By tradition, Africans on the continent have a belief in a true Supreme and Almighty God. And, so it is with those of us in the Diaspora who follow the traditional form of worship of the Akan- Guan people. This combined ethnic group lives throughout Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Togo and the Diaspora. Large groups of Akan-Guan people came to the West during slavery times. Many ended up in New York, New Jersey, and the Southern U.S. Akan-Guan culture, language, names, rites and rituals have been present in North, Central, South America and the West Indies since the 1600s. The three most common names for God amongst the Akan-Guan people are Onyankompon, Odomonkoma and Nyame.
 

Onyankompon represents the male aspect of God and that aspect upon whom humans can ‘lean upon and never fall.’ Onyankompon is that spark of divinity that resides within everyone. Odomonkoma is the creative aspect of God which directs the ever-unfolding process of creation and evolution. Nyame is the female aspect of God - that which is most directly involved with human beings and their affairs on the planet.
 

The direct worship of the Supreme Being as Nyame was very present well into the 20th century. There was at least one large Temple and an organized priesthood documented up until the 1920’s in Kumasi, Ghana.

Okomfohema Nana Akua Amoabaa Botwe 1

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The unification of the people comes from the understanding of the oneness of God. ASUO, a Nana Asuo Gyebi Shrine House is dedicated to the spiritual upliftment of the African Family. Our leader, Okomfohema Nana Akua Amoabaa Botwe 1 was enstooled in Ghana. ASUO connects individuals through training, healing workshops and resolving conflicts within the family network. ASUO provides uniquely blended family centered events, spiritual monthly cleansings and projects to support community interactions.

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ASUO supports two non-profit organizations that provide services to underserved communities.

Soul Journey Inc, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, is an African spiritual faith-based organization that provides psychological and social services to families in Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland. Hands-On-Spirituality Workshops are offered to participants looking to understand African cultural systems, gain spiritual insight, and reconnect with African principles through travel exchanges with cultural systems in Ghana. Ambassadors of Spiritual United Order Inc. creates and manages social service programs for communities in need. African spirituality is incorporated with general psychological principles for the purpose of educating and improving the well-being of individuals, families and the community at large.

Nana Kwame Agyei Akoto, Nana Akua Nson Akoto, Nana Ansah Atei
 

Ankobea National Shrine of Afrikans in America (Ankobea NSAA) was established by the Ankobea Abusua Society in 1991. We began our formal activities in 1992. Ankobea NSAA was established to advance the general awareness and practice of traditional Afrikan spiritual systems within the Ankobea Abusua Society and the broader pan-Afrikan nationalist community. The orientation of NSAA is nationalist Pan Afrikanist. We salute and give thanks, honor and praise to divinities and ancestors from areas throughout the Afrikan continent and throughout Afrikan history.
 

Presently, we have a strong Akan expression, inspired by the work of the late Nana Yao Opare Dinizulu I. We are proceeding to develop other expressions of Afrikan and Afrikan diasporan culture, including Yoruba, Manding, Shona and Voudoun. Our expression of the Akan culture is primarily from the Asante people of Ghana. Ankobea NSAA provides to our members and the broader Afrikan community, a full complement of spiritual services, including private and public rituals and cultural training. We have four major Afahye (festivals): 1) Sankofa Conference of ReAfrikanization and Nation-building; 2) Nyansa Festival – our annual Odwira affirming community solidarity, 3) Ayare-Sa Festival of Healing; and 4) the Abusua Afahye – a celebration of family. We are guided in our mission and activities by Nana Kwame Agyei Akoto, Nana Akua Nson Akoto, Nana Ansah Atei and the Ankobea Society leadership.

Okomfo Ama Nson Oparebea & Obrafohene Olakwesu Kwaw

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The Asuo Gyebi Ahemfi Shrine House was established in 2008. The shrine house is run under the dual leadership of Okomfo Ama Nson Oparebea who serves as the priestess/medium of the shrine and Obrafohene Olakwesu Kwaw who serves as the obrafo/spiritual security and obosumfo/caretaker to various secondary shrines associated with the shrine house. The obosum/god Nana Asuo Gyebi is the principal deity of the shrine house and is adored as king of all affairs therein. Hence, the term "ahem fi" refers to the dwelling of a king or chief. It should also be noted that the work of Nana Asuo Gyebi, as this obosum functions within the Asuo Gyebi Ahemfi shrine house, is substantially augmented by the presence of the Tigare shrine, who is a great and mighty god in his own right.

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Clients are welcome, who require consultation and guidance in various life matters. The services that we offer include spiritual readings, spiritual baths, house blessings, house cleanings, talismans for protection among various other works. The abosum Nana Asuo Gyebi as well as Tigare are consulted on everyday matters ranging from health, relationships and financial concerns to more complex matters such as witchcraft and expelling negative energies.

Nana Kofi Asinor Boakye, Okomfo Panyin of the Bosum Dzemawodzi & the Akonnedi Shrine in America

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In 1967, the late Nana Yao Opare Dinizulu I established the Bosum Dzemawodzi, a religious and cultural organization based on the traditions of the Akan people of West Africa. Nana Dinizulu I explained the mission of the Bosum Dzemawodzi in his book, Nana Says: 

“We study and disseminate the indigenous religion and philosophy of the Akans and seek to further other religious and charitable work. Foremost, we teach and promote the ideal of one Supreme Being who rules the universe and who manifests Himself through great souls and various forces of nature."

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In 1971, Nana Dinizulu I established the first temple for traditional African worship in the Washington, DC area. At that time, Nana Yao Odum Opare and Okomfo Aba Nsia Opare were charged with the care and maintenance of the temple. Nana Kwabena Brown was appointed Okyeame and Nana Kofi Asinor Boakye was given the post of Obrafo.
 

Nana Dinizulu I was succeeded by his son, Nana Yao Kimati Opare Dinizulu, as Omanhene of the Akan in America and Osofo of the Akonnedi Shrine in America in 1992. In 1996, the Omanhene directed Nana Kofi Asinor Boakye and Nana Yaa Nkromah Densua to establish a temple in the state of Maryland. They were both trained and graduated by Nana Yao Opare Dinizulu I. Nana Boakye is the senior Okomfo to the Obosum, Nana Obo Kwesi. The late Nana Densua was Okomfo for Nana Asuo Gyebi. The priests of the Bosum Dzemawodzi are available to perform all traditional rites of passage, including naming ceremonies, marriages, puberty rites and funerals; and for spiritual consultation. 
 

Nana Yao Kimati Opare Dinizulu joined the Ancestors July 7, 2013. His children Oheneba Nana Akua Oparebea Dinizulu and Oheneba Kwabena Dinizulu are continuing the Dinizulu legacy. Nana Yaa Nkromah Densua has also joined the Ancestral realm.

Nana Kofi Asiedu Ofori

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Nana Kofi Asiedu Ofori is Obosumfo (owner of the shrine) for the mmeotia (dwarf) spirit Nana Kwaku Odaaku which comes from a mountain sacred grove near Jamasi-Asante Ghana. Nana Kwaku Odaaku works with healing medicines for all aspects of a person’s life (physical, mental, financial and other circumstances). He is also a teacher who brings forth knowledge and encourages the use of the higher mind. Nana Kofi was initiated by Okomfo Nana Kwaku Ofori, chief priest to the mmeotia Agyei Atta (the elder twin) , also from Jamasi-Asante. Nana Kofi was also trained as an herbalist by Okomfo Nana Ankobeahene Oparabea Bekoe I. Nsumank waa Fie means “house of the servant of the suman.”

A suman is shrine constructed by a human being from various medicines depending on the spirit that will occupy the suman. Nsumankwaa Fie is located in a forested setting within walking distance of the Chesapeake Bay in southern Maryland. All are welcome.

Yeye Gogo Nana Korantenmaa Iyalode

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Nyame's Ile Amadlozi means God's House of the Ancestral Spirits. We empower members to be successful in ALL aspects of their life using African Traditional Healing Systems (ATHS) for the purpose of healing, transformation, teaching, training and spiritual expansion that lasts a lifetime under the Guidance of the Abosom, Amadlozi and Orisha. Yeye GogoNana created this sanctuary through the calling of her Ancestors She is an ordained priestess of three African Traditional Healing System: Akan, Sangoma, Yoruba. This shrine house trains and currently have international initiates within all three ATHS.

Although Nana Asuogyebi is the primary spirit for the shrine house under the Akan system, we work with Adade Kofi, Nana Esi, Mmoteia and Tegare. With the Sangoma tradition we consult the Amadlozi and Amakhosi and within the Yoruba system we use the Great Mother Yeye Osun's for guidance. We conduct marriage ceremony, blessing ways, naming ceremonies, rites of passages, house cleansings and traditional african ceremonies. Through our Osun's Orgasmic Healing International Project, (OOH), we provide international healing retreats and workshops year round. You can tune into our blogtalkradio to hear some of our past shows and learn more by visiting www.blogtalkradio.com/gogonanagoddesslovelight.

We have a shrine house full of love and people who are serious about transforming their lives through the sacred ways of our foremothers and forefathers. We honor everyone and all spiritual paths that lead to the true self. We see clients by appointments only.

Okomfo Nana Aba Nsia Opare , DC representative
for Okomfohene Nana Esi-Ayisi Dinizulu and Okomfohene Nana Adzua Dinizulu Opare

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Onipa-Abusia is an Akan religious organization established to promote the sacred and cultural life of the Akans as established and practiced by Nana Yao Opare Dinizulu I, Omanhane and Okomfohene of the Akans in America. The Onipa Abusia in the DC area was previously known as the Bosum- Dzemawodzi, DC established in 1971 by Nana Yao Opare Dinizulu I.

The Onipa Abusia is under the leadership of Okomfohene Nana Esi-Ayisi Dinizulu and Okomfohene Nana Adzua Dinizulu Opare. They were the "right and left hands" of the late Nana Yao Opare Dinizulu I helping him establish, administrate, maintain the shrines and train Akomfo here in America. Okomfohene Nana Adzua Opare Dinizulu was the first priest trained and graduated by Nana Yao Opare Dinizulu I in 1969. Okomfohene Nana Esi-Ayisi Dinizulu was the first female Obrafo ever to serve Nana Asuo Gyebi. Their representative in the Washington area is Okomfo Nana Aba Nsia Opare initiated by Nana Yao Opare Dinizulu to Nana Asuo Gyebi in 1971 and a member of the first graduating class of Akan priests in America by Nana Yao Opare Dinizulu in 1974.

In addition to performing the traditional rites of the Akan the priests of Onipa Abusia provide spiritual consultation.

Nana Yirenkyi Opare Gybei I Nana Enyo Takyiampong

Nana Enyo Takyiampon is the first graduate Nana Esi and Nana Asuo-Gyebi priestess in Washington, D. C. She was trained by the late Okomfohene Akua Oparebeah at the African Cultural and Religious Society. ACRS, as it was called, was established by Nana Kwabena Brown, his late mother, Iyalode Ida Austin, and Nana Enyo as the first Akan Shrine in the Washington area. It was here that Nana Oparebeah was first introduced to many who are now priests, priestesses or devotees of African Spirits. It was also the first place where many began to recognize, honor, respect and support their African heritage.

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Nana Enyo Takyiampon graduated at Larteh, Ghana in 1976 and has been working in the area since then. Her main interest is presenting traditional African religion in a practical and modern way to maintain its viability in today's society; thus re-establishing Traditional African religion as an instrument for Spiritual unfoldment, development and support for Africans in the diaspora. Nana Enyo provides spiritual counseling, healing, readings, naming ceremonies, and house and business blessings. She is also licensed in Washington D. C. as a minister.

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Nana Yaw Yirenkyi is the first manchosen by Nana Asou Gyebei to serve as a priest. He was possessed by Nana Asuo Gybei and began training in 1983. He graduated in 1986, yet he remained at Larteh Akonnedi Shrine for eleven years serving and learning from Nana Okomfohene Oparebeah. He established his Asou Gybei Shrine at Nyame Bekyere, Ghana in 1994.
Nana Yaw joined Nana Enyo in marriage and moved to Washington, DC in 2007. He maintains his shrine in Nyame Bekyere and works also in Washington DC continuing the work of Nana Okomfohene Oparebeah and the Akonnedi Shrine truthfully and accurately.

Nana Yaw was chosen Okomfohene of Nana Asuo Gybei on January 7, 2013 and continuing the process of enstoolment. Nana was given the name Nana Yirenkyi Opare Gybei I.

Okomfohene Bokor Nana Kwabena Aboagye Brown

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In 1973 during her first official visit to Washington, DC, Okomfohemaa Nana Akua Oparebea established the Asuo Gyebi, Tegare, Esi, Mmoetia, and Adade Kofi, shrines under the aegis of the great Nana Akonnedi. The Akan and Yoruba shrines united in 2003. Today, the Temple of Nyame is comprised of Akan, Yoruba, and Ewe shrines. The temple promotes healing through ritual and spirit centered activities.

The temple believes in the divinity of every individual and teaches and promotes this philosophy. It is under the tutelage of the evolved ancestors who exist on the higher planes of consciousness. They, along with the Abosom, Orisa, and Afa, promote the spiritual growth and development of mankind. The temple is lead by Okomfohene Nana Kwabena Brown who is a priest of the great Nana Tegare and initiated into Afa also known as Ifa. 

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The Temple of Nyame is committed to the spiritual growth and development of all people.  Our teachings are based on the principles of African Spirituality. We have regular worship services on Sundays and events throughout the year. Please check our website calendar to see the upcoming programs and events.

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Nana Kweku Carr Asante, Priest & Papa Kwame Ras Omar Kush, Okyeame

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Nyame Dua literally means "God's Tree" in Twi, the language of the Ashanti people of Ghana. Under God's Tree, the wise gather to ensure the balance and harmony of the people. Temple of Nyame Dua is dedicated to serving Onyame, Asaase Yaa, the Abosom, the Nsamanfo, and humankind. Through the guidance of traditional Akan philosophy and practices, we seek to foster love, peace, and happiness for all persons. To that end, we sponsor projects to enhance access to clean water, healthcare, education, and to promote wholesome relationships between men and women, parents and children, neighbors, and persons in the U.S. and in Africa. We link spiritual devotion to service.

Though our aspirations are large, we advance our mission through small, sure steps. We believe, as the proverb teaches, that constant gentle rain fills the mighty river. Our current project in Africa is the Adamfo Paa Library and Women's Literacy Center in Abenase, Ghana. In the U.S., the Temple offers consultations, marriage and funeral rites, naming ceremonies, and other rituals and protocols to foster understanding, oneness, and justice.