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Nana Otutu Ababio V, King of Adukrom, Ghana, visited North Carolina A&T State University on February 28 as part of a Black History Month program hosted by the university’s Liberal Studies Department. His visit aimed to educate students on Ghanaian history, encourage cultural reconnection, and strengthen ties between African Americans and Ghana.
“It is an honor to stand before you today—a celebration of the achievements of those of African descent, whose stories are woven with pain and resilience,” Ababio told the audience. Leading the crowd through a brief history of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, he highlighted the lasting impact of displacement on African descendants worldwide.
“Men, women, and children were torn from their families and stripped of their identities, names, and cultures,” he said. “Black History Month is a testament to resilience and healing.”
In Ghana, a “king” or “chief” serves as a traditional leader within a community, upholding social order, resolving disputes, and advocating for his people’s well-being. These positions are deeply rooted in lineage and customary law, passed down through generations.
Adukrom, the town King Nana Otutu Ababio V represents, is located in the Okere District of Ghana’s Eastern Region and had a population of 10,977 as of 2021. Ababio has a long history of leadership in the country’s agricultural sector. After earning degrees in general agriculture and education from Kwadaso Agricultural College in 1995, and the University of Education, Winneba in 2009, he built a career dedicated to monitoring and evaluating agricultural development programs. Currently, Ababio holds the position as the Head of the Monitoring and Evaluation Department, CHED Regional Office, Koforidua E/R.
Ghana itself boasts a diverse and growing economy, with major industries including agriculture, mining, oil and gas and construction. The country is one of the world’s leading exporters of gold, cocoa beans and timber products. Additionally, tourism, telecommunications, and financial services play a vital role in Ghana’s expanding global presence.
Known for its rich culture, economic growth, and historical significance, Ghana has become a major destination for Black Americans seeking to connect with their African heritage. The country’s “Year of the Return” initiative, launched in 2019, encourages African descendants worldwide to visit and invest in Ghana. In November 2024, Ghana granted citizenship to 524 members of the African diaspora, the majority being Black Americans, as well as individuals from Canada, the U.K. and Jamaica.
During his address, Ababio urged students to visit Ghana, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming cultural identity and investing in the country’s future.
“History is not just about the past—it is about continuing the legacy of progress,” he said. “We must strengthen the bonds across the diaspora. Our doors are always open for you to come home—to live, to invest, and to learn about your history.”
Before visiting N.C. A&T, Ababio delivered a similar message at New Jerusalem Cathedral in Greensboro on February 25. The church’s Senior Pastor, Dr. Kevin Williams, later addressed the university audience, stressing the importance of hearing about Ghana directly from a Ghanaian leader.
“My major concern has been the misinformation and misrepresentation of Africa in the United States,” Williams said. “African Americans have been recycling inaccurate narratives. Bringing a Ghanaian king here allows students to hear the truth—directly from someone with firsthand experience.”
The Liberal Studies Department at N.C. A&T is working to establish study abroad trips to Ghana, in collaboration with Ababio and other organizations. The goal is to provide students with a safe and immersive opportunity to experience Ghana’s culture, history and economic landscape.
As Black History Month ended, Ababio’s visit left students and faculty with a renewed perspective on Africa, inspiring them to explore their heritage beyond textbooks.
“We encourage Black Americans to recognize that today, they have liberty, fraternity, and equality among races,” he said. “Now is the time to unify, build, and contribute—not just to America, but also to Africa.”
