A group of eighteen African Americans, who have traced their ancestral routes to the Bono Region through DNA testing, visited the Nananom of the Dormaa Traditional Council at the Abanpredease Palace.
Comprised of thirteen women and five men, the group sought to reconnect with their ancestral home and the traditions that constitute their heritage. The visit enabled the group to experience a profound sense of belonging, articulate their aspirations, and explore avenues for collaboration in development.
The warm welcome was characterized with vibrant showcase of traditional regalia, accompanied by songs, drumming, and dancing which was facilitated by the Dormaa Aduana Twafuohemaa, Nanas Pokua Gyamiah.
During the gathering, the team leader, Dr. Vicky Aultmon, articulated the commitment of the group to transcend mere identity as descendants; she expressed their intention to serve as bridge builders by leveraging their expertise and resources.
Dr. Aultmon stated that “This journey has been long, spanning continents and centuries; however, today we stand firmly rooted in the soil of our ancestors. We feel their presence in the wind, in the music, and in the strength of your words. What was once broken is being restored.”
On his part, Barima Oppong Kyeremeh Buabasa, Gyasihene of the Dormaa Traditional Area who represented Osagyefo Oseadeyo Agyeman Badu II during the ceremony conferred traditional Ghanaian names on each of the guest to signify their homecoming and reaffirm their identity. He underscored the importance of industrialisation and education as critical priorities for the area.
The names bestowed upon the group members reflect the day on which they were born, traditional backgrounds, and renewed connection to the palace.
Prior to the visit to the Abanpredease Palace, Dr. Vicky Aultmon and the group toured the Dormaa Presbyterian Primary School, the premier educational institution in the area. They pledged that a variety of educational materials would be prepared for delivery to assist the school upon the arrival of their goods.
Source: Linda Osei Fobi, Dormaa East District Information Officer