General News of Wednesday, 1 August 2001

Source: africast

African-Americans made citizens

Twenty-seven African Americans, were at the weekend made citizens of Mamfe-Akuapem, a town in the Eastern region of Ghana.

They were "renamed and outdoored" in the typical Guan/Akan traditional style at a durbar of chiefs and people of Mamfe. The ceremony was performed by the chief linguist, Akyeamehene Opare Dabietey.

Osabarima Ansah Sasraku III, Kyidomhene of Akuapem and chief of Mamfe, later decorated them with sashes signifying the citizenship of the town.

The group, who were in the country to attend the Home-Coming Summit and the Pan-African festival (PANAFEST), donated computers, books and clothing to the Methodist High School and children in the town.

The Rev. Jesse E. Mayes, leader, and other members of the group, promised to assist the town in any way possible when they get back to the US. The people of Mamfe requested for the twining of the town with any town/city in the US. They leave on Saturday.