Ga Manye & Nii Amarkai III @ Imhotep in Philly

Philadelphia, PA

It is interesting that a school is making a name for itself as being one of

the biggest charter schools in America that is centered on Africa's rich

historical tradition . Imhotep Charter High School is based in

Philadelphia, PA - the city of brotherly love.

It has one of Ghana's favorite sons and a royal to the Ga stool; Dr. Samuel

Nii Kwate Quartey I; a Podiatrist as the Chairman of the Board of

Directors. Mrs Christine Wiggins is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer

and her royal stool name is Asafoanye Odamite Tsotso. She traced her lineage

to the Ga.Asafoanye and is very proud of her heritage. She instills the

african values she has acquired to her students. The school's uniform is an

african fabric with their chosen design.

The school relocated to a new state of the art location opposite the old

school. There was a recent ribbon cutting ceremony to officially outdoor

the new school.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was in honour of Naa Dedei Omaadru III (Ga

Manye) who traveled from Ghana. Dignitaries included; Dr. Nii Kwale Quartey

I, and some officials from the Philadelphia School districts. The members

of the Philadelphia community also attended.

At another event; the school recognized the dedication of Nii Amarkai III,

(Asere Djasetse and Kingmaker). The Kingmaker and the powerful royal had

the opportunity to tour the school and was accompanied by the Ga Manye and

Nii Kwale Quartey I.

At a brief ceremony in the school, he poured a libation to commit the

school to the ancestors for success and longevity. Nii Amarkai III in a

brief address to the students advised the students to study hard and become

successful adults. He says the only way for an african american child to be

successful is through reading a book, studying hard and successfully

completing their education. He said a year ago when he visited the old

school, he had predicted that one day there will be an African American

president and here we are, there is one who happens to be known as Barack

Obama. He was emphatic on the students working hard to be successful. He

had also distributed copies of a newsletter which featured the Queen of

Sheba's previous visit to Ghana.

Asafoanye Tsotso made a presentation of a Homowo award to Nii Amarkai II on

behalf of the school. Nii Amarkai III who was impressed and excited about

the award thanked the Asafoanye, students and the entire school for the

honour bestowed upon him. Nii Amarkai in return presented his customized

royal beads from the palace in Ghana and put on the wrist of the Asafoanye.

The Asafoanye too extended her gratitude and proud also for such a gift

given to her as a royal.

The Asafoanye after the ceremony had the honour of leading the royals on

a familialization tour of the school. Interestingly and incredibly, many

halls and classrooms have been named African countries..

Nii Amarkai III who is also a great drummer had the opportunity to play the

drum at a music class and shared some of his skills with the students. He

was impressed at the new location and commended Asafoanye for a great

vision. He said when one walks in, he or she will feel at home in Africa;

peace, love, unity, harmony, culture and good music. Naming each hall and

classrooms on each African country was the icing on the cake.

This writer was also impressed with the discipline that the students

exhibited. Credit goes Mrs Wiggins, Asafoanye who said the disciplinary

attitude in the school is so immense. It has transcended to a point where

students do not use curse words and all abide by the rules and regulations.

She said if all African American children had this type of environment and

identified with who they were and where they came from, there will not be

too many crimes.

At the end of the familiarization tour, the royals thanked the Asafoanye

and gave a huge round of applause and commendation to Asafoanye Odamite

Tsotso. They said she has worked hard to put the school on the world

stage.

*Go Panthers Go!!*

Imhoptep has a great basketball team and was in the news recently;

"The Imhotep Charter Panthers defeated the West Catholic Burrs, 59-53, in

overtime yesterday in the PIAA District 12 Class AA boys' basketball

championship game at Temple's Liacouras Center."

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