ABOUT US

HRM NANA AGYEMANG DUAH KATAKYIE III

Sanaahene of Kukuom Traditional Council

HRM Nana Agyemang Duah Katakyie III, born Mr. Bismark Kyei Baffuor, is the esteemed fifth Divisional Chief of New Sawereso-Seinnuah Kingdom in the Ahafo Region and serves as the Sanaahene of the Kukuom Traditional Council. A dedicated leader and graduate teacher by profession, he is married to Oheneyere Agyemang Duah Edith and is a devout Catholic, attending church regularly and living by God-fearing principles.

Educational Background

• Certificate in Chieftaincy, Otumfuo Centre for Traditional Leadership, UPSA, Accra
• Bachelor of Education in Social Science, University of Cape Coast (UCC)
• Diploma in Basic Education, Cambridge College of Education, Kumasi
• WASSCE Certificate, Kukuom Africa Senior High School, Kukuom
• BECE Certificate, New Sawereso-Seinnuah (Duakrom) Presby Junior High School

Professional and Community Contributions

As a graduate teacher, HRM Nana Agyemang Duah Katakyie III is deeply committed to education and community development. He is the founder of the Okatakyie Orphans Education Foundation in Seinnuah, an initiative dedicated to supporting the educational needs of orphaned children. His passion for academic discussions and active involvement in community development reflects his commitment to fostering progress and empowerment within his community.

Personal Qualities and Interests

Known for his honesty, hard work, and dedication, HRM Nana Agyemang Duah Katakyie III is a team player who leads with integrity. His hobbies include staying informed by watching news, enjoying music, and engaging in reading. His interests lie in contributing to academic discourse and driving initiatives that uplift the New Sawereso-Seinnuah Kingdom and beyond.

HRM Nana Agyemang Duah Katakyie III stands as a beacon of leadership, blending traditional values with a modern commitment to education and social good.

Guye Pennington (Piesie Kwaku I)

Piesie Kwaku I
Adontenhene and Chancellor

Guye Pennington, known by his chief regnal name Piesie Kwaku I, serves with distinction as the Adontenhene and Chancellor of the New Sawereso-Seinnuah Kingdom in the Ahafo Region. A respected leader with a global perspective, he brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to advancing our community and preserving its rich cultural heritage.

Educational Background

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, University of Louisville
• Master’s Degree, Indiana University
• Graduate School of Banking, American Bankers Association (ABA), University of Wisconsin

Professional and Community Contributions

With a strong background in finance and leadership, Guye Pennington has been actively engaged in chivalric matters and African development since 2005. His commitment to fostering progress across the continent is demonstrated through his extensive collaboration with traditional rulers and communities in Ghana, Togo, Uganda, and Indonesia, earning him numerous honors from reigning monarchs. As Adontenhene and Chancellor, he plays a pivotal role in guiding the New Sawereso-Seinnuah Kingdom toward sustainable development and cultural preservation, leveraging his expertise to strengthen community initiatives and promote unity.

Personal Qualities and Interests

Guye Pennington is recognized for his strategic vision, integrity, and passion for bridging traditional values with modern development. His global perspective and dedication to service make him a vital asset to the New Sawereso-Seinnuah Kingdom. He is deeply committed to fostering cross-cultural connections and advancing the welfare of our community through thoughtful leadership and collaboration.

Guye Pennington, as Piesie Kwaku I, stands as a beacon of excellence, blending financial acumen, cultural stewardship, and a commitment to African development to inspire progress in New Sawereso-Seinnuah and beyond.

Dr. Vance Leigh Sheen Lyons Whippo

Nana Nocsohena of New Sawereso-Seinnuah

Dr. Vance Leigh Sheen Lyons Whippo, honored as Nana Nocsohena of the New Sawereso-Seinnuah Kingdom in the Ahafo Region under the chieftaincy of HRM Nana Agyemang Duah Katakyie III, is a distinguished mental health professional, chaplain, and humanitarian whose life’s work embodies service, nobility, and compassion. Overcoming early challenges with dyslexia, he has dedicated over 30 years to supporting mental health, community development, and global humanitarian efforts, making a lasting impact in Ghana, Indonesia, and beyond.

Educational Background

• Doctor of Ministry
• Master of Arts in Theology
• Advanced coursework toward Ed.D. in Psychology Leadership
• Licensed Mental Health Therapist Associate and Mental Health Professional
• Advanced Clinical Training in PTSD, Moral Injury, Depression, and Anxiety

Professional and Community Contributions

Dr. Whippo is the founder of Whippo Counseling Services PLLC and serves as Executive Vice President of Medical Services at Grace Connections Services. With a robust career as a Licensed Mental Health Professional and Registered Hypnotherapist, he specializes in supporting individuals with PTSD, moral injury, depression, and anxiety. His military service as a Chaplain and Intelligence Officer in the United States Army Reserve and National Guard has equipped him to provide compassionate care to service members and their families.

His humanitarian efforts span globally, with significant contributions in Ghana and Indonesia, including mental health counseling, school repairs, provision of wells, computers, and books, and the establishment of maternity wards and child feeding programs. In the New Sawereso-Seinnuah Kingdom, as Nana Nocsohena, he continues to champion community development and mental health initiatives, aligning with the kingdom’s mission of progress and cultural preservation. Dr. Whippo’s global recognition includes prestigious honors such as the President’s Volunteer Service Award for Lifetime Achievement, Kentucky Colonel, Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society, and titles such as Kanjeng Pangeran Arya and Vettor of Kupang in Indonesia, as well as Gentil Homan de Imperial Câmara of the Imperial Royal House of Brazil. He also serves as a Special Envoy to the United Nations, advocating for mental health and global conflict resolution.

Personal Qualities and Interests

Dr. Whippo’s commitment to service is guided by his ancestral connection to the House of Lyons and its motto, “Love Conquers All,” reflecting his dedication to peace, human dignity, and tradition. His interests include mental health advocacy, spiritual care, and global philanthropy. Known for his compassion, resilience, and leadership, he continues to mentor others and foster community resilience through his work in New Sawereso-Seinnuah and worldwide.

Dr. Vance Leigh Sheen Lyons Whippo, as Nana Nocsohena, stands as a beacon of service and nobility, blending his expertise in mental health, chaplaincy, and humanitarian work to inspire progress and uplift the New Sawereso-Seinnuah Kingdom and communities across the globe.

Dr. Carmen M. Ward-Sullivan PhD, RN

HRH Nana Dr. Amma Maanu, Nkosuohemaa
Queen Mother of Development

Dr. Carmen Ward-Sullivan, honored with the title HH Nkosuohemma Nana Dr. Amma Maanu, I, serves as the Queen Mother of Development in the New Sawereso-Seinnuah Kingdom in the Ahafo Region, under the chieftaincy of HRM Nana Agyemang Duah Katakyie III. A distinguished nurse scientist and educator with over 39 years of nursing experience, she brings her expertise to global health initiatives, community service, and academic leadership, making a profound impact both locally and internationally.

Educational Background

• PhD in Physiological Nursing, University of California, San Francisco
• Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing, Sonoma State University
• Associate of Science in Nursing, Chabot College

Professional and Community Contributions

As Associate Dean for Academic Programs at Samuel Merritt University, Dr. Ward-Sullivan leads transformative initiatives, including serving as the principal investigator for the AACN Competency-Based Education for Practice-Ready Graduates, one of only ten programs selected nationwide. She also manages a Song-Brown Grant supporting second-degree nursing students. With a career rooted in acute care nursing at Summit Medical Center in Oakland, specializing in Intensive Care and Open-Heart Surgery, she has transitioned her expertise to global health. In New Sawereso-Seinnuah, she is spearheading the development of the kingdom’s first maternity clinic to address maternal and infant mortality rates, demonstrating her commitment to improving community health outcomes.

A Symptom Science Fellow with the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Ward-Sullivan has published four research papers on symptom science and symptom clusters in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Her work has been presented on national, state, and local platforms. Beyond academia, she is a dedicated community servant, participating in health fairs, screenings, educational newsletters, and serving as a panelist for community organizations. She also served four years as a Board Trustee for the San Leandro Unified School District.

Personal Qualities and Interests

Dr. Ward-Sullivan is a passionate mentor, guiding nursing students in their research journeys, and an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., as well as several local and national nursing associations. Her interests include ongoing research, community health education, and travel. Guided by her motto, “Doing for others puts a smile on my face, warmth in my heart, and growth in my spirit,” she embodies compassion, leadership, and a commitment to service. Her contributions to the New Sawereso-Seinnuah Kingdom and beyond reflect her nurse scientist superpower, fostering health, education, and empowerment.

HH Nkosuohemma Nana Dr. Amma Maanu, I, stands as a beacon of compassion and innovation, blending her expertise in nursing, education, and global health to uplift the New Sawereso-Seinnuah Kingdom and inspire progress worldwide.

Frank S. Hooton Sr.

Aboafohene of New Sawereso-Seinnuah

Frank S. Hooton Sr., honored as the Aboafohene of the New Sawereso-Seinnuah Kingdom in the Ahafo Region under the chieftaincy of HRM Nana Agyemang Duah Katakyie III, is a distinguished leader whose lifelong commitment to service, philanthropy, and global leadership has left an indelible mark on communities worldwide. With a legacy rooted in honor and dedication, he continues to inspire through his contributions to the New Sawereso-Seinnuah Kingdom and beyond.

Educational Background

• Master’s Degree, American Military University
• Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/Broadcast, Minor in French, San Diego State University
• Graduate, United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School (USMC OCS), earning the Commanding Officer OCS Award

Professional and Community Contributions

Frank S. Hooton Sr. has achieved remarkable success in sports, business, military command, and philanthropy, serving on leadership boards for numerous organizations and charitable causes. His expertise in cybersecurity led to lectures at the Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Directorate Centers of Excellence, and he was named Homeland Security Today’s Person of the Year/State in 2024. Recognized for his academic excellence, he was selected as a recipient of Who’s Who Among America’s Universities and Colleges during both his undergraduate and graduate studies and has been published in a textbook on Maritime Security.

Globally, Hooton has been honored with prestigious knighthoods, including the Order of St. Joachim and the Honorable y Real Orden de Caballeros de San Cristobal, as well as titles such as Raden Tumenggung under His Majesty Kangjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Aria Mangku Alam II of the Kingdom of Mangkualaman. His awards include Rotary International’s Paul Harris Fellow, the National Infantry Association’s Order of Saint Maurice, the Military Intelligence Corps Association’s Knowlton Award, and commissions as an Admiral in the Texas Navy and an Honorary Order of Kentucky Colonels. As a plank owner of the Texas Maritime Regiment Search and Rescue Dive Team, he has demonstrated unwavering commitment to service.

In New Sawereso-Seinnuah, as Aboafohene, Hooton continues his family’s legacy of service, following in the footsteps of his father, Claude E. Hooton Jr., and grandfather, Frank W. Sharp, both recognized for their impactful contributions. He plays a vital role in advancing the kingdom’s mission of cultural preservation and community development.

Personal Qualities and Interests

Frank S. Hooton Sr. is known for his integrity, leadership, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others. His passion for creating a better environment through service and philanthropy drives his work across diverse fields. He finds inspiration in fostering global connections, supporting charitable causes, and upholding the values of honor and commitment. His multifaceted interests include cybersecurity, cultural stewardship, and community engagement, all of which he brings to his role in the New Sawereso-Seinnuah Kingdom.

Frank S. Hooton Sr., as Aboafohene, stands as a pillar of service and leadership, blending his global expertise with a deep commitment to the New Sawereso-Seinnuah Kingdom, inspiring progress and unity for all.