Rastafari Council, Ghana outdoors Nii Ayeh Darko Congo Mpese Teteete I

In a historic celebration marked by cultural pride and unity, the Rastafari Council, Ghana has introduced Nii Ayeh Darko Congo Mpese Teteete I as the Pan African & Diaspora Chief of the Ga State to the Rastafari community.

The event drew representatives from the Rastafari Council, Ghana, traditional leaders, dignitaries, and members of the diaspora community, emphasizing the significance of strengthening Rastafari identity within Ghana and across the African continent.

The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Honorable Minister, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, who was represented at the event, by Kofi Ohene Benning, Director for Finance and Administration at the ministry conveyed greetings and support from the Minister and the Deputy Minister, Mark Okraku Mantey.

Reaffirming Ghana's commitment to celebrating African heritage and resilience, the Minister highlighted its initiatives, including the annual Emancipation Day and landmark projects such as the Year of Return and Beyond the Return, launched to encourage Africans in the diaspora to reconnect with their roots in Ghana.

“Today’s ceremony reflects our shared commitment to advancing a stronger community rooted in cultural pride, unity, and resilience," noted the Ministry's representative. "Through projects like the Music Wall of Fame in the Western Region, the renovation of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, and new facilities across Ghana, the Ministry continues to foster spaces where heritage and history can thrive.”

The secretary of the Mpese Royal House, Nii Wolloh indicated that Nii Ayeh Darko Congo Mpese Teteete I will engage with like-minded persons and organizations to pursue a development agenda in the interest of the Rastafari and Pan African community and Ghanaians at large. On his part, Nii Congo called for peace in the forthcoming elections. He also underscored the need for unity in the Ga-Dangbe state.

Nii Ayeh Darko Congo Mpese Teteete I’s installation underscores Rastafari’s deeply rooted connections to African history and ideals, tracing back to the coronation of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I in 1930.

Rastafari Continental Council representatives emphasized the movement's enduring role in resisting oppression and celebrating African identity. The Council’s initiatives include the upcoming 5th Rastafari Continental Council Summit and All Africa Rastafari Gathering in South Africa in May 2025, and Ghana’s 10th National Rastafari Conference and inaugural International Rastafari Conference, set for February 2025, which will showcase cultural exhibitions, workshops, and a pilgrimage to historic sites.

Reflecting on the historical ties between Rastafari and Ga-Dangme traditions, the President of the Rastafari Council, Ghana, Ahuma Bosco Ocansey shared, “Our communities both honor ancestry and unity, values rooted in our mutual respect for spirituality and cultural pride. The enstoolment of Nii Ayeh Darko Congo Mpese Teteete I signifies a renewed commitment to bridge our communities and engage our youth, fostering a resilient identity for Rastafari within Ghana.”

In his concluding remarks, the President of the Council called upon all members of the Rastafari community, the Ga State, and diaspora groups to stand together in fostering a vibrant and united Rastafari identity in Ghana, Africa, and the global African community.