Originally slated for 2020, the salute to the Republic of Ghana was pushed back to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was a year for the books that included a royal visit from His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, a traditional durbar ceremony on Beale Street, Ghana Live! Riches & Rhythms, a fashion show, and many more activities.
During International Week, business and civic leaders from Memphis and Ghana met throughout the week to explore economic opportunities between the city and country. This included the Business in Ghana Luncheon hosted by the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce and the IT Council Luncheon. The Chamber of Commerce president & CEO, Beverly Robertson, and the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce president & CEO, Mark Badu-Aboagye, signed a memorandum of understanding between the institutions.
His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II met with officials at FedEx as well as Medtronic. He also toured many cultural sites including the National Civil Rights Museum, STAX Museum of American Soul Music, Graceland, and cruised on the Mississippi River in a riverboat. His Majesty was our honored guest a the Black Star Black Tie Gala which also celebrated his 72nd birthday.
His Majesty also addressed a group at the University of Memphis on the “contemporary challenges in United States and Africa relations.” You can watch his full speech on our website by clicking here.
The Ambassador of Ghana to the U.S., H.E. Hajia Alima Mahama, was also in Memphis for the week. She attended several events including the gala, the Kente & Kintenge Fashion Show, and toured various cultural programs and local attractions. The week ended with the King holding a traditional Asanteman Durbar Ceremony on Beale Street. Members of the Asante Kingdom travelled to Memphis from across the U.S. to attend the event and gain an audience with His Majesty. We were humbled by the excitement and pride shown by our community members who have Ghanaian roots.
Click the buttons below to see photos and read more about the 2022 International Salute to Ghana.
