Asanteman Assoc. of Toronto installs a New AsantefuoHene

The very rich Ghanaian cultural heritage was on full display at the Luna Ballroom as the Asanteman Association of Toronto embarked on a 2 day colourful installation and swearing in ceremonies of the Asantefuohene, Asantefuohemaa, sub-chiefs and queens of Toronto.

The swearing in was on Saturday, September 3, 2011 and the coronation on the following Sunday 4th September 2011. The oath of allegiance by Nana Anokye Bresiamah, Nana Pokua Gyamfi Kumanini, the other sub-chiefs and queens was sworn to Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem, Omanhene of Tepa Traditional Area who represented Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene. The Tepa Omanhene was supported by Ejisuhemaa Nana Yaa Asantewaa, Asokore Mamponghene Nana Boakye Debrah and other chiefs.

The climax of the evening was the entry to the hall of Nana Adusei, Tepamanhene and his entourage amidst the blaring of Fontomfrom beat from the speakers. This was followed by a prayer by Rev. Fr. Alex Osei after which libation was also poured to invoke the spirits of our ancestors as custom demands by Nana Kwadwo Boamponsem.

Nana Pokuaa Gyamfi Kumanini accompanied by her “Abediakyere” and “Abusuapanin”, Nana Osei-Achampong then introduced the Asantefuohene as custom demands. After the introduction Nana Adusei and the other chiefs took turns to advice Nana Anokye Bresiamah.

The Tepa Omanhene Nana Adusei, admonished the chiefs to be sworn in that their paramount duty was the welfare of the people and not pageantry, after which the oath of allegiance began in earnest with Nana Anokye Bresiamah the last to do so. This was followed by the swearing of the oaths of allegiance by the queens. Nana Anokye promised to uphold the office entrusted to him after which he was carried shoulder high and white powder poured on him as a sign of acceptance. Nana Anokye then rode on his palanquin amidst cheers from the crowd.

The following day was when colourful kente costumes were showcased, as it was the coronation day. Rev. Opoku Ware prayed on the Sunday after which 5 year Vanessa Boafo Sakyibea from US rendered Canada, US and Ghana national anthems and was given a thunderous standing ovation for her act.

The Ghana Consul General in Toronto Kwadwo Mawutor brought greetings from the Ghana High Commission and Ghana. Nana Anokye Bresiamah then sat in state to receive homage from the people. The chairman for the event Mr. Ebenezer Mireku Asare also gave a short speech. The vote of thanks was given by Abusuapanin Nana Osei-Achampong.

The MCs for the events were Nana Akwasi Adjei, Nana Essah Mensah, Agya Amo and Tina Oppong-Boateng.