Asantehene brings Memphis to standstill

Story By: Okyeremaba Adomako Antwi Boasiako
From: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
The Asantehene, Otumfour Osei Tutu II yesterday led at powerful delegation of chiefs from Asanteman, government officials and the business community to participate in the biggest traditional durbar in Memphis, Tennessee USA. Dubbed the Memphis in May International Festival is meant to unify, honor the ancestors and for the prosperity of the land and people. The ceremony which took place in Beale street, downtown Memphis included an entrance parade for the Asantehene amidst traditional songs and dance as well as gift presentation. Like a typical Akwasidae at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the Asantehene dressed in beautiful Kente cloth sat in state whilst his subjects paid homage to him.

Former US ambassador to Ghana, Stephanie S. Sullivan, Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Hajia Alima Mahama, Consular General, Hon. Atta Boafo, CEO of Ghana Gas, Ben Asante, President and CEO of Memphis in May International Festival, James L. Holt, Chiefs of the various Asanteman Associations in all the 50 states of US and Canada as well as other professional bodies paid homage to Otumfour Osei Tutu II. Started in 1977, the Memphis International Festival is a month long festival held in Memphis, Tennessee. It is meant to honor one country and and its culture. In an address, the CEO and President of Memphis in May International Festival, James L. Holt, expressed his appreciation to the Asantehene, Otumfour Osei Tutu II for honoring this year’s festival with a colorful durbar. According to him, the Republic of Ghana is the 6th African country to have been invited for the event since its inception in 1977. “Memphis in May International Festival is not only sharing in the culture and wonderful aspect of the great nation of Ghana but we have the opportunity this week to share some of our local culture Memphis with His Majesty and with Her Excellency Ambassador Mahama” he stated. Daasebre Otuo Serebour, Paramount Chief of Juaben Traditional Area and Chairman of Council of State who spoke on behalf of Asantehene thanked the organizing committee of the event for putting Ghana on the map of Memphis in May International Festival and to showcase their culture. He stressed that there is a lot to be learned from each other since culture is dynamic. Daasebre Otuo Serebour was full of praise to the various Asanteman Associations in US and North America for their massive show of support.
