Okomfo Yao Nson Dankwaa

The arc of all his prior experiences prepared Okomfo Yao Nson Dankwaa to become a priest in the Akan Akom Tradition. Nson, born as Barrington Salmon, began his life in London, England and grew up in London, Jamaica and Miami.

Nson is a writer and journalist who, for the past 20 years, has plied his craft with newspapers in Washington, Miami, Tallahassee, and the US Virgin Islands. Writing is his passion and he is still gets excited as the prospect of following a good story and making real the words the New York Times motto: Afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted…"

His parents, Stephen Lloyd and Enid, were hard-working, God-fearing individuals who were devoted to their children. Enid was a seamstress and dress designer who operated her own businesses in London, Kingston and Miami. Stephen was employed by British Railway but was also a master carpenter, builder and painter.

In the 1950s, Nson's parents left their lives and families in Jamaica in search of a better life in the very different environs of Britain. After 20 years, the family moved back to Jamaica where the children were able to connect to their deep ancestral and spiritual roots.

The beauty of the country and the resilience of the people made a deep imprint on Nson. The vibrant, energetic, social, political and reggae culture was the crucible in which Nson's consciousness flourished. The highlight of Nson's young life was meeting reggae icon Bob Marley one day in downtown Kingston.

Since he was young, Nson sought his spiritual path and looked for a spiritual place to call home.

Nson and his family emigrated to Miami in 1976. He studied at Miami-Dade Community College where he earned a degree in sociology, graduating with honors. Nson completed his studies at Florida State University and Florida A&M University, leaving there with a bachelor's degree in Media Communications and minors in Journalism, History and International Relations.

He has traveled widely, visiting, living in and studying in Ghana, Spain, Portugal, Madeira, China, Nepal, Thailand, Greece, Puerto Rico, Turkey, and Israel.

In 1996, he moved to Washington, DC to take a staff writing job with the Washington Times. The following year, Nson met Nana Akua Kyerewaa Opokuwaa and became a general member of AFSANI. He became an initiated member, studied to become an Okyeame and in 2003, finally accepted the call to become an Akan Priest.

Nson entered Okomfo training to Nana Kweisi Abrentia in the Tegare system. He graduated in 2006 and looks forward to building on the foundation Nyame, Nana Nom and the Abosom has laid.