Celebrated Ghanaian Highlife musician, Kojo Antwi has been honoured with the Keys to the City of Worcester, Massachusetts in the USA by Mayor Joseph M. Petty.
The ceremony was held on Saturday, August 5 in the presence of city-resident Ghanaian Royal Nana Sompahene aka Mr Maxwell Agyemfra, 3-time, 2-division world boxing champion Jose Antonio Rivera, Mr Richard Kweku Boateng – CEO of Big Shoes Entertainment & Anokyekrom Restaurants.
In a report by 3news, it mentioned that Kojo Antwi who is commonly referred to as “The Maestro” expressed his appreciation to the City of Worcester for the honour and pledged to continue spreading love, compassion, peace and harmony through his music and also promote the beautiful cultures of Ghana and Africa, to the world.
The tradition of presenting Keys to a City is a historic one started in 1702 in New York when Mayor Phillip French offered “Freedom of the City” to Viscount Edward Cornbury, Governor of New York and New Jersey.
In medieval times, major cities would be fortified by walls and gates for the people’s protection.
At the time, a hero or dignitary who came to the town, was honoured with an elaborate ceremony, and also presented with a key meant to confer trust and honour.
As such, the key symbolises the freedom of the recipient to enter and leave the city at will, as a trusted friend of city residents.
In the modern era, the Key to the City is a beloved symbol of civic recognition and gratitude reserved for individuals whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement.
