Chicago Ghanaian Associations Affiliated To The GNC: The Ewe Association Of Chicago Inc

The Ewe Association of Chicago Inc., also known as Milenorvisi Haborbor, has a rich history that reflects the vibrant Ewe community in the Chicago Metropolitan area. The Ewe people, numbering over six million strong, populate southern Togo, southern Benin, southwest Nigeria, and south-eastern parts of the Volta Region in Ghana. Unique languages, musical expressions, customary rituals, history, and social norms characterize their rich cultural heritage. Let’s explore the journey of the Ewe Association of Chicago Inc.:

Founding and Purpose:
- In August 1974, the idea to form an association that would bring all Ewes together in the Chicago Metropolitan area was hatched at the late Gilbert Ntow’s residence, 5483 South Hyde Park, Chicago, Illinois.
- The initial meeting included prominent individuals such as Mr. Gilbert Kodzo Ntow, Mrs. Comfort Kokuma, Mr. Julius Kokuma, Mr. Yaphet Sampram, Mr. Sampson Ababio, Mr. Kofi G. Adigble, and Mr. Lawrence Kofi Asimah.
- The Association was named Milenovisi Habobo based on a suggestion by Mrs. Comfort Kokuma.
- Dr. Samuel Oklu served as the first chairman, Mr. Kafui Amegashie as Secretary, and Mr. Gilbert Ntow as Treasurer.
- This historic moment marked the birth of the first African ethnic community association in North America, paving the way for similar associations based on ethnic identities throughout the United States and Canada.
Incorporation and Leadership:
- As the Association grew, the idea of incorporation gained prominence. A committee was formed to compile existing constitution-related documents, bylaws, and regulations.
- In November 1996, the Association officially became Milenovisi Habobo Inc. of Metropolitan Chicago after adopting an updated constitution. This was later changed to Ewe Association of Chicago Inc.
- Notable presidents who have led the Association include:
  - Dr. Samuel Oklu from 1975 to 1980
  - Kwame Ampofo from 1980 to 1990
  - Mr. Clement D. Timpo from 1990 to 2000
  - Mr. Charles Hodogbe from 2000 to 2002
  - Mrs. Patience Adigbli from 2002 to 2004
  - Dr. Mark M. Kutame from 2004 to 2013
  - Mr. MacGeofrey Kutor from 2013 to 2015
  - Mr. Steve Dei from 2015 to 2021
  - Madam Caroline Adjovi Amexo from 2021 to present.

Traditional Council and Cultural Practices.

According to the latest constitution, the Traditional Council shall comprise the following:

The Council:

Men:

Togbui – The Chief occupying the stool
Fiator – Traditional father of the chief and head of the Royal House
Zikpuitor – The Custodian of Royal Stool
Tsiami -Chief Linguist
Ndusimefia – The Right-Wing Chief, and first in line successor to the stool
Miamefla – The left-Wing Chief, and second in line successor to the stool
Asafofia- Leader of Chiefs bodyguard
Two elders of State

Women:

Mama – Nyonufia or the Queenmother
Mamanor – Traditional mother to the Queenmother
Mama’s Tsiami – Linguist to the Queenmother
Dusimefia Nyornu-The Right-Wing Queen
Miamefia Nyornu-The left-Wing Queen
Two elders of State

Traditional Practices:

The Ewe community maintains its cultural heritage through traditional practices.

The Association’s constitution provides for a traditional council, with Togbe Wenya I (Kwame Ampofo) as the first chief. The first Queenmother was Mama Amexo I ( Comfort Bediako)
In the absence of the Chief or the Queenmother, the sub-chiefs and sub-queenmothers act on their behalf. The line of succession follows a specific order. First in line are the Right-Wing Chief and Left-Wing Chief; similarly, the Queenmothers follow the same rule. These rules ensure continuity and stability within the Association.
Promote the culture, image, and traditions of Eweland.
Promote the teaching of the Ewe language, traditional norms, and chieftaincy.
Represent the Ewe Association of Chicago Inc. in all colorful traditional public outings.

The following have since led the traditional council as the Dufia (Chief) and DuMama (Queenmother) from its inception with or without Sub-Chiefs and Sub-Queenmothers:

Dufia and his Sub-chiefs:

1. Togbe Venya I (Mr. Kwame Ampofo) from 1990 to 2014. Sub-Chiefs, later in his reign, Togbe Dr. Kutame ( Dr. Mark Kutame), Right-Wing Chief, and Togbe Addo (Simon O . Addo), Left-Wing Chief.

2. Togbe Addo I (Mr. Simon O. Addo) from 2015 to now. His Sub-Chiefs are Togbe Dr. Kutame ( Dr. Mark Kutame), Right-Wing Chief, and Togbe Hadzide ( Reuben Hadzide), Left-Wing Chief.

DuMama and her Sub-queenmothers:
1. Mama Abra Amexo ( Comfort Bediako) from 1990 to 1994. No Sub-Queenmothers.

2. Mama Afua Abeli (Ms. Salma Tahir) from 1994 to 2008. No Sub-Queenmothers.

3. Mama Kyereabia Ameyibor IV (Ms. Christina Atiase) holds a permanent position of Queenmother in the Peki Traditional Area), a caretaker from 2008 to 2013. No Sub-Queenmothers.

4. Mama Awushie (Hilda Adjaho Kuevi) from 2013 to 2018. No Sub-Queenmothers.

5. Mama Edzeani ( Esi Ador) from 2018 to 2023. No Sub-Queenmothers.

6. Mama Nunyati Ameyedowo from 2023 to present. Her Sub-Chiefs are: Mama Sedudzi (Mawusi Kudjawu) Right-Wing Queenmother and Mama Semekor (Rita Fiadzoe-Tawiah) Left-Wing Queenmother.

Meetings: The Organization meets every third Sunday of the Month from 4 pm to 6 pm, mainly on ZOOM during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contact: Reach out to the Association by email: ewechicago@gmail.com or 708 262 8798.

In summary, the Ewe Association of Chicago has been a unifying force for Ewes in the Chicago area, preserving their cultural heritage and fostering community bonds.

The Chief and His Sub-Chiefs: