Diaspora News of Wednesday, 2 January 2008

Source: Cudjoe, Karen

African Traditions in Greater Cincinnati

On December 15, 2007 the former Anthony Nyame was enstooled as Nana (King) Senti Nyame 1. This ceremony was a tribute to his decades of leadership and service to the Ghanaian community in the Greater Cincinnati region. Tradition requires there to be a group of people supported by members from a royal family and led by a royal King to enstool the newly designated King.

The Ghanaian Mens Club of Cincinnati, under the leadership of the former president Mr. John A. Cudjoe, has members that belong to royal families. They were joined by kings residing in the Columbus area led led by his majesty Kumankum Sereko Ayerakwa I, and the incumbent Abontendomhene of Awukugua - Akuapem in the Eastern Region of Ghana, west Africa and special invited guests to enstool the Cincinnati king.

Nana Senti Nyame 1 will now preside over the entire Ghanaian community in the greater Cincinnati region. This enstoolment ceremony will be followed by a Grand Durbar and outdooring (introduction to the larger community) that will take place in the Summer of 2008. The Grand Durbar will showcase the priceless Ghanaian rich heritage and culture publicly (in a park) in the presence of other chiefs, the people of the land (in this case Ghanaians and Cincinnatians) and specially invited guests. Authentic Ghanaian food, drinks, dance and music shall be served. In addition, there will be a display of the different Ghanaian clothing. Some items may be for sell to the masses.

King Nyame 1 was one of the elders that pioneered the founding of the Ghanaian Association of Greater Cincinnati (GAGC) which has been a catalyst organization from which many businesses, organizations and networks have flourished. Though many leaders have come and gone, Nana Nyame 1, as a life time chairman of GAGC, has remained steadfast in his commitment to welcome and assist Ghanaians in the Cincinnati region. Although he is a consultant, he is an accountant by profession. In addition to being the entrepreneur of Ohio Monitoring Services, Inc. since 1992, he has mentored, advised, sheltered and provided financial as well as, other forms of assistance to many Ghanaians for many years.

Traditionally, many African kings are very helpful as well as powerful. Nana Nyame's professional attainments also include being a former professor at University of Cincinnati. His exemplary success is evidence that if you are willing to think smart, work hard and study you can live an exceptionally comfortable lifestyle here in the Greater Cincinnati area. His enstoolment signifies that though there are many institutions and organizations here in the US, the traditional leaders can and do play a key role in assisting members of the community. At the Grand Durbar in the Summer of 2008 all will be invited to witness one of the wonderful customs of the Ghanaian society. The date and times will be announced later."