Diaspora Enstoolment

DIASPORA ENSTOOLMENT CEREMONY 2026

Honoring Ms. Tawanda "Wawa" Jones

The Rediscover Africa Organization proudly presents a historic Diaspora Enstoolment Ceremony honoring Ms. Tawanda "Wawa" Jones as Queen Mother of Camden City, New Jersey, USA and Nkosuo Hemaa (Development Queen Mother) of Akyem Abakoase, Ghana.

This distinguished cultural event symbolizes the growing bond between Africa and the global African diaspora, celebrating leadership, service, heritage, and community development across borders.

Taking place in Camden, New Jersey, the ceremony will bring together traditional leaders from Ghana, diaspora organizations, community leaders, cultural practitioners, and guests from across the United States and Africa for a day of tradition, unity, and celebration.

About Ms. Tawanda "Wawa" Jones

Ms. Tawanda "Wawa" Jones is a renowned community leader, youth advocate, cultural ambassador, and founder of the Camden Sophisticated Sisters Drill Team, one of the most impactful youth development organizations in Camden, New Jersey. For nearly four decades, she has dedicated her life to empowering young people through mentorship, education, leadership development, cultural enrichment, and community service.

Founded by Ms. Jones as a teenager in 1986, the Camden Sophisticated Sisters has grown into a transformative organization that has mentored more than 4,000 youth, helping participants pursue education, community engagement, and personal development while providing a safe and positive environment for young people in Camden.

Among her notable recognitions:

Black History Month Award by Governor Phil Murphy (NJ)
CNN Hero (2013)
Recipient of Oprah Winfrey's Toyota Standing O-Vation Recognition for Community Service
USA TODAY, Woman of the Year Honoree for New Jersey
Recipient of the Leeway Foundation Transformation Award for her impact through arts, culture, and social change.

Known affectionately throughout the community as "Miss Wawa," she has become a symbol of hope, resilience, and service, inspiring generations of young people to pursue excellence and leadership. Her enstoolment as Nkosuo Hemaa (Development Queen Mother) of Akyem Abakoase, Ghana, recognizes her lifelong commitment to community empowerment, youth development, cultural preservation, and strengthening ties between Africa and the global African diaspora.

Media Features:

Los Angeles Times: https://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-c1-drill-team-20140226-dto-htmlstory.html
CNN Hero (2013): https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2013/11/27/cnnheroes-tribute-tawanda-jones.cnn-heroes
Dancing with The Stars: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xzh43i
PBS: https://www.pbs.org/video/one-one-tawanda-jones-camden-sophisticated-sisters-nj/
Oprah.com: https://www.oprah.com/oprahstour/the-toyota-standing-o-vation-recipient-in-newark-new-jersey-video
Queen Latifah Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIm-ikDNsKs
Courier Post: https://www.courierpostonline.com/in-depth/opinion/2022/03/13/tawanda-green-jones-nj-usa-today-women-of-the-year/9133433002/

The Significance of Enstoolment

Enstoolment is one of the highest honors bestowed within Ghanaian traditional leadership. It is a sacred customary process through which individuals are formally recognized and entrusted with responsibilities that support the welfare, development, and cultural preservation of their communities.

The title of Nkosuo Hemaa, meaning "Development Queen Mother," is reserved for individuals whose leadership and contributions have demonstrated a commitment to progress, community empowerment, and social impact.

This ceremony reflects the growing role of the diaspora in supporting development efforts while strengthening cultural ties to the African continent.

About Akyem Abakoase Traditional Council

The Akyem Abakoase Traditional Council is a respected traditional authority within Ghana's Eastern Region. Guided by centuries-old customs, the Council plays an essential role in preserving cultural heritage, promoting community development, resolving local matters, and advancing the welfare of its people.

Traditional councils remain important institutions within Ghana's governance structure, serving as custodians of culture, land stewardship, and community leadership while partnering with government agencies and development organizations to improve the lives of citizens.

His Royal Majesty Barima Appiah Akromah Acheampong III

His Royal Majesty Barima Appiah Akromah Acheampong III serves as the Chief of Abekoase in the Eastern Region of Ghana and a member of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, and is widely recognized for his leadership, commitment to community development, and dedication to preserving Ghana's rich cultural heritage.

Under his leadership, the traditional area continues to pursue initiatives focused on education, youth development, infrastructure, cultural preservation, and diaspora engagement.

His Royal Majesty will be present with his Traditional Council Delegation to perform all the customary rites of the enstoolment. His presence at this ceremony highlights the importance of strengthening relationships between Ghana and its global diaspora community.

Rev. Nana Oye Okogeaman Yirenkyiwaa I

Rev. Nana Oye Okogeaman Yirenkyiwaa I is a distinguished traditional leader and respected cultural ambassador from Ghana's Eastern Region. She serves as the Tufohene (Traditional Ruler) of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area and also holds the esteemed title of Nkosuohemaa of Yaw Gyan in the Akuapem Traditional Area.

A dedicated advocate for cultural preservation, community development, and traditional leadership, Nana Oye plays an active role in promoting Ghanaian heritage while fostering meaningful connections between traditional institutions and the global African diaspora.

For the Diaspora Enstoolment Ceremony 2026, Nana Oye will lead a distinguished Traditional Council Delegation from Ghana to the United States to help officiate the ceremony. Her participation underscores the significance of the ceremony and reflects the growing partnership between traditional authorities in Ghana and diaspora communities abroad.

Event Highlights

Traditional Enstoolment Ceremony
Ghanaian Cultural Performances
Traditional Drumming & Dance
Diaspora Unity Celebration
Food & Vendor Marketplace
Cultural Exchange Activities
Special Recognition Presentations
Community Networking Opportunities

Building Bridges Between Africa and the Diaspora

This historic ceremony is more than a cultural celebration—it is a symbol of unity, heritage, and shared purpose.

As communities across the African diaspora seek deeper engagement with the continent, events such as this create meaningful opportunities to reconnect, collaborate, and build lasting relationships for future generations.

One heritage. One people. One future.

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