Founded in 1990 in Toronto, Canada, the Akwaba Cultural Exchange has developed into one of the leading African Arts and cultural exchange groups in Canada and North America.
From interactions with Media Africa, the CEO of the group, Jean Assamoa, explains the idea and significance of the word ‘AKWABA’ as well as the reasons behind his adoption of the term.
“The word Akwaba is commonly used mainly by the Akan-speaking people of Ghana and also in some parts of Ivory Coast, meaning ‘WELCOME’ and is a way of accepting people or visitors by saying, “Our doors are opened for them to enter,” says Jean Assamoa, the group’s founder and CEO.

The word Akwaba basically reflects the philosophy of the organisation’s goals, which are to raise awareness of Africa’s rich histories in dance, music, storytelling, and fashion while also bringing people together through a common appreciation of Africa’s cultural resources.

A non-profit organisation based in Milton, Ontario, Canada, the Akwaba Cultural Exchange Organization, since its inception in 2009, has built upon a core curriculum in performing Arts. The group also has an educational program, which is actualised through workshops, lectures and class demonstrations in African dance, Music, storytelling, African mask history and fashion in Africa.

Its performances include classical African folk Arts with a Rustic charm of African Traditional Culture.
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