The paramount chief of the New Juaben Traditional Area in the Eastern Region, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, has called on Africa-Americans to use their connections to foster development and inspire unity between Ghana and the African American community.
He made the call during a short but impressive ceremony organised by Hausa Tours, an entity which takes care of all destination Management Services in Ghana and West Africa for the initiation of 12 African Americans held at the Yiadom Hwedie Palace in New Juaben.
The Africa Americans, led by Rev. Hodari Williams of New Life Presbyterian Church, marked a great cultural reunion as the group integrated into local families and honoured their ancestral roots.
The group, in reconnecting to their roots embraced Ghanaian names in a colourful traditional ceremony presided over by the paramount chief and other sub-chiefs within the traditional area.
Jean Lamarr James is now Akua Amoanimah, Desiree Edonna Saab is now called Adwoa Agyeiwaa, Deborah Rene took the name Adwoa Asantewa and Maxine Ople Cuffe has become Ama Pokuaa.
The rest are Cindy Denise China-Yaa Afrah; Felicia Angela China-Richardson – Abena Afrah; Michelle Elizabeth Doaman – Abena Amponsah and Norma Maureen Bernard as Afia Nyamaa.
Others are Sonya Patterson -Yaa Akyaa, Beverly Eunice Douglas – Yaa Pomaa, Regina Plaza as Afia Asantewaa and Florence Ince as Adwoa Pokuaa.
The excited New Juaben Omanhene described the ceremony as a powerful gesture that transcended generations and encouraged them (the newly adopted names) to use this connection to foster development and inspire unity between Ghana and the Africa American community.
He continued that “today is a special day as we open our arms to you not just as visitors, but family owned by the deep and resilient root, and shared heritage.
“Your decision to reconnect with your roots to identify with our culture and embrace Ghanaian Akan names is a powerful gesture, one that transcends generation”.
To him, “the ceremony is a journey that celebrates the spirit of our ancestors and by embracing an Akan name and joining families in this traditional area you are not only honouring them, but also adding a new dimension to the cultural journey of both Ghana and America.”
Rev. Hodari Williams, Team Lead of New Life Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, USA who was named after Daasebre Kwaku Boateng said it was refreshing to reconnect African Americans with the land of their ancestors.
He promised to bring many professionals with varied expertise to donate their time and resources to the development of the traditional area through the construction of schools among others.
Aku Gomashie, Head of Finance and Administration at Hausa Tours said the company was on course to achieving its target of bringing 6,000 tourists, particularly African Americans, to Ghana to ensure that they reunite with their homeland.
She urged all Diasporas who wish to return to their motherland to seek services of Hausa Tours for a memorable journey back home.
