Saturday January 28th would be a day to remember in the history of the
Asanteman Association of the Washington Metro Area as a new
Asantefoohene and Asantefoohenmaa were sworn into office.
Nana Kwame Darko, a retired Verizon employee and community leader was
sworn in as the New Asantefoohene to take the place of Otafrebuor Nana
Kofi Agyenim Boateng Pedie I who has held the office for several years
in dignity. Nana Foriwaah Nyarko Abronomaa known in private life as
Vida Asante was also sworn in to replace Nana Ama Akyaa as
Asantefoohemaa of the Washington Metro Area. The Association also swore
into office Nana Adjoa Pokua as the Gyaasehemaa .
The newly installed Chief and Queenmother swore the oath of allegiance
in the presence of the members of the Asanteman Association of the
Washington DC Metro Area after they were approved through a rigorous
process by
the council of elders of the including Abusuapanin Frank
Fofie, Nana Kwasi Owusu, Nana Kwasi Mensah, Nana Baffour Awuah,
Otafrebuor Nana Kofi Agyenim Boateng Pedie I, Bogyawehene and Amoafoman
Akwamuhene . Mr Golash Adade the current President of the Association
and Mrs. Harriet Amoah a representative of the Obaa Panin witnessed
the swearing in.
Remarkable display of Ashanti traditional rites preceded the colorful
event which was held at Springfield Virginia amidst pomp and pageantry.
With a raised symbolic sword in hand the Chief and Queen mother swore
the great oath of allegiance to Asanteman and pledged to be faithful and
loyal to the service of Asanteman no matter the circumstances unless
they are in anyway incapacitated by illness. There was thunderous
jubilation after they successfully recited the oath and the atmosphere
turned into a time of jubilation with beating of drums and celebration.
After he settled down the sub chiefs who would form the cabinet of the
new Chief took turns to swear the oath of loyalty to the new king and
queen. Asanteman members followed in the order.
Nana Kwame Darko and Nana Foriwaah Nyarko Abronomaa expressed their
profound appreciation to Asanteman for their immense support and
cooperation in making the event a success. They were both hopeful that
with the dawn of new leadership and change of baton their perceived
projects would be rejuvenated. Nana Kwame Darko appealed to all
Asanteman members to imbibe in them the spirit of unity to enable them
build a stronger organization in line with their goals.
As a democratic, non-profit, non-political and non-religious
organization, the goals and objectives of the Asanteman Association are
to:
* Unite Asante’s in the Washington Metropolitan Area.
* Promote the social, moral, educational and the general welfare of its members.
* Provide a source of cultural enrichment, and promote interest, inform and educate the general community about Asante culture.
* To instill and inculcate in the youth the love and pride of Asante cultural heritage.
* Provide social networking and support for the members.
* Organize periodic workshops to educate members on pertinent issues,
such as Asante culture and traditions, legal, immigration, health,
employment, insurance, and investments.
* Project good image of Asantes in the Washington metro area.
* Support Asanteman development efforts by motivating and educating
members to financially support educational, health and other social
programs in Asanteman.
* Develop linkages to and networking with other African ethnic groups and participating in inter-cultural exchange programs.
* Assist the needy financially and in kind.
* Contribute to the development of the Washington Metropolitan area community by performing voluntary services.
An Executive Council headed by a President is the policy making body and
is responsible for the general management of the Association.
A Council of Elders, headed by an Asantefuohene (Chief) as the Chairman,
has the role of advising on the progress and smooth running of the
Association and projecting Asante culture and traditions.
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