Author: Alexander Anyankwaa
The Mayor of Worcester, Joseph M. Petty, has handed over the city’s entry key to one prominent Ghanaian chief, Daasebere Nana Kwaku Boateng III, Omanhene of New Juaben.
This came to light at the colourful climax of the maiden Diaspora event New England Ghana Festival NEGfest 2024, held over the weekend where Daasebere Nana Kwaku Boateng III served as the Guest of Honor for the event.
The Key to the City of Worcester is a considered gift from the sitting Mayor to a resident of Worcester or respected visitor, presented as a recognition of their contributions.
Worcester’s Key to the City program was started in 1924 by then-Mayor Michael O’Hara, whose grandson was the first to receive.
The handing over the key to a city generally everywhere, is a symbolic gesture that dates back to medieval times, when cities were often walled and heavily fortified.
The key to the city represented the authority to enter and leave the city at will, signifying trust and honor.
Today, it is a ceremonial gesture that represents respect, appreciation, or recognition of an individual’s contributions to society or their accomplishments.
In modern contexts, it is often given to public figures, dignitaries, or other individuals who have made a significant impact on the community or have achieved something noteworthy.
The tradition is a way for a city to express gratitude and acknowledge the person’s importance or influence.
The maiden edition of the New England Ghana Festival (NEGfest), held in Worcester, Massachusetts, on Saturday 7th September saw a magnificent celebration of Ghanaian culture and heritage, amidst glittering, thriller performances.
The festival was graced by the esteemed presence of Daasebere Nana Kwaku Boateng III, Omanhene of New Juaben, who served as the guest of honour of the event.
This year’s festival was anchored by the theme “Sankofa: Embracing Our Heritage, Connecting Our Past,” a powerful message underscoring the importance of cultural preservation and the connection between past and present.
The maiden New England Ghana Festival was a resounding success, bringing together Ghanaians from across the United States to celebrate their heritage.
The New England Ghana Festival (NEGFest 2024) Under The Auspices Of The Ghana Heritage Foundation (GHF) is in Partnership With The US-Ghana Embassy, Worcester State University, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, The Ghana Ministry of Tourism, Arts And Culture, the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwaaba Clinic, Nananom, Local Churches, And The entire Ghana Community In New England
and several other esteemed entities.
Some of the dignitaries present at the event included Hon. Ken Asafo-Adjei who doubles as the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Heritage Foundation and Consul Designate, Honorary Consulate of Ghana-Massachusetts, Co-Chair of the event and New Juaben Asokwahene Nana Awuah Panin III, MP for Tema West Hon. Carlos K. Ahenkorah, MP For Atwima-Nwabiagya South, Hon. Emmanuel Agyei Anhwere, Hon Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, MP for Bole-Bamboi, Members of the Parliamentary Select Committee among other high-profile government officials and traditional leaders.
Other State officials were: Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, Senator Michael Moore, Member of the Massachusetts Senate from the 2nd Worcester District, Senator Robyn K. Kennedy, Member of the Massachusetts Senate from the 2nd Worcester District,
Khrystian E. King Vice Chairman & Councilor-at-Large Worcester, State Representative David LaBeouf, State Representative for The 17th Worcester District, State Representative Dan Donahue, Massachusetts State Representative and Sheila H Dibb
Candidate for Massachusetts State Senate
Daasebere Nana Kwaku Boateng III indicated that the festival reinforced the importance of cultural pride and the enduring relevance of Sankofa in today’s globalized world.
Daasebere Nana Kwaku Boateng III was also accompanied by his whole royal entourage including the New Juaben Queen Mother Nana Juaben Serwaa III.
Their presence at NEGFest indeed underscored the deep cultural ties and importance of heritage among the diaspora community in the United States.
In his keynote address, Daasebere Nana Kwaku Boateng III extended warm greetings from the Yiadom Hwedie Palace of New Juaben in Ghana and acknowledged the collective efforts of Ghanaians both in Ghana and in the diaspora.
He highlighted the significance of unity, heritage, and the shared history that binds Ghanaian communities worldwide.
“It is a great honour and pleasure to be with you today as we celebrate this year’s festival together a celebration that brings us together as one family, united by our rich heritage and shared history,” Nana Kwaku Boateng III remarked.
He noted that the festival serves as a reminder of the strength found in Ghanaian traditions, which have been preserved through generations despite the challenges posed by modernity.
Daasebere drew special attention to the festival’s theme, “Sankofa,” a concept deeply rooted in Ghanaian culture. He explained that the term, derived from the Akan language, symbolizes the importance of returning to the past to retrieve valuable knowledge.
The imagery of the Sankofa bird, often depicted with an egg in its mouth while looking backward, epitomizes this philosophy.
“The symbol of Sankofa teaches us an essential lesson: it is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten,” Nana Kwaku Boateng III emphasized.
“We must look to our past to inform our future. We must embrace our heritage, learn from our history, and carry forward the values, traditions, and wisdoms passed down to us.”
Daasebere Nana Kwaku Boateng III also shared his personal journey to becoming Omanhene, drawing parallels between his story and the theme of Sankofa.
Having lived in Germany for 32 years, he faced the difficult decision to return to Ghana to fulfill his ancestral duty when the Yiadom Hwedie Stool of New Juaben became vacant.
His story is a testament to the enduring relevance of Sankofa in guiding individuals back to their roots, even after long periods abroad.
Daasebere Nana Kwaku Boateng III urged participants to embrace their heritage as the foundation of their identity, reminding them of the resilience and ingenuity that have defined Ghana’s history from the ancient kingdoms to the modern nation.
“Our heritage is rich and multifaceted, encompassing our languages, music, dance, arts, cuisine, and most importantly, our values. Embracing our heritage means recognizing the strength and wisdom of our ancestors,” he declared.
He further called upon the Ghanaian diaspora to maintain a strong connection to their roots, even as they navigate life in diverse cultures like that of the United States.
Nana Kwaku Boateng III also emphasized the importance of passing on Ghanaian culture and traditions to future generations.
He urged parents to teach their children Ghanaian languages, share stories, and introduce them to the music, dance, and cuisine that have defined the culture for centuries.
He highlighted the role of technology and social media in preserving and promoting these values globally.
“We live in a fast-paced, ever-changing world, and it is easy to lose sight of our past. While living in the diaspora enriches our experiences, it is crucial that we remain connected to our roots.
The beauty of Sankofa lies in its call for balance progressing forward without losing the essence of who we are.”
As the festival concluded, Daasebre Nana Kwaku Boateng III left attendees with a thought-provoking message on legacy.
He encouraged everyone to think about the kind of future they wish to create for the next generation, urging the community to ensure that their children and grandchildren continue to honour Ghanaian traditions while making their own unique contributions to the world.
“Our journey forward is a shared one. By embracing our heritage, we build a strong foundation for a future where our children and grandchildren continue to honour tradition while making their unique marks on the world,” he concluded.
