Oh, what a journey it has been! As I, Takara Nikki Nicholson, now Nana Efua Obonkowa sit here reflecting on the path that has led me to this incredible moment in my life, I am filled with gratitude and joy.
My story begins with a little girl who dared to dream big dreams of Africa. Those dreams, once mere whispers in my heart, grew into a roaring fire as I matured, igniting a deep desire to connect with my ancestral roots and the vibrant culture of the land that called to me.
From a young age, I felt a profound longing to bridge the gap between my life in America and the rich heritage of my ancestors in Ghana.
I knew that to truly honor my lineage, I needed to learn the language of my forebears and immerse myself in the vibrant tapestry of African life. This realization set me on an adventurous journey, filled with both challenges and triumphs.
With a heart full of determination, I took my first steps toward Africa, facing a few setbacks along the way. But each obstacle only strengthened my resolve! Alongside my cousin, I opened Lady Naps Winery, the first Black-owned winery in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Little did I know that this venture would be my gateway to Ghana and the beginning of a remarkable partnership with my now dear friend, George Essoun.
After watching a YouTube interview about my winery, George reached out, and our friendship blossomed over a shared vision of connecting cultures through wine.
As our bond deepened, I revealed my aspirations to start a real estate development company aimed at building strong bridges between Africa and the diaspora.
To my delight, George introduced me to his best friend, Ibrahim Muntari, a young politician and entrepreneur the CEO of a nonprofit Abraham Smiles foundation. Together we envisioned a future full of possibilities.
My first visit to Ghana was eye-opening; we started a business called (CSBAFRICA) Connecting Strong Bridges to Africa. I discovered the misconceptions we, as members of the diaspora, had been fed.
This revelation ignited a fire within me to sound the alarm and bring my people back to their rightful home, to reconnect with the rich heritage that is ours.
It was during this transformative journey that I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging—a feeling that was like medicine to my soul.
My passion for uplifting my community led my business partners and me to visit orphanages and support widows in need.
Our efforts caught the attention of local leaders, chefs, and even kings, paving the way for something truly extraordinary.
One such leader was Nana Odeneho Poma, the Chief of Akatakyiwa. Our meeting was a beautiful convergence of hearts and minds, and during our conversation, he asked me to take on the esteemed role of “Queen Mother of Development for Akatakyiwa”. After much prayer and reflection, I humbly accepted this incredible honor.
On September 7th, 2024, I was formally crowned as the Queen Mother of Development, and I felt an overwhelming sense of purpose wash over me. This title is not just a position; it is a commitment to serve my community, to foster development, and to create pathways for others to connect with their roots.
As I embrace this role, I am filled with excitement for the future. I am dedicated to building bridges that unite the diaspora with Africa, empowering our people, and nurturing the next generation. Together, we will create a thriving community where dreams can flourish and where our shared history is celebrated.
This journey has been nothing short of miraculous, and I am eager to continue this adventure, fostering love, connection, and development in Akatakyiwa and beyond.
