The Asantefuohene of Quebec, Nana Osei Agyemang Opambour and the Asanteman Cultural Association of Quebec held its end of year dinner dance and awards night at 9760 Gouin Boulevard Pierrefond, Quebec on December 26, 2009.
The occasion was in honour of Nana Sarfowaa Poku, the first Queen Mother of the Association. She was presented with a golden plague for her dedication and contribution to the Association. Nana Sarfowaa Poku, who was a teacher at Loyola is credited with exemplary leadership that has brought honour and glory to the whole Asanteman in Quebec. The award was presented by Nana Odiatuo Appiah Boateng, the first Asantefuohene of Quebec and was received on her behalf by Ms. Margaret Mary Poku, a daughter of Nana Sarfowaa Poku.
In his end of year address, Nana Osei Agyemang Opambour, Asantefuohene of Quebec recounted the contributions of Nana Sarfowaa Poku and called on the entire Asanteman especially the youth to emulate her example of leadership and values to uphold our culture. He touched on Nana Sarfowaa Poku’s selfless services, devotion, wisdom and contribution and successful leadership that earned her the title Yaa Asantewaa of Montreal. He appealed to Asanteman and Ghanaians as a whole to be tolerant of each other and unite as one family for the progress of the entire Ghanaian community in Quebec. He called on all Ghanaians to leave the past behind them and ensure that the New Year is a step towards the advancement of the Ghanaian community. He called on the youth to learn our culture and eschew all forms of negative influences since they hold the key to the progress of the Ghanaian community here in Canada.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony were the new Queen Mother of the Association, Nana Serwaa Sikafutro Ampem, Abusuapanyin Nana Atta Ware, Akwamuhene Nana Ofori Kyeremeh, Gyaasehene Nana Osei Manu, Nkosuohene Nana Bonsu, Akyeamehene Nana Agyemang Badu, Nana Yaw Fosu Gyeabuo, Nana Asumadu Duah, Dr. Okyere of Concordia University and Mr. Asibuo among others. Reverend Ohene Gyimah of Ghana Methodist Church of Montreal administered the prayers.