Nana Akosua Agyapomaa Asare honoured for championing Ghanaian culture 

At the heart of the cultural renaissance stands Nana Akosua Agyapomaa Asare I—a name synonymous with heritage preservation, education, and community empowerment.

The President of the Heritage Hands Foundation (HHF) and Nkosuohemaa (Development Queen) of the Oseawuo Division in Okyeman was on Saturday, October 26, 2025, honoured for her outstanding contribution to the cultural development and social advancement during the International Edition of the Accra Arts and Crafts Market.

The 10-day festival, which ran from October 17 to 26 at the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre for Pan-African Culture in Cantonments, Accra, concluded with a grand Gala and Awards Night celebrating creative excellence and cultural leadership.

The honour, presented by Adnan Mohammed, Manager of the Accra Arts and Crafts Market, and his Deputy, Wango Abdul Karimu, recognized Nana Akosua’s instrumental role in promoting Ghanaian identity through her Foundation’s numerous initiatives. Under her visionary leadership, the Heritage Hands Foundation has emerged as a vibrant force for social impact and cultural education, driving projects that link tradition with modern community development.

As the first-ever Nkosuohemaa of the Oseawuo Division — the largest of the five divisions under Okyeman, comprising over 300 towns and villages such as Abomosu, Asamankese, Akwatia, Kade, Adeiso, Anyinam, and Wankyi — Nana Akosua has redefined the essence of traditional leadership.

Her reign is marked by innovation, service, and empowerment, weaving the threads of the heritage into sustainable community growth.

Through the Heritage Hands Foundation, a 47-member association of Queenmothers devoted to culture and social progress, she has spearheaded transformative projects.

These include the donation of over 150,000 books to 37 educational institutions nationwide and the construction of a six-seater modern toilet facility with a mechanized borehole for Ningo-Ahwiam D/A Basic School, which serves nearly 2,000 pupils.

Her work has earned her national and international acclaim, with many calling for her official recognition as a Cultural Ambassador of Ghana.

The Foundation’s growing influence has also attracted government endorsement.

The Diaspora Affairs Office under the Office of the President has commended the Heritage Hands Foundation for its visionary efforts in promoting Ghanaian heritage and empowering women and girls to become agents of change in their communities.

Before rising to prominence as a traditional leader and cultural advocate, Nana Akosua Agyapomaa Asare I served as a dedicated teacher for two decades.

Her teaching career took her across several regions — from Trede JHS in the Ashanti Region to Twedaase JHS in Tema, Kotobabi JHS, Baastona JHS, and Klagon JHS — where she nurtured young minds and championed literacy.

Her passion for education later inspired her to establish the Rainbow Trust Foundation, a nonprofit committed to improving literacy and library access for underprivileged children.

In partnership with Book Aid International (UK), the Rainbow Trust Foundation has distributed over 400,000 books to 239 basic schools and institutions across six regions, while training 285 teacher-librarians in basic library management.

Through this partnership, several new initiatives are being developed, including the establishment of medical libraries in hospitals and medical schools, the expansion of STEM programs, and support for early childhood education and girls’ participation in science.

The 2025 International Edition of the Accra Arts and Crafts Market, which honoured Nana Akosua, was a showcase of West African artistry and craftsmanship.

The event drew artisans and exhibitors from Ghana, Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Mali, attracting over 30,000 visitors — including diplomats, tourists, and local art enthusiasts. Exhibits ranged from traditional jewelry, beads, and clothing to handmade bags, paintings, and woodcrafts, offering a vivid tapestry of African creativity.