By Samuel Yaokumah
Akropong-Akuapem (E/R), May 26, GNA – Ohemea Abena Otwiwa Asiedu, Diaspora Queen Mother of Tourism and Jamaica’s Foreign Affairs Minister, has paid a courtesy call on Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III at the Okuapehene’s Palace in Akropong-Akuapem.
The visit formed part of efforts to strengthen cultural and tourism ties between Ghana and Jamaica ahead of the 200th anniversary celebration of the Odwira Festival.
A mini-durbar was organised by the chiefs and people of Okuapemman to receive Ohemea Abena, known in private life as Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, who was enstooled four years ago as Queen of Tourism in Akropong-Akuapem.
Addressing the gathering, she said she had worked over the past four years to deepen cooperation between Ghana and Jamaica in friendship, culture, diplomacy and trade.
She said discussions had already been held with Ghana’s Minister of Tourism on measures to strengthen cultural exchange and tourism collaboration between the two countries.
Ohemea Abena also said that further meetings had been scheduled with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Tourism to advance bilateral relations.
She pledged to use her position as Jamaica’s Foreign Minister and Queen Mother of Tourism of Akuapem to advocate tourism development and cultural emancipation in the Akuapem area.
Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III thanked Ohemea Abena for the visit and commended her efforts in humanity, foreign policy and trade.
He encouraged members of the diaspora to return to Akuapem, describing the area as their ancestral home.
The Okuapehene called on Jamaicans and the wider diaspora community to participate in the 200th Odwira Festival celebration.
He said the festival was not only for the people of Akuapem and Ghana, but also for Jamaicans who shared historical and cultural ties with the area.
Oseadeeyo Akuffo III disclosed that plans for a Kingdom visit to Jamaica in January were disrupted by flooding, expressing hope that the trip would be rescheduled.
He urged the people of Akuapem to continue welcoming Jamaicans and other members of the diaspora warmly.
As part of the visit, the Okuapehene presented Ohemea Abena with fugu and bead trinkets as symbols of honour and cultural appreciation.
She also received a magazine on the 2025 Odwira activities and an invitation to join the planning committee for the 200th celebration.
GNA
Edited by D. I. Laary/Kenneth Odeng Adade