Kumasi Tafo: Asanteman Council of North America l (ACONA) has adopted the Internet Technology Center (ICT) being constructed at the multi purpose community Center by Tafohene , his sub chiefs, and the elders of Tafo Traditional Council at Tafo a suburb of Kumasi
To mark the occasion Nana Tafo hene , his sub chiefs and elders as well as some prominent members of the community staged a colorful durbar for the vising representatives of Asanteman Council of North America ( ACONA) led by Dr Agyenim Boateng a former Deputy Attorney General of Kentucky. Accompanying him was Nana Akua Adutwumwaa a queen mother of Asanteman Association of Greater Cincinnati Ohio
In his introductory speech Dr. Agyenim Boateng who has been one of the architects of AOCNA’s formation briefly traced its history to the visit of Otomfuo Oopku Ware 11 to New York City in 1982 wherein he urged Asante residents of New York and USA to organize themselves , teach their children the Asante cultural values and history and mobilize resources to help in the development of Asanteman. Following this advise, many Asanteman Associations were formed throughout the years in many cities in USA and Canada. At the apex of these organization is the Asanteman Association of North America which had provided various funds , among other, to Otumfuo Educational Fund, Manhyia Museum in Kumasi, various medical equipment’s to hospitals in Asante and Kumasi, water bore holes and many other charities. At present there are about nine Asanteman Associations that have pledged to help to sustain the ICT Center. Among them are Asanteman Association of Toronto, Asanteman Association of Chicago, Asanteman Association of Tennesee,Asanteman ,Assciation of North Carolina , Asanteman of Columbus, and Asanteman Association of Worcester, Asanteman Association of Texas and Asanteman Association of Greater Cincinnati. Thus the motivation to contribute funds for the building of the ICT was in furtherance of Otumfuo Opoku Ware’s vision to develop Asanteman. Dr. Boateng emphasized. He concluded by noting “that It is gratifying to note that Otumfuo Osed Tutu 11 has also given his blessings to ACONA since he ascended Golden Stool!”
Dr Boateng presented an amount of over 40 million Ghana Cedis to Nana Tafohenee to complete the sight for the ICT Center and pledged that the ACONA would provide additional assistance in terms of computers and other accessories once the building is finished ., Nana Tafohene in accepting the donation thanked ACONA profusely for their thoughtfulness and generosity in making such a generous offer and also promising to provide the necessary equipment for the ICT Center, He encouraged other diasporan associations and Tafo diasporans to play their role in the social and economic development of Tafo and Asanteman, The “children are our or future” Nana said, “but it all depends on how we prepare our children for such future.” He believes the CIT Center would be such an incubator for such preparation.
The colorful ceremony came to an end when Nana graciously conducted a personal tour for the visitors to view the multi complex building he and his elders are construction for Tafo community. It includes the multi purpose places for hosting funeral and social programs which can seat more than 500 people, Also included are place for restaurants, library , guest houses, pharmacy and bank.
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