secretariat concept (UN Concept). An administrativeform of governance was established to run the day to day activities of the Council, witha reporting structure to the Council’s Delegates Meeting held at least once a year.

The concept was adopted at the Connecticut Accord in Hartford Connecticut, in thefall of 1995, called to order by the then Asantefuohene of New England, Nana KofiMensah Aborampa

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Summary submitted by Rex Poku (Immediate Past ACONA Executive Secretary) – August 2014

ACONA Secretariat currently comprises of Executive Secretary who is theSpokesperson and Chief Executive Officer of ACONA; an Assistant ExecutiveSecretary, a Financial Secretary, a Treasurer, a Public Relations Officer and NationalWomen and Youth Organizer.

ACONA Council is the legislative and policy making body and comprises of four (4)delegates from each of the active Member Associations and each delegation is headedby their respective Asantefuohenes and Asanteshemaas. Each member association hasfour (4) votes at each Council meeting. The ACONA Council is headed by a President,who is also the Ceremonial Head of ACONA. The President selected among one of theAsantefuohenes of the Member Associations.

The current active membership includes the following, in the order of seniority:

1. Asanteman Association of USA, New York2. Asanteman Association of Toronto, Ontario3. Asanteman Association of Washington Metro Area4. Asanteman Association of Chicago & Midwest5. Asanteman Association of Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth6. Asanteaman Association of Southern California7. Asante Kro Ye Kuo of Greater Houston8. Asanteman Association of Colorado9. Asanteman Association of Cincinnati, Ohio10. Asanteman Association of the Carolinas11. Asanteman Association of Columbus, Ohio

In addition to promoting unity among members of the local associations and toshowcase the Asante cultural heritage, the Council also exists to accomplish thefollowing, in the context of the celebration of Asante Day:

To bring Asantes together to assess their potential for development, and to mobilizeresources for development projects.

To help bridge the gap between Africans and peoples of African descent in theDiaspora.

To initiate inter-cultural and educational exchange programs with the worldcommunity, in order to promote understanding and general well-being.

To organize workshops to inculcate core Asanteban values into our youth.

To promote the image of Ghana, fostering unity among all Ghanaians.

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tbdFINANCIAL SECRETARY

CHARLES K. MANUTREASURER

NANA YAW MARFOPUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

MEMBERS OF ACONA EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT

NANA AKOSUA BRAYIEYOUTH ORGANIZER

DIANA AHNKORAWOMEN’S ORGANIZER

SAMUAL A. DUAHEXECUTIVE SECRETARY

KWABENA AGYANKWA BOANSIASSISTANT EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

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For additional information, please call Nana Akosua Barnieh at

301-469-9264

ASANTEMAN ASSOCIATION

CULTURAL GROUP

WE ARE AVAILABLE TO GRACE YOUR FUNCTIONS WITH AUTHENTIC

ASANTE CULTURAL DANCE

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ASANTEMAN ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP FUND Inspired by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II initiative for the establishment of the Otumfuo Education Fund, whIch has broadly been acclaimed successful in helping brilliant but needy students all over Ghana, the members of the Asanteman Association of the Washington Metro Area committed to continue the good works of the Asantehene to support ten (10) brilliant but needy students through four (4) years of high schooling.

These prospective students, who satisfied the association’s set criteria, are receiving annual tuition assistance of $300 per student for four year - the total for the four-year period is $12,000. The names of recent scholarship recipients including their schools are listed below:

1. JACQUELINE GAMBRAH ACHIAAKROM SECONDARY SCHOOL

2. LETICIA ASAMOAM KONADU BOA AMPONSEM SECONDARY SCHOOL

3. AKUA AMPONSAA ASANKRAGWA SECONDARY SCHOOL

4. KOFI ABAYIE BOATENG OSEI-TUTU SECONDARY SCHOOL

5. YAW APPIAH-KUSI JUABEN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

6. GIDEON DWUNFUOUR JACHIE PRAMSO SECONDARY SCHOOL

7. PATRICIA ACHEAMPONG ADUMAN SECONDARY SCHOOL

8. JOHN BOSCO AMANKWAH T. I. AHMADIYYA SECON DARY SCHOOL

9. ROBERT ANTOH TEPA SECONDARY SCHOOL

10. AKOSUA SEKYERE TEPA SECONDARY SCHOOL

On behalf of the Asanteman Association of the Washington Metro Area and the many deserving high school students we sponsor, I say THANK YOU for your continuing support of our Education Fund.

Kwasi A. Agyeman - President

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THE ROLE OF ASANTEMAN IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SCHOOLS AND IMPACT ON EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

PREAMBLE

The restoration of Asante Confederacy brought renaissance of its own significance to the power of learning and formal education, formal acquisition of skills and development of professions required for nation building and ensuring a progressive society. The abrogation of the Union of our Asante State in 1896 was unfortunate as much as its restoration was a blessing after about a mere 40 years in limbo. This landmark event in its 75th year this 31st January 2010 is immensely significant for the survival of a proud industrious people and deserves a fitting observance and remembrance by its kith and kin who want to feel grateful for the restoration of her honour and dignity in the union we cherish to the soul. The Asante Kingdom had learnt that there was strength in unity, it had all the traits of a good government in the form of: - its performance which enabled it to endure through its three centuries of existence, upholding a supreme head embodied in the Asantehene and its foundation on solid and just principles, which through the years were being refined by way of education. These testimonies by the Governor of the Gold Coast at the time of the restoration, Sir Arnold Hudson pointed to the credible nature of state of the union. SUPPORT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION Through the contact with the white man, Nananom must have been baffled by the superior firepower of their armament, managerial skills by which they subdued the traditional prowess of our people, the quality and production methods of items of every day use. These were impressive qualities of the whiteman which were worth learning. Yet, Nananom took time in embracing their method of passing on knowledge and skills and improving on them. When the realization dawned on Nananom that the vital key to development was and remains formal education through schooling, they took the bull by the horn. Across the Asante nation radiating from the centre with Otumfuo at Manhyia, Nananom readily and willing collaborated with central government and missionary providers of school facilities and infrastructure. In many instances chiefs led their people and took local initiatives to put up schools and sought expertise from relevant agencies to sustain them. In all instances large tracts of land were released and allocated for development of schools with token compensation in real terms. In other scenarios, local groups of the youth and church parishioners agitated for various levels of school facilities with active cooperation of Nananom and released land for educational purposes. Otumfuo and his paramount, divisional and sub-chiefs welcomed and allowed the early missions who arrived to settle on choicy areas to establish missionary and educational enterprise from before restoration in 1935 and indeed before the union was disbanded in 1896. The Presbyterian, Methodist, Catholic and Ahmadiyya Missions thus gained foothold to cathechise and educate the people. Notable schools which were established in time with direct traditional authority involvement for the development of Asanteman are:- (i) Asem Boys Government School established in 1903 and Government Girls (Yaa Achiaa) School in 1926 (ii) Kotoko High School which Otumfuo Sir Osei Agyeman Prempeh II established in 1940 and having gone through relocation and renaming to the present State Boys and Girls Basic Schools.

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(iii) Wesley College established in 1924 in collaboration with the Methodist Mission. (iv) Prempeh College, founded and opened in 1949, and (v) Opoku Ware School in 1952. These premier schools were established as Partnership Enterprise between the State, the Mission, Presbyterian//Methodist in the case of Prempeh college and Roman Catholic in the case of Opoku Ware School, and, third partner in the two cases – the Traditional Authority. (vi) Yaa Asantewaa Girls Secondary School established in 1960 along with other Ghana Education Trust (GET) schools as the first Government Girls Secondary School in the domain, it received all the material support and secure boundaries from Nananom for a prospective take-off. (vii) Asanteman Secondary School in 1954, starting off as Asante Youth Association Day School got direct support from Otumfuo at Manhyia to show solidarity and share the aspirations of the Youth Group, A.Y.A. (viii) Osei Kyeretwie Secondary School which started off as Asante Collegiate in 1937 as the first Secondary School in Asante by a private Sierra Leonian businessman received support from Otumfuo Sir Osei Agyeman Premeph II as it passed through its phases of development. (ix) St. Monica cluster of Educational Institutions; Nananom at Asante Mampong played pivotal role in collaboration with the English Church Mission established Primary, Secondary, Teacher and Nursing Training Colleges in the post restoration years to give meaning to their commitment to the promotion of education and skills acquisition. (x) At Bompata in Asante Akim, at Offinso and in at all paramount centres Nananom led active campaign and mobilized their people to support central government and mission effort in establishing schools to bring education to the doorstep of the people. In due course individuals, indigenous and others alike of goodwill established schools and institutes to supplement government and Traditional Authority efforts. We cannot but mention the selflessness, insight and sacrifices made for public good of; i. Mr. J.C. Akosa of Asante Mampong ii. Mr. “Simms” Kofi Mensah of Fawoade iii. Opanin Kofi Agyei of Bampenase, and iv. Madam Mancell of Mancell Vocational Institute These are only examples of educational institutions at the basic and second cycle levels among many others which Otumfuo and Nananom, Asanteman Council and well-meaning individuals founded, supported and nurtured to give solid foundation for the development and progress of Asanteman and Ghana in general. These and other institutions in the region are among the best performing in all aspects of school activities. In Asante, in Ghana and indeed around the world graduates of these institutions are among the finest professionals, personnel of industry and commerce and leaders offering services for the good of humanity. It is noteworthy to mention a few of high profile personalities who passed through these schools. • Otumfuo Osei Tutu attended and therefore an alumnus of Osei Kyeretwie Secondary School. • Former President J.A. Kufuor attended Asem Government Boys and Prempeh College • Former UN Secretary General, Busumuru Kofi Annan attended Asem Government Boys SOFT SUPPORT FOR EDUCATION It is noticeable in and around the nation that poverty abounds and ravages our people. Poverty even prevents talented young people form taking advantage of facilities provided in the schools. This fact of life has not been lost to Otumfuo and Nananom of Asanteman Council. At various stages along the development of our history, the Asanteman Council has shown patriarchal support in financial aid to its sons and daughters to study home and abroad to be prospective scholars of the Asante Nation.

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We note with appreciation and gratitude the establishment of the following scholarship schemes and Foundations through which Nananom of Asanteman Council and successive occupants of the golden stool officially channelled financial and material support. 1. The Asanteman Council Scholarship Scheme, which between 1946 and 1952 sponsored well over 100 young men and women through Secondary, Teacher Training and University education. 2. Otumfuo Opoku Ware Jubilee Foundation and Scholarship Scheme of 1995. The Board of the Foundation has awarded and continues to award bursaries to deserving but poorly resourced students in all the paramouncies in Asanteman. 3. The Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Education Fund, set up in 1999 to mitigate the decline of standards of education in Asanteman in particular and Ghana as a whole. Institutions and students in and beyond Asanteman have benefited from material and financial largesse of the Fund to the admiration of people and Institutions beyond the borders of our country. SUSTAINING EDUCATION DELIVERY AND CHALLENGES. Education and its application offspring have been the prime means by which nations and human communities have progressed and sustained themselves and improved the quality of lives of their people. It is the view of this committee that each person has a unique quality which can be developed for self-realisation and use it to contribute to the good of society. This unlocking of potential comes about by education, ϖ It is suggested that Nananom continue to support the government policy to increase access of education to our young people. The decline of school attendance in our rural areas is a matter of great concern. ϖ Rekindling of communal self-help to life-enhancing projects to supplement central government and District Assembly effort should engage the attention of Traditional Authorities as it used to be in times past. Such exemplary and active leadership firmly establish the credibility, respect, honour and love of the people who are craving for leadership. ϖ If Nananom of old saw the need and benefit of education and were moved to allocate land for educational purposes, it is ironical to see our much more enlightened leaders resort to inappropriate reclaim and sale of school lands and or encourage encroachment on them. ϖ It is note-worthy to realize that education is still the key to the development of our nation and state and the power to free our people from exploitation and enslavement. Therefore we must make adequate allocation for the expansion and development of education. Sale of school lands perhaps amounts to sale of the hen that lays the golden egg. ϖ All professions are important for the general good but he who practises his profession by accepting to live among us in our villages and local communities, he whose hands we entrust our children to train their minds and prepare them to take our place, need our support. Surely Nananom can champion and influence the provision of teachers living quarters in our communities. That Asanteman Council consider the setting up of a University - a Royal or Regal University to specialize specifically on courses related to the social and environment issues of our time. Long live Otumfuo! Long live Nananom!! Long live Asanteman!! Long live Ghana!!! By: STEPHEN ANOKYE, Headmaster, Opoku Ware School Source: http://www.manhyiaonline.org

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ABYNA-ANSAA ADJEI

Abyna-Ansaa Adjei is the author of eight books. Most of her books have a historical slant andare targeted at both adult and children audiences. In December 2013, she released GrandpaProf’s story: Kenya is 50. This book targeted at Kenya’s children intersperses the life story ofone of Kenya’s foremost education experts with Kenya’s pre and post-colonial history.

In 2006, Abyna-Ansaa was commissioned by the Government of Ghana to write and producethe commemorative book for the celebration of Ghana’s Golden Jubilee of Independence:Ghana @ 50. Her other titles include Otumfuo Osei Tutu II: King of Gold; Anansesem: TheAdventures of Kweku Ananse, the most cunning sider that ever lived; Grandma’s story: Ghanais 50 and Baba’s story: Nigeria is 50.

Abyna-Ansaa graduated with First Class Honors in Publishing from the Kwame NkrumahUniversity of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana in 2000. In 2004, she graduated fromthe London School of Economics and Political Science with a Master of Science degree inVoluntary Sector Organization.

In her spare time, she plays tennis, reads voraciously and loves to globe-trot. Abyna-Ansaalives in Accra.

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OTUMFUO OSEI TUTU II with NANA NELSON MANDELA

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