The Paramount Chief of New Juaben traditional area in Eastern Region of Ghana, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, has announced plans to establish a Diaspora Village to serve as a permanent home for returnees of African descent.
He explained that the establishment of a Diaspora Village in the New Juaben Traditional Area will provide a home and community for returnees who wish to resettle in Ghana.
“I’m delighted to announce that in collaboration with the traditional council, we are preparing to establish a diaspora village in New Juaben . This village will serve as a home and community for those who wish to relocate” Said Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III.
This village will serve as a home and community for those who wish to relocate — providing comfort, recognition, security, and family support,” he stated.
Daasebre assured that the traditional authority, local government, and security agencies would provide the needed peace and support to make their stay fulfilling.
The announcement was made during a traditional naming ceremony for 22 African Americans who traced their roots to Ghana and adopted Ghanaian names at the Yiadom Hwedie Palace in New Juaben Traditional Area .
It was a colourful and emotional ceremony at the Yiadom Hwedie Palace in Koforidua, as 22 African Americans formally reconnected with their ancestral heritage through a traditional naming rite conducted by the New Juaben Traditional Council.
Curtis Junior Lee was named Yaw Frempong, Amber Blackwell – Akua Agyeiwaa, Mary Y. Puryear – Akua Serwaa Bonsu, Thomas L. Puryear – Kwesi Acheampong, Cheryl Doris Crenshaw-Robinson – Akosua Twumwaa, Kimberley Yvette Gise – Yaa Boatemaa, Lakesha Renee Crawford – Afia Awiesi, and Patrice Laird Walker – Ama Kessewaa.
The rest are ; Mary Jane Washington-Nieves – Afia Nyamaa, Natalie Gina Wynn – Adwoa Anima, Ericka Elion Charlie Mae Laird – Afia Asantewaa, Varnette Dorote Tetterton – Akosua Boatemaa, Hohn Henry Laird – Akua Agyarko, Kwabena Osei Bonsu, Clara Jennings Wilson – Akua Brenya, Ambrose Frederick Carroll – Kwesi Debrah, Latisha S. Benjamin – Adwoa Acheampomaa, Katresa Marie Carroll – Afia Agyapomaa, Debra Ann Jennings – Akua Owusua, Donna Marie Patterson – Akosua Agyeiwaa, Sharon Yvonne Brown – Ama Amoanimah and William Martin Brown III – Kofi Asare Ankomah
The event symbolized unity, identity, and reconnection between Africa and its descendants in the diaspora.
Addressing the gathering, the Paramount Chief of New Juaben, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, said the occasion marked the rekindling of bonds that history once attempted to sever.
“My dear brothers and sisters, as you receive your names and bond with your respective families today, Koforidia becomes your home in spirit, identity and belonging. Whenever you return, you come not as guests but as sons and daughters of the land.Just as our ancestors who were forcibly taken across the Atlantic made invaluable contribution to the growth and development of America, today Ghana and particularly the New Juaben traditional area extend its arms for you to join us in shaping our future. They were also integrated into various royal families and clans.That’s why I announced that land has been allocated for the establishment of the diasporan village to serve as a permanent home for the returnees”.
Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III expressed profound gratitude to Hausa Travel and Tours for facilitating the cultural and ancestral reunification of the returnees, and also acknowledged Reverend Hodari Williams Kweku Boateng, who led the delegation.
He emphasized that the returnees would always be regarded as sons and daughters of the land, and encouraged them to invest their expertise and resources in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, technology, renewable energy, and the arts.
He concluded by urging the returnees to share their experience and encourage others in the diaspora to reconnect with their heritage, saying “New Juaben is open. Your home is ready, and your heritage awaits.”
The naming ceremony, attended by chiefs, elders, and members of the African-American community, forms part of ongoing initiatives to strengthen cultural ties and promote investment opportunities between Ghana and the African diaspora.
The Paramount Chief further announced the establishment of a Diaspora Village in the New Juaben Traditional Area to provide a home and community for returnees who wish to resettle in Ghana.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
