Don't throw your values away - Nketsia cautions

Essikadu, March 10,- GNA- Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Omanhene of Essikadu Traditional Area has noted that the struggle for freedom was not yet over.

He noted that the struggle for freedom was about human dignity, liberation and a change in the attitudes of all. Nana Nketsia said these on Friday when 18 African-Americans were traditionally outdoored according to Ghanaian customs and traditions at Essikadu near Sekondi.

He said Ghanaian names have historic as well as symbolic meanings and it was expected that all would lead exemplary lives after those whom they were named.

He said many people had lost their values and identity because they abandoned it, by copying other people's values.

Nana Nketsia said the respect for the family unit, the elderly and traditional values and norms must be upheld by all communities and individuals, irrespective of ones educational background or social status.

"Without our values, we will loose our identity and we must pass on these values from one generation to another, " he stressed. Nana Nketsia therefore, called for the development of the African personality whiles promoting and protecting its own values to safeguard its future.

Dr. Ruthlove, now named Nana Araba Nketsiaba, leader of the delegation and development chief of Essikadu said the group were in Ghana to celebrate in

the 50th anniversary celebrations and decided to visit Essikadu. She said a 40-footer container filled with medical books, medical equipments, text books, exercise books, among others, were expected to arrive by May this year.

She said the contents would be distributed to the Nana Kobina Nketsia school at Essikadu, Ntankrom school and health post and the regional health directorate.

Rabbi Kohain Nathanyah Halevi, Executive Secretary of the Panafest Foundation said for every African-American to return to Africa, it was a re-unification with their ancestral home. He said that it was sad that many African-American had lost their language, their names and cultures but this could be re-learnt and re-acquired.

Rabbi Halevi said the reason for the change in the language was meant to eliminate all historical traces of the African-American and to disenfranchise them from Africa.

He called on all those in the Diaspora to visit Africa, establish businesses and links for a re-unification with their ancestors. "The myths, lies and about starvation, deprivation and hatred about Africa must be torn-apart and we must unite even stronger and help Africa to rise again'.

They all went through the traditional naming ceremonies and were finally given Ghanaian names and mashed yams with eggs as a symbol of re-uniting them and receiving them home. Nana Kweku Binah, Omanhene of Shama performed the naming ceremony. 10 March 07