It was a cool Saturday evening, 27th December and hundreds of Ghanaians living in Nashville, in the state of Tennessee trooped to the prestigious Occasions Rentals Hall to witness the celebration of the rich Ghanaian culture. Word had gone around weeks prior that the newly elected Asantefuohene, Nana Kwaku Sekyere Forkuo Mensah will be swearing the oath of allegiance to Asanteman, chiefs and elders.
By 1900 Eastern Standard Time, Ghanaians and other curious Americans have filled the 600 capacity hall. Not long after, a retinue of Asante Chiefs, all clad in black cloths and led by the Asante Abusuapanin Nana Fred Adom took their seats. Moments later, Nana Akua Gyamfiwaa Amonu the Asantefuohemaa elect was led into the hall by the Abusuapanin, amid the beating of fontomfrom. She was then introduced to the teeming crowd amid cheers. Clad in black, she swore to all Asanteman, the chiefs and elders present her preparedness to serve Asanteman with loyalty and at all times.
Then came the moment all had been waiting for. The new Asantefuohene elect, again led by the Abusuapanin and the Asantefuohemaa who was just sworn in, and a retinue of chiefs and elders trooped to the center stage. After a short introduction by the Abusuapanin the Asantefuohene elect swore the great oath of Asanteman to the chiefs and elders and all Asanteman present. He said he will be available at the service of Asanteman at all times, either rain or shine. He promised to serve Asanteman with all his heart, mind, soul, and in fact his whole being. Just after that he was smeared with powder and carried shoulder high amidst the beating of kete. With tears welled up in his eyes the newly sworn chief took his seat. Then one by one the Asante chiefs took turns to pledge their unflinching support and obedience to him.
Soon after the swearing in, a reception was held to crown the occasion. This time, all Nananom were resplendent in rich expensive kente cloths and adorned with gold ornaments. The atmosphere was diluted with traditional drumming and dancing.
In his welcome address, the president of the Nashville Asantefuo Association, Mr. John Agyei Boakye welcomed all those present and thanked them for honoring their invitation. He said the association was formed to bring all Asantes in Nashville together and to foster a common family hood. He invited all his tribesmen who have not joined to do so. An elder of the Association, Nana Kwame Bonsu Opoku Ware also called on all Asantes to come together, put all their shoulders together to help make Asanteman strong and great.
On his part, Nana Adu Opoku, Cincinnati Asantefuohene and President of Asanteman Council of North America (USA and Canada) who together with Nana Yaa Serwaa,, the Cincinnati Kyidomhemaa chaired the occasion, brought greetings from Otumfuo Osei Tutu 11, the Asantehene. Nana Adu Opoku called for a united front of all the Asante Associations in the diaspora to help develop Asanteman and Ghana. Nana Adu Opoku was of the opinion that Asanteman and in fact Ghana will benefit from the education and rich experiences Ghanaians in the diaspora have accumulated, and entreated all such professionals to make available their expertise to help develop Ghana.
The new Asantefuohene also called for unity. He said unity of purpose brings progress and encouraged all Asantes in the diaspora to always remember family and friends left behind in Ghana. He also entreated Ghanaian parents to teach their kids our language and rich culture, and further admonished all Ghanaians to be law abiding in this country we call home. The emcees for the occasion were the Akyeamehene of the Nashville Asanteman Association, Nana Gyamfi and Nana Adwoa Afrakoma Ware. Other high profile invited guests were Rev. Dr. William Boadi, Dr. Alexander Arthur, Dr. and Mrs. Karikari of Atlanta, Dr. Phillip Bannor of Chattanooga, Dr. Saban and Nana Abenaa Chihimboli.