“From Akyem Mansa to the Midwest: The Okyeman Association of Chicago’s Journey”

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A Historical and Community Portrait of the Akyem People and the Okyeman Association of Chicago USA

​Origins of Okyeman (Akyem)

The Akyem (Okyeman) are a prominent Akan subgroup in Ghana’s Eastern Region, tracing their lineage to three traditional states—Akyem Abuakwa, Akyem Bosome, and Akyem Kotoku—collectively known as Akyem Mansa. Established in the 17th century, the Akyem states stood as fierce defenders of autonomy against both neighboring kingdoms and European incursions. Renowned for their matrilineal governance, skilled gold mining, and vibrant festivals—especially the Ohum and Akwasidae ceremonies—the Akyem built a reputation for political resilience and cultural sophistication.

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Migration & Early Chicago Presence

Beginning in the late 1960s and accelerating through the 1970s, Ghanaians from Akyem Mansa—driven by educational and economic aspirations—began settling in Chicago and its suburbs. By the early 1980s, these pioneering families coalesced into a communal body, laying the groundwork for what would become the formal Okyeman Association of Chicago USA .

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Formation, Founding Members & Mission

Founded in 1982, the Okyeman Association of Chicago USA set out to:

•  Preserve Akyem heritage—language (Twi dialects), drumming, dance, regalia

•  Support newcomers—mentorship, housing assistance, orientation

•  Foster youth leadership—scholarships and career workshops

•  Maintain transnational ties—liaisons with the Akyem Traditional Council in Ghana

Charter Leadership Team:
Clement Asare, President

The inaugural President of the Chicago chapter, Clement Asare mobilized early Akyem families, coordinated community outreach, and served as the Association’s public face 

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Akua Owusua, Queen Mother (Ohemaa)

As the diaspora’s first Ohemaa, Akua Owusua stewarded cultural rites—particularly Ohum and Akwasidae ceremonies—ensuring the spiritual continuity of Akyem traditions in Chicago .

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Kwasi Annafi, General Secretary

Tasked with chapter communications and record-keeping, Kwasi Annafi appears in the minutes of Okyeman Council of North America meetings as early as 1984, highlighting his role in linking Chicago’s chapter to the wider diaspora network.

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Early Committee Members

While full membership rolls remain in private archives, contemporaneous reports confirm that the Okyeman Association was one of the twelve charter ethnic groups at the 1984 founding of the Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago.

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 Ties & Contributions to the Ghana National Council (GNC)

When the Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago was formed in 1984, the Okyeman Association joined as a charter ethnic chapter alongside Asanteman, Fanti, Okuapeman, and others. Since then, Okyeman leaders have:

• Served on GNC’s Central Committee and constitutional committees

• Co-organized the Ohum Festival Showcase at Ghanafest—complete with Akyem chiefs, elders, and drumming troupes

• Partnered on Youth Cultural Symposiums, promoting inter-ethnic dialogue among diaspora millennials and Gen Z

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Cultural Activities & Signature Events

1. Ohum Celebration (Akyem New Year)

Each September, members reenact Ohum rites—thanksgiving drumming, libation pouring, and communal feasting—at Chicago’s Nigerian Park pavilion.

2. Akwasidae Diaspora Day

Honoring ancestors every six weeks with storytelling, kente workshops, and remembrance ceremonies.

3. Back-to-School Scholarship Gala

An autumn banquet awarding tuition-funded scholarships to Akyem-American scholars, supporting the next generation of leaders.

 Community Service & Diaspora Development

Beyond culture, the Okyeman Association is active in:

• Mentorship & Tutoring: Weekly after-school programs for youth

• Health & Wellness Drives: Free screenings in partnership with local clinics

•  Holiday Food & Toy Drives: Collaborations with neighborhood banks to aid low-income families

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Legacy: Akyem Values Flourishing in Chicago

The Okyeman Association of Chicago USA stands as a living bridge between Akyem Mansa and the American Midwest—upholding values of Nkabom (unity), Nhyira (blessing), and Nimdeɛ (knowledge). From Kumasi’s gold-rich hills to Chicago’s lakefront skyline, the Association ensures that Akyem heritage not only endures but thrives:

    “Abusua mu nkabom, yɛn akwan mmerɛ.”

“In family unity, our paths grow stronger.”

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