Hi James,
I do not know where John Neizer was born or where he was living before he came to the US. Possible places that I mentioned in my message were Saltpond or Accra. If he was of the Ashanti tribe then Saltpond could be a possibility but I truly don't know.
How large the Amonoo-Neizer family is within Ghana today is something that I have limited knowledge of however, I do know that Egya Amonoo-Neizer, his wife Bertha and some of their children and grandchildren live near Kumasi. Prof. Egya Amonoo-Neizer was the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology until President Rawlings selected him to be the High Commissioner to Zimbabwe. Until recently he served in that position until Pres. Rawlings lost the election.
In 1997 my two daughters visited Egya and his family and it was during this visit that they learned that Egya did not know much about the history of the family and the eldest living relative, Aunt Effie did not know anything about a John or Johann. Pictures were taken in the Neizer house and on the wall is a LARGE photo/painting of Aunt Effie's parents who look to be quite regal in the way they were dressed. It seems to me that they were a couple of 'importance'. So that is where I am now - searching to find my great,great grandfathers roots. Egya considers us 'cousins' in some way but does not know where the connection is.
Do you know if there are government archives that one can write to in order to see if there could be records dating back to the early 1800's?
In order that we may keep in touch, here is my e-mail address; Rneizer@aol.com ~ I find it much easier to correspond directly. Hoping you and your family can help me.
Roberta