Asantehene honours Amma Prempeh’s promo of Ghanaian heritage
The King of Asante Kingdom (Asantehene) in Ghana, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II honoured his granddaughter, BBC journalist and filmmaker, Amma Prempeh for promoting Ghanaian heritage in the diaspora, during his 75th birthday celebration at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, Ghana.
The grand occasion, drawing a distinguished crowd of royals, dignitaries, and enthusiastic supporters, was jointly celebrated with the sacred Awukudae festival, in a picturesque display of Asante Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage.
Amma Prempeh who made a surprise visit to the festive event from the United States, caught the monarch in awe, and was warmly received. “Grandpa wasn’t expecting me in Ghana, so he was very happy and surprised about my visit,” she shared with a broad smile.
In celebration of the Asantehene, Amma Prempeh presented a breathtaking $25,000 Kente-inspired Sankofa artwork by renowned Ghanaian artist, Jeffrey Okyere Agyei. The piece, embodying the wisdom of reflecting on the past to forge a meaningful future, struck a chord with the Asantehene’s lifelong commitment to cultural preservation.
The monarch in turn honoured her with a platform to discuss her groundbreaking documentary, “Kente Culture Story Documentary Film: The Importance of Kente to Ghanaians & Black Africans,” which has captivated audiences internationally. The film, independently produced by Amma Prempeh, is Ghana’s first in-depth cinematic exploration of Kente, the iconic fabric synonymous with Asante and Ghanaian identity.
Premiered in Kumasi on August 26, 2023, and later in Accra on September 10, 2023, the documentary has been showcased at international festivals across North America and Europe, earning admirations for its vivid storytelling. The film traces Kente’s historical roots, intricate weaving techniques, and cultural significance, celebrating the artisans who sustain this craft in Ghana’s Asante region.
The documentary also examines Kente’s role as a symbol of activism, its vibrant patterns adorning advocates for social justice and Black empowerment worldwide, resonating with African diaspora communities.
“Its international debut marked a significant milestone in bringing the Ghanaian culture to a wider audience and sparking dialogue about identity, representation and cultural exchange,” said Amma Prempeh to TheAfricanDream.net in a conversation last year.
The documentary was celebrated with three awards at the fourth edition of the Golden Age Business and Creative Arts Awards in May last year in Accra, Ghana. It won the awards for Woman of Excellence: Creative Art Personality of the Year; Woman of Excellence: Tourism and Arts Personality of the Year; and Yaa Asantewaa Woman of Valour and Honour Award.
Amma Prempeh’s promotion elevated Kente to new heights. On December 4, 2024, UNESCO recognized Kente as an Intangible Cultural Heritage at its 19th session in Paraguay. Her collaboration with cultural organizations was pivotal in securing this honour, increasing Ghana’s cultural footprint.
“Kente is more than just a cloth; it’s a living embodiment of our history, values, and aspirations. I dedicate it to the generations of weavers who have kept this tradition alive, and a celebration of its continued relevance,” said Amma Prempeh.
Written by Oral Ofori.
Oral Ofori is Founder and Publisher at www.TheAfricanDream.net, a digital storyteller and producer, and also an information and research consultant.
