The Tepamanhene, Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem has asked Ashantis living in the United States of America to support the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II to put the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in a better shape.
This, he stressed, will not only inure to the benefit of people living in the Ashanti Region but for many others from other parts of the country who use KATH as a referral center.
Addressing a colorful gathering organized by the Asanteman Association in Denver, Colorado, Nana Ampem urged that they contribute funds to ensure the 995 capacity bed block which stands uncompleted for almost four decades, get the necessary attention.
He, however, praised the Denver branch of the Asanteman Association for their continuous adoption of some of the wards at KATH where they supply drugs and equipment for its upkeep.
“I know Ashantis are hardworking wherever we find ourselves and that is why I urge that while you work you also look back to support Komfo Anokye to help us put it in a good shape just as some of your members have been helping in the adoption of wards at the place’’, Tepamanhene noted.
Punctuality at functions
On his part, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon Joe Osei-Wusu, underscored the importance of blending some aspects of the culture of both countries (the US and Ghana).
He believes this will ensure that the people become more effective in their conduct and also in their attitude towards work and family matters.
Hon Osei Wusu bemoaned the trend of Ghanaians in attending to functions late, adding that is one area they could emulate people from the West.
“....lateness to functions and to work deprives the nation of the needed revenue and high productivity levels....I am surprised that rather than learning how to attend to stuff promptly, we still have the lateness mindset even here in the US. But I believe once we have not forgotten our culture of respecting elders we should also be prompt and punctual at events,’’ the First Deputy Speaker posited.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, who was also present at the function, commended the Asanteman Association for holding on to the proud traditions of Asanteman even in the US. According to him, the value they place on customs as well as respect for elders is something that distinguishes them from the rest of the tribes in Ghana.
Hon Osei Mensah, however, urged the Asanteman Association to showcase their traditions to the world at the meetings they organize rather than to themselves. This showcasing of such customs, the Regional Minister opined, will help to bring about the needed networking and friendship with other nationals in the United States for their collective good.
“I urge that we as Asantes do not showcase our Kente cloth and culture to ourselves but to other nationals so that through that we can woo them to invest back home in Ghana and in the very initiatives the NPP government has rolled out’’, he passionately stressed.
Source: Sampson K. Nyamekye/Peace FM News/Denver, Colorado
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