December 10, 1984

Asante Kingdom of Gold: Asantehene's New York Durbar

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II last month paid a visit to the United States of America on a programme dubbed "Asante Kingdom of Gold" which featured him and his elders and cultural entourage putting on display the culture of the Asantes to the American audience and specta- tors. This African-American programme was made possible by grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities and from the New York state office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservations.

At the New York durbar, the Chief Priest of Bosum-M-Dzemawodzi, Nana Yao Opare Dinizulu, the Afro- American cultural representative, various Ghanaian cultural drumming and dancing and cultural presentations by Afro-American dance troupes contributed to make the occasion a memorable one. Among the Asantehene's entourage were Nana Baffour Osei Akoto, chief linguist Nana Akuoko Sarpong, Omanhene of Agogo traditional area.

asantehene and mayor koch in new york durbar talking drums 1984-12-10 page 18

The Asantehene and New York Mayor Koch arriving at the durbar.