‘Michael Jai White’, is an African American actor, martial artist, and director who was crowned king in Ghana in 2019. The crowning of White, as King in Ghana, is part of the progress Ghana is yearning for, the desire to unite Africans on the continent with people of African origin in the diaspora, calling 2019 “The Year of the Return.”
Africa has rarely been considered by those of African roots until recent years. The thought of going to Africa or how to adapt if they ever attempt to visit not to mention live permanently. Black people lost connection with their roots for hundreds of years following their ancestors, who were caught up in the Slavery act and shipped across different borders.
Michael Jai White and his wife had always wanted to visit Africa. But they never thought they would get the chance to do so. That is until the Ghanaian government announced their year of return initiative. The program was designed to encourage people of African descent to visit Ghana and learn about their heritage. White and his wife were among the 90 other African- Americans who decided to take advantage of the offer.
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They weren’t quite sure what to expect when they arrived in Ghana. But they were pleasantly surprised by how welcoming everyone was. Everyone they met was excited to hear about their journey and share stories of their own experiences in Africa.
Today, everyone is witnessing even people from the Caribbean are also returning to Ghana. They come to understand that despite their differences, they share a common ancestor. However, while some are celebrating this initiative, some Ghanaians have some concerns as to whether he is deserving of the prestigious honor.
During the ceremony, White has bestowed the name Nana Akoto III, Odopon, which means “The tree with strong roots that do not fear the storm”. The reason for their concerns is to earn such a title, he would have sacrificed for the Akwamu people. In reality, to earn a Chieftaincy title in Ghana, a man becomes ‘deserving’ to receive a chieftaincy title through a certain process; there are other Spiritual requirements demanded by tradition. But Ghanaians had mixed reactions due to a lack of awareness.
It is expected that people may react to things they have little or no knowledge of, any attempt to lecture the nation to understand the experiences of slavery, colonialism and how these African offspring had their ancestors transported across the border and suddenly after hundreds of years are reconnecting back to their root, before getting their approval to proceed with the ceremony for chieftaincy title, is the only story they may have been exposed to.
The best the Ghana leaders have achieved is to scratch through the surface and get the citizens of Ghana to understand why they need to unite with their African brothers and sisters who live outside the continent as a starting point and its effect will be felt for generations.
The Ghanaian leaders have taken such a decision to bestow White due to his services to the African-American community and believe he is a true son of Africa and possesses the attributes that win an individual to be deserving of a Chieftaincy title in Ghana.
On a positive note, the positive impact of the initiative to many lives may be something to consider. Needless to say, the invitation was met with mixed reactions. While some were excited at the prospect of finally getting to meet their long-lost relatives, others were skeptical, wondering what could possibly be gained from such reconnection or reunion.
Those with a positive outlook are pleasantly surprised and happy and the mood was festive as people mingled and shared stories with White and his wife. There is no such relief greater for the descendants of slaves who can finally connect with their homeland Africa and put on the garment of honour.
Also, in 1957, Ghana was established as the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence from British colonial rule. To celebrate its independence, the first Ghanian president Kwame Nkrumah, honoured with an invitation some of the African descent to Ghana including Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Some years later, he also invited Du Bois to Ghana to work on Encyclopedia Africana. In 2016, ex Ghanaian president Mahama granted full citizenship to 34 members of the African-Caribbean diaspora.
The invitations and membership grants of the Ghanaian government are the country’s way of going through the healing path following centuries of invasion, slavery and coloniasm. two of the most influential African-American figures of all time. Upon their arrival, they are greeted by a large crowd of cheering Ghanaians, overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality of the people. Report also has it that the “King of Pop” Michael Jackson, was enstooled as the king of Amalaman Anoh in Krindjabo, a village in the Southeastern corner of Ivory Coast.
The stories and experiences shared mean African descent of this era who lost connection from their root due to the reasons mentioned above finally have the opportunity to reconnect with their home, wear the cloth of honour rather than that of slavery and learn about Africa their root.
