This inaugural ceremony, is in sync with the 25th anniversary of Asantehene, Otumfoɔ Ɔsɛe Tutu II
It’s a few weeks to the date plate on Saturday, May 25, 2024, and Asanteman Norway is set to be inaugurated in Bergen, Norway (Northern Europe) as a nationally-registered cultural organization.
This day - May 25 is much-awaited-for by all and sundry, especially, Asante (Akan) people from Ghana living in Norway and also non-Akan Ghanaians who are interested in Asante culture who are resident in Norway.
Besides, a lot more Ghanaians living outside Norway in the European Economic Area (EEA) are bereft of this momentous day in the annals of the books of the Asante (Akan) community in Norway as they are bound to attend in their numbers.
This inaugural ceremony, is in sync with the 25th anniversary of Asantehene, Otumfoɔ Osei Tutu II, marking his traditional leadership of the Asante Kingdom in Ghana, West Africa, seen as one of the high-profile monarchs in Africa.
Gatherings & Activities
On Friday from 6:00 p.m. CEST, guests and traditional leaders will be seated at the St. Paul Menighet, Katolsk kirke i Bergen (St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Bergen). This is ahead of the coronation of the queen mother of Asanteman Norway (Asanteman Norwayhemaa), Nana Yaa Apea Ogyama Sikani.
Known in private life as Cecilia Ababio Amankwah, Nana Ogyama Sikani will be taken through the Asante traditional rites by a host of traditional leaders drawn from Europe and Ghana. And the coronation is expected to come to an end around 21:00 CEST.
On Saturday evening, the Main event which is the Inauguration of Asanteman Norway takes place at Åsane Kulturhus, Åsane Senter 52, 5116 Ulset in the city of Bergen and the gate opens from 16:00 CEST and lasts until 23:00 CEST where non-members are expected to pay a gate fee of 100 NOK.
There will be an exhibition of cultural artefacts, free food serving (Ghanaian local foods), drumming and dancing from the Adinkra Kete Group UK, launch of Asanteman Norway’s Magazine, Official Introduction of the newly installed queen mother, fundraising in support Asanteman Norway’s projects, dinner party amidst talks from guests and dignitaries.
Sponsors & Partners
Among the Main Sponsors are Bergen Kommune, Travel Design AS, Top Connect, Adonko Bitters, EDC Investments as a member of the Ecobank Group and Old Mutual Life Assurance.
Other supporting sponsors and partners include KYEI-BOATENG COMMUNICATIONS & Norwegian-African Relations Consult (NARC), Oheneba Media, Alan Showbiz & Cargo Services, People for People International Foundations (PPF), Norsk Lagerstandard, Asanteman Europe, etc.
Asanteman Norway Board Chairman Kofi Amankwah
Invited Guests
Guests who have been invited to spice the event include Crown Prince, from the Royal Palace of Norway, H.R.H Haakon, Vestland Kommune and Bergen Kommune, Manhyia Palace, Traditional Leaders from Ghana, Ghanaian Traditional Leaders from Europe, Ghana Unions across Norway, Unions of Immigrants resident in Norway and Family & friends from around the globe.
Purpose of the Inauguration
Board Chairman of Asanteman Norway, Kofi Amankwah informs that the main purpose of the event is for Asanteman Norway to make its first official public announcement since its establishment for the past 3 years, hence the inauguration.
Besides that, it is also important to outdoor its newly installed queen mother (Asanteman Norwayhemaa), Nana Ogyama Sikani amidst the display of Asante culture and tradition.
He further informs that the occasion is to also officially announce to the public, a pillar of Asanteman Norway’s projects which is the Akan (Twi) language class, as the core project with a focus on children and youth born to Akan parents living in Norway (Bergen, Kristiansand, Kristiansund, Oslo, Stavanger, Trondheim, etc). Twi Class Registration - Google Forms
The occasion he adds is also to welcome both members and non-members and solicit the support of the public as Asanteman Norway has been officially registered as a National Cultural Organization in Norway with the organization number 928684407.
Taste of Culture & Gender
Nana Kota Ntiamoah as Asanteman Norwayhene, known in private life as Kwasi Atta Ntiamoah doubles as the Nkɔsoɔhene of Sabin Akrofrom Traditional Council in the Asante Kingdom.
He emphasizes the need to showcase Asante culture and tradition to the public as the main aim of Asanteman Norway is to promote Asante Culture in Norway.
And he sees this as relevant to the younger generation born to their Asante (Akan) families in Norway with the proverb that “Sɛ wo werɛ firi wo kuro mu hene abɛn a, woyera wɔ dwabɔ ase” - meaning, [if you forget the sound of the trumpet of your traditional leader, you are found wanting in public], hence the need to assist this younger generation to grow with the culture once their parents or one of their parents and grandparents are connected to Asante (Akan) culture from Ghana.
Nana Kota places a premium on the fact that Asante Culture does not discriminate against Women, citing the role of the Queen Mother as an example, as the total embodiment of “our culture and heritage”.
Adding that the coronation and installation of Asanteman Norwayhemaa is much relevant in the proverb that “Sɛ biribi kyere mpanimfoɔ adwene a, yɛsee yɛnkɔbisa aberewa”, meaning, [our elders say, when we are not sure on what to do, we must refer to the old lady at home]. “This shows the dignity and respect we have for women in our cultural heritage. And we need to make a replica of this as we live in diaspora”.
Nana Ogyama Sikani as the leader of all females in Asanteman Norway, is a testimony of respect to Gender in the Asante culture and Nana Kota humbly called on all who have not joined Asanteman Norway yet to register to join this organization. Membership Registration - Google Forms
