2024 In Review

The Oheneba Foundation (Ghana) and (USA) are happy to report the following regarding the ongoing socio-economic development of the Sefwi Obeng Mim traditional area and our work in the greater Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Area. In addition to the following projects, the Foundation is proud to report that our 10-year development plan is on course. H.R.H. Oheneba Nana Kwame Obeng II focuses on the people and their future.

This is his legacy and that of every member of the international Asafo, as well as his supporters.

WATER, SANITATION, AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Koto Medals Water project: The last Koto Medals water project was drilled at Sefwi Asafo, a community near Sefwi Wiawso. It is currently awaiting opening. This will give us 100% water coverage over the stool land area. HRH Oheneba Nana Kwame visited the solar water pump site to inspect the maintenance work. Donations from Oheneba Foundation supporters are used for socioeconomic development, including basic infrastructure such as water and sanitation. The main village public toilet is complete. Various road reconstruction projects are also currently underway.

HEALTH

The Oheneba Foundation, in collaboration with Suaman District Education Service and the Suaman District Health Services, organized a breast cancer awareness program for girls in school. This initiative is aimed at educating and empowering young girls with knowledge about breast cancer, its prevention, and early detection. We believe that awareness and education are key factors in saving lives, and we thank everyone involved in making this program a success. We will continue to support and prioritize the health and well-being of our young girls. The Foundation has created a special fund for the Queen Mother, a professional nurse, H.R.H. Obaahemaa Nana Yaa Odei I. The Fund is focused on health education and young women.

EDUCATION

The Foundation has supported over 150 university and college students and fifty senior high school students. The Teachers House extension is under construction. The government requested this expansion to accommodate teachers at our ever-growing royal school, and we are working with them to transfer the school to their funding and management. At Sefwi Asawinso Presbyterian School (a B school in the system), HRH Obeng II presented the staff with six handmade teacher tables and chairs to improve academic work. The manager, parents, teachers, and schoolchildren were happy to receive this donation, funded by the Oheneba Foundation.

Also, at the Sefwi Asawinso B school, HRH Obeng II joined the dedicated teachers and enthusiastic students in unveiling the freshly painted blocks in the school classrooms. The vibrant colors and renewed space sparked joy and excitement among the students and staff. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Royal House Group and our esteemed member, Juhani Hujaned, Leader of the Finland Group of the Royal Order of the Golden Fire Dog, for their generous support in making this transformation possible. The beaming smiles on the teachers' and students' faces say it all—this is more than just a fresh coat of paint; it’s a renewed sense of hope and opportunity.

Thank you for helping us brighten the future of these young minds! In more educational news, 100 workbooks were distributed to school children in Sefwi Asafo, thanks to the generosity of Xender’s Charity Foundation and HRH Obeng II.

Construction of the kindergarten building will begin after the health center is completed.

Among many others, the Foundation would like to thank the following supporters specifically for their generous contributions to enriching the lives of the students and teachers of the stool lands: Jessica Lo, Dr. Benson Chang, Dr. William W.T. Poon, Ivy Wong, Dr. Peter Lau, Professor Alice Chiu Tsang Hok-Wan, and Dominic Tam.

INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION REPRESENTATION AND RECOGNITION

H.R.H. Oheneba Nana Kwame Obeng I, Mimhene, embarked on an exciting cultural journey, visiting renowned destinations worldwide. Highlights of the 2024 tour include:

• Attending the Manchester University 2000-year celebration as a special guest, fostering global academic connections.

• Participating in the vibrant Port Harcourt River State Festival, immersing in the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.

• Enjoying a royal dinner with the prestigious Gold Fire Dogs in Singapore, strengthening international relationships and cultural exchange.

These diplomatic and cultural engagements promote cross-cultural understanding, education, and cooperation.

In December 2024, H.R.H. was elected to the Board of Governors of Sefwi Wiawso Senior High Technical School as the new Board Chairman. We congratulate Nana on his well-deserved appointment and look forward to his leadership in driving the school's growth and development.

Finally, in 2024, the Omanhene and the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council raised the stool of Sefwi Obeng-Mim to be held, from this time forward, only by a Divisional Chief. The National House of Chiefs of the Republic of Ghana confirmed and recorded this status. In addition, the Republic of Ghana’s Ministry on Chieftaincy and Religion officially confirmed that H.R.H., as a Divisional Chief, has the authority to bestow traditional honors under the approval and protection of the Omanhene of Sefwi Wiawso.

2025 PROJECT PROSPECTUS

In 2025, the Oheneba Foundation in Ghana and the USA will continue to work with H.R.H. Oheneba Nana Kwame, the Royal House of Sefwi Obeng-Mim, H.M. the Omanhene, and the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council. As we look ahead to 2025, we’re streamlining our activities to focus on the most impactful initiatives. Our top priority is supporting our seven dedicated community teachers, and we are seeking donations to cover their salaries for the year. Here is a breakdown of our funding goal:

Monthly salary per teacher: $50

Number of teachers: 7

Monthly total: $350 (7 x $50)

Annual total: $4,200 (350 x 12 months)

We are also seeking support for other community projects and schools with a total funding goal of $2,000. Your contribution will make a significant difference in the lives of our teachers, students, and the broader community. Thank you for considering donating to support our community development initiatives!

Total Fundraising Goal for 2025: USD TBD

Construction of an Our Lady of Hope Health Care Center in Sefwi Obeng-Mim: USD 16,000. A pledge has already been received, and USD 15,000 has been raised, with partial funding from Darcon Mark Abran and the Asafo of Asia. The project will be completed over two years, and construction has already begun. However, the ongoing high cost of building materials has affected this project.

Teacher Salaries: USD 5,040. USD 360 per month for seven community teachers. USD 60 per teacher per month. This project was fully funded for 2024 with support from the Asafo of Asia, and we hope to fund it again in 2025.

College and University student support: USD 3,000. This program has been a great success, as we have supported over 150 students in Ghana's Western North region.

Sefwi Missionary Center program: USD 5,000. This program will help 15 specially selected youths interested in learning to teach and spread the word of God.

Sefwi Wiawso Senior High Technical School: USD 3,000 will be used to construct a secure entrance to the school (Main Gate).