Asante Queen Makes History at Amsterdam Durbar

The Dutch city of Amsterdam was over the weekend treated to a historic colourful cultural durbar in honour and celebration of the enstoolment of Obaahemaa (Queen mother) Nana Akosua Kusiwaa I, as the Asantefuohemaa of The Netherlands. The durbar which was heralded by a thanksgiving service at the All Saints Catholic Church swung into full climax at the Egoli Community Hall in Amsterdam South East.

The rich Asante Culture was displayed at its best to the adoration and admiration of the entire Ghanaian community in the Netherlands, who had dressed in all white traditional clothes and crowded the venue to show their support and also pay homage to the first Asantefuohemaa of the Netherlands.

Flaunting her natural beauty and elegant traditional royal regalia, Nanahemaa Akosua Kusiwaa I, flanked by other Queenmothers and women-elders, was ushered into the fully packed hall amidst traditional pomp and pageantry whiles she danced to the traditional Kete and Adowa tunes in majestic steps. The hall was illuminated with amusement and shouts of support that left the Surinamese, Nigerian and Dutch community present applauding with great adoration.

Nanahemaa Akosua Kusiwaa I, is known in private life as Madam Theresa Akosua Osei, who hails from the Nyinahini in the Ashanti region of Ghana.

Prior to her enstoolment, Nanahemaa Akosua Kusiwaa I, a devoted catholic, had lived and integrated in The Netherlands for over thirty years and is a highly respected personality not only in the Ghanaian community but also within the Surinamese, African and Dutch community. Nanahemaa Akosua Kusiwaa I is also a founding member of Ashanti Heritage Foundation in The Netherlands.

In a brief but articulated speech, Nanahemaa Akosua Kusiwaa I, expressed her genuine honour and appreciation to the elders and community for the title and task bestowed on her, and emphasised the fact that she fully recognises the responsibility that comes with the title and will prove equal to the task and strengthen the state of the Asante nation in the Netherlands. She said her vision is to explore opportunities and developmental projects to the benefit of Asanteman and other places in Ghana. However, Nanahemaa Akosua Kusiwaa I, reiterated her stand for truth and unity among the elders and elders in the community at large. She said both personal and community development cannot be achieved without truth and unity, She therefore called on all to stand by the truth whiles committing to love and unity, no matter the consequence, for the purpose of personal and community development. She further appealed to the community to desist from harsh language and insults that to denigrate traditional elders, especially the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

Barima Akwasi Anyani IV, Anum Asamankesehene blessed the Obaahemaa on behalf of the Ghanaian community. Nana Amoateng, Gyaakye Kyedomhene; Nana Yeboah Adabranka, Nana Osei Prempeh, Nana Kofi Sarpong, Nana Osei Kwadwo, Opanin Akwasi Agyemang were among other chiefs and clan elders present.

Among the Queen mothers and women elders who supported and organised the historic event in collaboration with the Asante Heritage Abusua were Nana Achiaa Pramang, Buabasa Mawira Hemaa; Nana Pramang, Agoro Ye Sum Hemaa; Nana Akosua Adutwumwaa; Obaapanin Mary Sarfo and Obaapanin Akopra. The two main Ghanaian umbrella organisations, RECOGIN and Akasnoma Foundation including the were also highly represented.

Source: The Cooperate Asante Heritage Movement, The Netherlands