Chris Gardner Crown Traditional Ruler in Ghana – Africa

Chris Gardner, a dedicated African – American, philanthropist and motivational speaker of high repute has added one more feather to his cap – that of ‘Mpontuhen, of Biriwa’. The award according to the people of Biriwa, was in recognition of HRH Chief Gardner’s dedication to improving the well-being of people around the world including those of Biriwa. He is also a devoted and inspirational speaker addressing the keys to overcoming barriers and breaking negative rotations in life.

By Yemti Harry Ndienla

Chris Gardner - the world acclaimed author of ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’, was crowned under the stool named ‘Nana Kofi Akom I, by the chief of Biriwa, HRH Nana Kwa Bonko V, assisted by a college of kingmakers and notables of the clan

Biriwa, is a fast developing village in Ankobea division of Nkusukum Traditional Area in the Mfantsemen Municipality, of the Central Region in the Republic of Ghana – West Africa. And the said honor confirm others awarded by many respected organization including but not limited to the NAACP Image Awards with awards for both the book and movie versions of The Pursuit of Happyness; Los Angeles Commission on Assaults Against Women’s (LACAAW) 2006 Humanitarian Award; The Continental Africa Chamber of Commerce’s 2006 Friends of Africa Award; The Glaucoma Foundation’s Kitty Carlisle Hart Lifetime Achievement Award; The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA); Covenant House, Common Ground and other organizations committed to combating violence against women, homelessness, and financial illiteracy – issues of the utmost importance to Gardner.

Prior to his coronation Chris Gardner, was head-cried by palace guards to the village shrine for more traditional powers. “I feel elated and touch by this great honor given me and my family by the people of Biriwa”, said Chief Gardner, who was accompanied by his daughter - Jacintha.

As the Mpontuhen, of Biriwa, Chief Gardner, identified the village health clinic as one of his major projects and pledged to transform the facility to a modern health center stocked with equipment of International standard. The clinic which serves over 30.000 patients is out of basic necessities and in need of assistance. After a visit to the facility, Chris Gardner, who was visibly disturbed by what he saw re-assured the Biriwa people of his decision and commitment to the dilapidated health clinic.

A successful entrepreneur based in the US, Chief Gardner, was in Ghana, also to share his hard-won wisdom to encourage the youth to pursue new challenges, search for fulfillment at a new stage of life, or craft the legacy they want to leave behind. Thus, he used his real-life experiences to stir the emotions of these young Ghanaian entrepreneurs and lift them to the realm where they believe everything was possible. He was on this mission by Rev. Fr. Caeser, a Ghanaian man of God based in The Vatican.

Though others might judge Chief Gardner’s coronation as the return his roots – Africa, he sees it differently. “The world is one - same people, different villages. You need not to be in Africa or African to solve Africa’s problem”.

Gardner is currently working in partnership with Rev. Fr Caesar, and the Vatican to develop more opportunities for young entrepreneurs. And his meeting with Pope Benedict XVI, next month, is expected to boost this initiative.