NY Asanteman Association to celebrate Akwasidie

The Asantefuohene of New York, Daasebre Kofi Anane Amponsah has paid a special tribute to the occupant of the Golden Stool His Majesty Otumfuo Osei -Tutu II, for his immense support, advice, fatherly role and great love towards the development of the association.
Daasebre also saluted the founders of the association and past leaders ( Asantefuohenes,Asantefuohemaas Abusuapanins, council of elders) for their dedication, commitment, sense of purpose and love towards the association stating that "without your foresight, we would not have come this far".
He made these known in a special end of year message in New York , during an exclusive interview with this reporter.
He noted that, since the formation of the Association in the 1982, the noble agenda of fostering unity, cultural values, togetherness, selflessness, and mutual assistance to its members have been on target. 'We are all duty bound to uphold our noble goals and objectives forever", he stated.
Daasebre Anane Amponsah said the association has grown into a firm, stable and effective entity after overcoming numerous challenges that test the resolve of members..
The Asantefuohene said education is the best legacy for one to bequeath to the society and it was for this reason that he set up the Asanteman Educational Fund scholarship scheme four years ago to support needy but brilliant students. The scheme, he said, has so far sponsored 30 students and six recipients have gained an admission to medical school.
In an exclusive interview with this freelance journalist at 1344 Paulding Avenue in the Bronx, New York he disclosed that the Asanteman Association is playing a leading role in bringing IT education to the youth to enable the country realize her developmental goals in an era of globalization.
He said the association has entered into a partnership with the Presbyterian Medical Center of New York. "The center donated 150 Pentium desktop computers to the association and these have been distributed to some selected schools in Ghana" Daasebre noted.
Some of the beneficiaries were as follows; Tepa Secondary School, Bomaa Secondary school, Osei -Tutu Secondary School, Otumfuo Osei- Tutu II EDUCATIONAL FUND, Ministry of Education, Asante Mampong District and Ashanti New Town Public Library among others..
"Our children are growing up and I am urging you all to join hands to educate them about our rich culture, tradition and the heritage that our ancestors bequeathed to us", stated Daasebre Anane Amponsah.
Daasebre Anane Amponsh urged members to eschew divisive tendencies like tribalism, back biting, rumors and forge ahead in unity." We should strive to improve the Asanteman association, the need to be open minded about new ideas and also allow the youth to assume responsibilities while at the same time remain true to the traditional expectations", he stated..
"Asanteman Association gathers to brainstorm about the Ashanti idealism, Ashanti ingenuity, Ashanti optimism and nothing more is required, nothing less is permitted to bring more honors and laurels to the Ashanti kingdom.”
Daasebre noted that he was very honored for the recognition of his leadership efforts from Otumfo Osei Tutu II ,the Asantehene, Hon. Adolfo Carrion Jr. of the Office of the Bronx Borough President, United Methodist Church, Ejisuman Association, The Voices of Africa Mothers of USA, National Council of Ghanaian Association (NCOGA) and the Bronx Business Association who have presented him with citations and certificates of achievement .
Nana Kwabena Amakye,the Nseniehene and the PRO of the Asanteman Association of New York also on his part called the Ghanaian community to come out in their numbers to support the Ashanti Unity Dance coming up on Friday, December, 25 2009 at 1211 Brooks Avenue, off 168th Webster and Park Avenue, between 167th and 168th Street. Time: 10pm-4a .Admission is free.
Prince Osei Bonsu
Bronx, New York