The King of Ashanti (Ghana) will dispatch a high powered delegation to Bronx, New York in the United State of America, as part of the coronation of Nana Okokyeredom Acheampong –Tieku, Asantefouhene of New York.
Sources close to the imperial palace (Manhyia) said the King who attaches great importance to the culture and well-being of the sons and daughters of the golden stool has therefore selected his traditional foreign affairs minister, the paramount chief of Tepa traditional area to lead the delegation.
“Otumfou Osei Tutu II, will leave no stone ‘unturned’ to ensure that the pomp and pageantry associated with the unique and enviable culture of the Ashanti Kingdom lights up New York.” said our palace source. The coronation which is scheduled for May 26 and 27 at 1948 Washington Avenue, Bronx, New York and Ghanatta at 2180 Webster Avenue will see the true Ashanti traditional spirit and why the Ashantis were one of the very few African States that strongly resisted European colonization. In an interview, Nana Okokyeredom Acheampong – Tieku was full of praise for the Ashanti king and pledged the unflinching support of the Asanteman Association of United States of America towards the development of the Ashanti Kingdom and Ghana as a whole.”The Asanteman Association will continue to contribute our quota to the Otumfou Educational Fund as well as the Asanteman Development Fund to ensure the speedy development of the Ashanti Kingdom” Nana Tieku said.
He hinted that the Association under his leadership will acquire a center in Bronx where the great values of Ashanti will be taught and where people from all walks of life would benefit from the true Akan tradition of having respect for the elderly in society. He said “most of the kids who are born and bred here sometimes do not have anything to be thankful for, they really do not know that no matter where they find themselves, their identity should glow for people around them to know and appreciate their uniqueness. I will ensure that the children do not forget about their values, this will help get a lot of them out of trouble”.
Nana Acheampong-Tieku, who studied for his Bachelors’ Degree in Accounting at Fordham University and currently pursuing an MBA in Finance, has education as his topmost priority and made it known that the organization has started a drive that will identify brilliant but needy students in the community and assist them in realizing their dream. Since he was elected as the Asantefouhene of New York, he has made the association very attractive and has restored discipline, this according to him has increased the number of paid up members considerably.
The Asantefouhene of New York also touched on the coming elections in Ghana and opined that elections are the cornerstone of any democracy and the media and politicians have a vital role in ensuring that peace prevails in all the circumstances. He advised politicians to use words that will deepen our democracy and not plunge Ghana into chaos like what has taken place next door to us.” our journalist and media men should also do us a lot of good by whipping themselves in line and not bow to pressure to do the unthinkable”
Source: Ekow Shalders (IDPF/ABS,USA)