Asanteman Europe Association 2024 Edition launched in Kumasi, Mammoth Festival to be Celebrated in Germany
The Asanteman Europe Association, a non-profit organisation representing Asantes in Europe, is gearing up to host a grand festival in Germany. Scheduled to take place from September 13 to September 15, 2024, this eagerly awaited event promises to showcase the richness of Asante’s culture to the world.
The association officially launched the festival on Friday, April 12, 2024, at the Center for National Culture in the Ashanti Region.
Nana Akyiaa Oyiakwan, a prominent member of the Association and the Queen Mother of Asante in Switzerland, expressed the association’s readiness to promote Asante culture globally.
This year’s Afahye 2024, themed “Asante Awakens: Igniting Cultural Passion in the Youth,” targets bridging cultural gaps and fostering collaboration for socio-economic development, with the diaspora as a significant component. The festival also aims to celebrate the vibrant and distinct identity of Asante’s culture with the youth in mind. It again presents an opportunity for the association to share the richness of Asante’s culture with other European communities.
In his speech, Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong, the Executive Director of National Commission on Culture, Accra, highlighted the importance of mending the cracks in our cultural foundation especially on the part of the youth are who are based in Europe. He also stressed the need for capacity building and continuous orientation to bring to speed Asantes in Europe who are losing their cultural values and identity.
Nana Akyiaa Oyiakwan again emphasised the significance of the Asanteman Europe Association, describing it as a beacon of hope for Asantes worldwide. She revealed that the association comprises 16 member Asante Associations spanning 12 countries across Europe, namely Asanteman Kroyɛ Kuo (Austria), Asanteman Association Brussels (Belgium), Asanteman Association Antwerp (Belgium), Asanteman Denmark (Denmark), Asanteman Finland Kuo (Finland), Asanteman Kuo Hamburg (Germany), Asanteman Dusseldorf (Germany), Asanteman Royals Association Dusseldorf (Germany), Asanteman Kuo Berlin (Germany).
The rest are Asanteman Italy (Italy), Asanteman Traditional Council of the Netherlands (the Netherlands), Asanteman Norway (Norway), Asantemankuo Sweden (Sweden), Asanteman Union Switzerland (Switzerland) and Asanteman Nkabomukuo (UK).
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Honourable Simon Osei Mensah, who graced the occasion, commended the association for their efforts in preserving Asante’s culture in Europe. He encouraged them to ensure the promotion of rich Asante’ cuisine, highlighting its nutritional benefits for those residing in Europe.
Honourable Simon Osei Mensah pledged unwavering support from his office to the association, assuring them that his doors will always be open to members of the group.
Other dignitaries at the programme included the Management of the Centre for National Culture, Ashanti Region, led by the Regional Director, Mr. Peter K Marfo; Nana Akua Sika Nyarko Aboraa III, Manso Nkwantahemaa, among others.
By Emmanuel Jewel Peprah Mensah / April 13, 2024