The Denkyirahemaa of the Denkyira Traditional Area, Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III was on Saturday, December 11 adjudged the Paramount Queen mother in Leadership and Governance for the year 2021 at the maiden edition of Ghana Chieftaincy Awards.
Organized by the Obokese Foundation, with support from the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, National Cultural Commission, and the African Development Institute, the chieftaincy award scheme sought to primarily reward traditional rulers who are impacting their respective communities in the country and the organizers of the event, Obokese Foundation expects it to be a resounding success.
It was on the theme: Chieftaincy, a catalyst for national development.
The award, received on behalf of the Denkyirahemaa by Nana Agyekum Ntiamoa, Denkyira Kyekyewere krontihene and accompanied by Lawyer Emmanuel Kojo Nanah(Legal Advisor to the queen), Denkyirahemaa Kyiame Yeboah, Mrs. Gifty Nanah was to recognize her demonstration of outstanding leadership principles, including fairness, honesty, accountability, transparency, inclusiveness and in promoting the culture of good governance in the area.
Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III
Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III is the Denkyiahemaa of the Denkyira Traditional Area in the Central Region of Ghana. In 1993, she succeeded her grandmother, Nana Adwoa Saara II as the queen mother of Denkyira joining her uncle, Odeefuo Baa Amponsem III, the Denkyirahene to govern the traditional area.
Currently, Nana is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nasaa Group of Companies that engage in Fishing and Agricultural activities.
On the Chieftaincy and cultural fronts, Nana has served on several Boards and Committees. Nana once worked as Research Officer at the Central Regional House of Chiefs at Cape Coast.
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Most recently in 2019, the Denkyirahemaa, Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III, had won a seven-month legal battle that sought to challenge the ownership of the ancient Denkyira palace, where Odeefoↄ Boa Amponsem III lived and ruled as the king of the Denkyira State.
Criteria for the Awards
Founder of the Ghana Chieftaincy Awards, Nana Obokese Ampah, the Apagyahene of Asebu Traditional Area said the primary focus was to recognize chiefs who are making strides in their various communities adding that “this scheme will urge our traditional leaders to strive for excellence in their discharge of duties.
Awardees
Most outstanding Chief of the Year – Torgbui Afede XIV
Paramount Chief of the Year (Leadership and Governance Award) – Ahunabobrim Pra Agyensem VI, Omanhen of Owirenkyi traditional Area
Paramount Chief of the Year (Promotion of Culture Award) – Naba Tangegrewonkugre Asobayire V
Paramount Chief of the Year (Diaspora Integration Award) – Okatakyi (Prof) Amenfi VII, Omanhen of Asebu Traditional Area
Paramount Chief of the Year (Environmental Protection and Sustainability Award) – Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II
Paramount Chief of the Year (Africa Royal Legacy Award) – Osabrima Kwesi Atta II, Oguaa Traditional Area
Paramount Queen mother of the year (Entrepreneurship Award) – Nana Adwoa Nkansah, Agona Nsaba Traditional Area
Paramount Queen mother of the year (Innovation Award) – Nana Abena Gyamfua II, Assin Attandanso Traditional Area
Paramount Queen mother of the year (Health promotion Award) – Nana Adwoa Nkansah, Agona Nsaba Traditional Area
Paramount Queen mother of the year (Promotion of Culture Award) – Nana Ama Amissah III, Mankessim Traditional Area
Divisional Chief of the Year (Environmental protection and Sustainability Award) – Nana Kwaku Akutia Adinkra Ekuffu IV, Awutu Traditional Area
Divisional Chief of the Year (Leadership and Governance Award) – Nana Kwame Nkansah II, Aowin Traditional Area
Divisional Chief of the Year (promotion of Culture Award) – Nana Obrempong Kese Obuadge VIII, Anomabo Traditional Area
Sompahene – Abeiku (Santana) Aggrey, Tourism and Culture Ambassador
Youth Chief of the Year – Okukrubuor Nene Tei Kwesi Agyeman V, Mantse of Dodowa Traditional Area
Diaspora Chief of the Year – Nana Kwamina Kra II
Diaspora Queen mother of the Year – Nana Kyerewaa Ansah II
African Royal Legacy Award – Dr. Princess Ruth Ifediora
Source: Kofi Konadu/ATL FM NEWS