Oblantaa Mantse welcomes Ben Crump to Ghana, calls for respect for culture and sovereignty

The Oblantaa Mantse of Osu Ashante Blohum, Nii Nortey Nsuro Oquaye, has welcomed renowned American civil rights attorney Ben Crump to Ghana, hailing his visit as an important step in strengthening ties between Ghana and the African diaspora.

The visit coincided with the launch of Crump’s book, “Worse Than a Lie”, in Accra. The event brought together traditional leaders, members of the Osu Ashante Blohum Dzaase, community representatives and other dignitaries as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural, social and economic links between Ghana and people of African descent around the world.

Speaking at the event, Nii Nortey Nsuro Oquaye said Ghana should continue to welcome members of the diaspora who are committed to justice, empowerment and development.

According to him, Ben Crump’s record as a civil rights advocate makes him an example of the type of diaspora figure whose work aligns with the values and aspirations of Ghana and the African continent.

“Attorney Ben Crump has set the bar for the kind of individual Ghana wants to welcome home – a man of principle, purpose and proven commitment to justice,” he said.

Popularly known as “Black America’s Attorney General,” Crump is one of the United States’ leading civil rights lawyers. He has represented the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and several others in high-profile cases involving racial justice and police accountability.

“The attorney was in Ghana in connection with activities surrounding the release of Worse Than a Lie, which examines issues of systemic injustice and inequality” he reiterated.

The launch of the book was supported by Diaspora Roots Consulting and 100 Black Men of Ghana, an organisation chaired by Nii Nortey Nsuro Oquaye and focused on mentorship, youth development and community empowerment.

Addressing participants, the Oblantaa Mantse emphasised the need for visitors and members of the diaspora to respect Ghana’s traditions, culture and sovereignty.
“Ghana is not a novelty. We have traditions and sovereignty that need to be respected. We have to use discernment on who has access to our beautiful land,” he stated.

He noted that reconnecting with Africa should be based on genuine appreciation of its people, history and cultural heritage rather than tourism alone.

Nii Nortey Nsuro Oquaye also reiterated the importance of recognising traditional authority, particularly within the Greater Accra Region.

“You land on Ga land. It’s only right, just and respectful that you pass by and allow us to give you our blessings,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to Ben Crump for choosing Ghana as part of his engagement with the African continent and wished him success in his continued advocacy for justice in the United States.

“We are grateful to Attorney Ben Crump for allowing us to bless his great works here in Ghana and we wish him safety and success in the United States with all of his legal battles protecting those who need justice,” he said.

The event was attended by members of the Osu Ashante Blohum traditional leadership and Kotobabi Mantse, Nii Nortey Hamid, who joined in welcoming the visiting attorney.

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