Thirty-One (31) Black Americans have acquired Ghanaian traditional names as identity to their root in Ghana, West Africa.
The colourful traditional naming ceremony which took place Sunday December 31,2023 at the Yiadom Hwedie Palace of New Juaben traditional Area in the Eastern Region.
The ceremony chaired by Paramount Chief of New Juaben Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III saw diasporans undergo traditional naming rituals which include sipping of water and palm wine which signifies that, having accepted the Ghanaian names, must be sincere at all times, and must distinguish between good and bad and do what is right always.
They were also given certificates bearing their names and adorned with treasured traditional beads.
They were also integrated into Agona, Ekuona, Aduana, Bretuo, Ayokuo and Asona Royal families who in turn gifted them with beads.
The leader of the group -Courtney Brooks was named after Nana Afia Tabiri , the goddess of the New Juaben Traditional area.
Other black Americans who participated in the naming ceremony were : Stacie Gibson (Nana Anima Ampofowaa), Michelle Wortham(Afia Serwaa Bonus), Chelsea Bright (Ama Awi) , Zakiya Stewart (Abena Sarpongmaa), Derek Evans(Kwame Annor Boateng ) , Dorothea Evans (Afia Nyamaa) , Vickie Wilson(Yaa Moobe) , Loretta Summers (Abena Pankyee) , Karlyne Wade Richardson(Akua Akyaa) , Natasha Clemons (Yaa Afrakoma), Frederick Clemons(Twumasi Dankwa), Jennifer Moore(Yaa Akoma Serwaa Bonsu),and Alicia Richardson (Afia Agyapommaa).
The rest are Micaiah Bell( Akua Asantewa), Kristen Richardson (Akosua Afrakomah), Marina Dates (Adwoa Agyeiwaa), Darynell Bell (Kwame Ankomah Asare), Tamika Nolen (Ama Boamah Baafi ) , Wesley Nolen (Bash Acheamfour ) ,Sharon Burner (Ama Fra), Felicia Magee(Ama Owusua),and Felicia Walker (Akosuaa Agyeiwaa).
The final batch are Kerla Kendrick (Adwoa Serwaa) Birdena Kendrick (Ama Bonsu), Brook Thomas (Abena Akyaa), Diondrea Ricks (Ama Serwaa) , Nykia Hamilton (Ama Gyamfua), Angelia Fairfax (Afia Owusuaa) , Vallery Magee(Akua Asare Kwatia) and Frederick Brown (Kwadwo Osei- Bonsu Sempeh )
Paramount Chief of New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III said the naming ceremony doesn’t not only signifies cultural identity but inter-cultural significance .
He urged more diasporans to return home to reconnect with their families and support development of their Motherland.
Leader of the diasporans Courtney Brooks named after Nana Afia Tabiri was elated that they have found their root and identity.
This is the second batch of African Americans brought to New Juaben by Hausa Tours in 2023 to reconnect with their root.
According to the Chief Executive of Hausa Tours Fuseini Nawaru , and Regina Aku Dzamashie ,Head of Finance and Administration, the company is on course to bringing 5000 diasporans to Ghana in the next five years to boost tourism and promote Inter-cultural identity.
The team visited the kids and maternity wards of the Eastern Regional Hospital to donate to the patients.
Source:Mybryttmonline.com/Obed Ansah
