Ahanta culture and tradition took center stage when Nana Kwesi Quayson I, known in private life as Emmanuel Quayson, was enstooled in Busia as Otumfuo’s Atwimahene of the Ahanta Traditional Area and the diaspora last Saturday, filling a position which had been vacant for over 300 years.
Amidst the display of rich Ahanta dance and culture, the venue for the coronation was filled to capacity, attracting people from all walks of life, including Members of Parliament (MPs) from the British House of Commons, traditional authorities, clergy, and businessmen, as well as personal friends of the Atwimanhene.
Carried in a palanquin to the venue for the coronation, it was all smiles on the face of Nana Kwesi Quayson, who was the reason the traditional authorities, clergy and others had gathered to witness his coronation, as the first Atwimanhene for the Ahanta Traditional area and the diaspora.
The coronation followed his installation on July 13, 2022 by Otumfuo Badu Bonso XV, Overlord of the Ahanta Traditional Area, as Atwimanhene.
After a successful coronation, Nana Kwesi Quayson I, who is the Senior Finance Officer for Account Receivables at the House of Commons in the United Kingdom and Chairman of the Ghana Union UK, in addressing the gathering, called for unity among the Ahanta people, particularly the chiefs who are custodians of the land.
He urged them to do away with litigations that had long been draining their financial resources, and also urged them and the people of Ahanta to invest in the education and health of their subjects.
After his coronation, he proceeded to launch his charity organization called Ahanta Development Network.
The organisation will be focusing on education, healthcare and preservation of Ahanta culture, customs and traditions.
CORONATION THANKSGIVING SERVICE
After a successful coronation, a special thanksgiving church service was held in honour of the Atwimanhene at the Freeman Methodist Church, Kwesimntsim, where he used to worship when he was domiciled in Ghana.
The Thanksgiving Service was officiated by the Bishop of the Sekondi Diocese of the Methodist Church, Rt. Rev. Kwesi Ansah, in the afternoon of the Sunday.
Other clergy present included the Very Rev. Emmanuel Sobeng, Circuit Minister, Rev. Kwesi Acquah, and Rev. Skillful Dan Kwofie amongst a host of other clergy.
Preaching the sermon, Bishop Kwesi Ansah asked the new Atwimanhene to let God lead and guide him in his new traditional role.
The Bishop reminded the Atwimanhene that there was a reason why he was chosen, therefore, he ought to reciprocate the gesture by living up to expectations.
Nana Kwesi Quayson I is expected to hold his first meeting as Atwimanhene and Chairman of the Ahanta Association in the UK.
