Senate Resolution No. 1469

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, King of
Akuapem (Okuapehene), upon the occasion of receiving
the Global Citizen Icon Award in Cultural Identity,
Diaspora Advancement, and Socioeconomic Empowerment

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend individuals whose leadership preserves cultural heritage,
advances global unity, and uplifts communities through service, vision,
and principled stewardship; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, the 26th occupant of the Ofori Kuma Stool of
Akuapem and King of the Akuapems (Okuapehene), upon the occasion of
receiving the Global Citizen Icon Award in Cultural Identity, Diaspora
Advancement, and Socioeconomic Empowerment from the Young, Gifted, &
Black Entrepreneurial Awards on Wednesday, February 25, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Established in 2006 by founder Carl Gray, the Young,
Gifted, & Black Entrepreneurial Awards is a nonprofit organization
dedicated to recognizing and celebrating distinguished individuals of
color whose leadership and service have made lasting global impact,
while uplifting excellence rooted in community, culture, and purpose;
and

WHEREAS, Born Odehye Kwadwo Kesse Antwi on February 24, 1986,
Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III ascended the Ofori Kuma Stool on May 3, 2020,
following his selection as the eligible heir to his late uncle,
Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III, who reigned for more than four decades as
King of Akuapem, thereby continuing a revered lineage of traditional
authority, cultural guardianship, and service to the Akuapem people; and

WHEREAS, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III is deeply rooted in royal
heritage through both parental lineages, representing the Agona and
Asona clans, and embodies the values of discipline, service, and
leadership instilled through his upbringing in a family devoted to
faith, tradition, and national service; and

WHEREAS, His Majesty pursued academic excellence both in Ghana and
the United States, completing his secondary education at Presbyterian
Boys' High School (PRESEC) in Legon, Ghana, and later earning an
Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration from Westchester
Community College in Valhalla, New York, where he was inducted into the
Alpha Beta Gamma Business Honor Society for academic distinction; and

WHEREAS, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III continued his higher education
at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York, graduating with a Bachelor of
Science in Business Administration, specializing in management, and
later commenced graduate studies in human resource management,
demonstrating a strong commitment to leadership development and
organizational excellence; and

WHEREAS, While residing in New York City, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III
acquired extensive professional experience in management, hospitality
operations, and entrepreneurship, holding leadership positions at
prominent institutions, including The Mark Hotel, Empire City Casino,
and Crowne Plaza Times Square, and founding American Link Estates LLC on
Park Avenue South; and

WHEREAS, Upon his return to Ghana, His Majesty co-founded Jupe
Global Company Limited, a business consulting and investment
facilitation firm dedicated to transforming startups and struggling
enterprises into sustainable ventures, with strategic interests in
agriculture, waste recycling, healthcare, and technology, reflecting a
strong commitment to socially responsible economic development; and

WHEREAS, As Okuapehene, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III has articulated a
clear and forward-looking vision for peace, unity, justice, and
sustainable development within Okuapeman, working collaboratively with
the Traditional Council and government institutions to promote
education, industrialization, poverty alleviation, youth empowerment,
and the preservation of Akuapem customs, laws, and cultural values; and

WHEREAS, In furtherance of this mission, His Majesty established the
Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo Foundation (OKWAF), a philanthropic initiative
dedicated to improving healthcare access, educational opportunity, and
sustainable employment with a particular focus on supporting schools for
the blind and deaf, rural students, aged citizens, and low-income
families throughout Okuapeman and Ghana's Eastern Region; and

WHEREAS, Through his leadership, philanthropy, and global
perspective, shaped by his experiences in the African diaspora,
Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III exemplifies the ideals of cultural
preservation, socioeconomic empowerment, and transnational engagement
that define responsible modern traditional leadership; and

WHEREAS, The Global Citizen Icon Award in Cultural Identity,
Diaspora Advancement, and Socioeconomic Empowerment fittingly recognizes
His Majesty's unwavering dedication to uplifting his people,
strengthening global Black identity, and advancing inclusive development
rooted in tradition and innovation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, Okuapehene and King of the Akuapems,
upon the occasion of receiving the Global Citizen Icon Award, and to
commend him for his distinguished leadership, cultural stewardship, and
commitment to empowering communities at home and across the global
African diaspora; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III and to the Young, Gifted, &
Black Entrepreneurial Awards as a lasting expression of the highest
respect and appreciation of this Legislative Body.