The Asante Youth Association (AYA) has launched its inaugural campaign to honor the heroes of Ghana and Asanteman who have significantly contributed and continue to sacrifice for the progress and successes of both the Asante Kingdom and the nation.
This milestone initiative, named the “Asante Legacy Awards Symposium,” was officially inaugurated at the prestigious Golden Bean Hotel in Kumasi under the theme: “INHERITING GREATNESS: Strengthening Asanteman through History and Youth Consciousness.”
The event began with a solemn minute of silence in memory of the late Asantehemaa Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III, marking the reverence held for the kingdom’s traditions and leaders.
Dr. Ronald Ofori Anane, President of the Asante Youth Association, emphasized the importance of the symposium as more than a mere event.
He stated that it represents the first step in a vision aimed at appropriately honoring the living and past heroes whose sacrifices have propelled Ghana and Asanteman forward.
Highlighting a common societal oversight, he noted that recognition often comes only posthumously; the association is committed to ensuring timely appreciation for such heroes.
The President added that the initiative also aims to enlighten and engage the youth by providing a platform where they can interact with elders to discuss sustaining the kingdom’s legacy and fostering national development.
Nana Kwaku Gyan Brokuo II, the Offuman Manhene and Program Chairman, reinforced the symposium’s theme, urging the youth to prioritize Asanteman in their lives.
He reminded attendees that Asanteman’s strength is rooted in the unity and wisdom of its founders, handed down through generations.
Nana Brokuo II called on young people to honor and preserve cultural traditions, such as festivals and funerals, which are integral to the Asante identity.
PV Jantuah Boateng Dadson, a guest speaker, spoke on “How the youth can project Asanteman as a Kingdom and Asante as a tribe.”
He outlined three core values essential to the Asante people: integrity symbolized by the Golden Stool, unity among the kingdom’s towns, and resilience to overcome difficulties, a spirit captured in the Asante adage, “Asante Kotoko Wo Kum Apem A, Apem Beba.”
He stressed that these values must guide the youth, warning against corruption and suggesting ambitious projects like establishing an Asanteman Development or Community Bank to drive economic empowerment.
Professor Otchere Addai Mensah, former CEO of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, offered historical insights explaining that Asanteman’s foundation was built on clan collaborations, peace treaties, and respect for the Golden Stool as a symbol of unity and sovereignty.
He noted the challenges posed by modern influences such as unemployment and cultural erosion due to foreign influences, urging for adaptive solutions that blend tradition with innovation to ensure the kingdom’s continued prosperity.
The symposium included notable speakers from diverse backgrounds, including academia, politics, and traditional leadership, all united in their call to inspire the youth to embrace their heritage while advancing Asanteman’s development.
Other speakers at the symposium included Dr. Richard Winfred Anane- former MP Nhyiaeso Constituency, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe Constituency and former Education Minister, and Nana Obiri Boahen, historian and lawyer. The program was attended by numerous youth associations from the Asante Kingdom, Nananom, and well-meaning Ghanaians.
The Asante Youth Association plans to build on this foundational event with an awards ceremony in December dedicated to honoring deserving Asante professionals and citizens for their contributions to the kingdom’s legacy.
Source: www.Kumasimail/Kwadwo Owusu
