Ghanaian Association Channeling Culture for Humanitarian Ends

Posted by metroafrican • September 7, 2009 • Printer-friendly

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Words by George Bamu, Photos by Sean Voorhies and George Bamu

If you have never been to Ghana, the recent Asanteman Association of Colorado coronation and swearing in ceremony for Nana Wiafe and Nana Adwoa Serwaa Ampem, king and queen and their sub chiefs for the local community, was a perfect occasion to discover the country, its peoples, cultures and traditions. “The act of coronation and swearing in of a king or queen is taken very seriously”, Ghanaian Kofi Arthur explained.

“This installation ceremony is what brings our queens and kings to the public, so everyone can give them the respect that they deserve” one Ghanaian quipped, while the ceremony was in progress.

The AAC events of Saturday September 5 and 6 at the Red Lions Hotel in Aurora brought hundreds of Ghanaians in the Denver metro area and from across North America, clothed in colorful Ghanaian regalia, to share, dance and display Ghanaian culture and wisdom.

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Some of the personalities invited to the event included Joe Miklosi, State representative for Colorado’s House District 9, attorney and native of Ghana, James Sarpong, Dr. Sam Desouza, among many others.

During the two day event, donations were raised towards a partnership between Project CURE, a local humanitarian and medical relief organization, and the Asantemann Association of Colorado, to provide medical equipment for selected hospitals in Ghana.

The Asanteman Association of Colorado, composed of peoples from the Asante or Ashanti tribes of Ghana living throughout Colorado, is a cultural and political force among the local Ghanaian community.

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About the Author: George Bamu is a journalist and the Founder and Executive Director of Africa Agenda, a non-profit organization whose mission is to to help garner positive press for Africa by utilizing the powerful effects of the media in society. Visit www.africaagenda.org for more information.

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