Hundreds of people converged on Manhyia Palace last Sunday to join the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to celebrate his 27th anniversary since ascending the Golden Stool.
The event also coincided with the third Akwasidae festival of the year, an important event mostly held to climax celebrations of specific achievements and milestones of the people.
Otumfuo ascended the Golden Stool in 1999.
Dwabrem, the venue for the event and the centre of attraction, was filled with people from all walks of life who joined the Asantehene to commemorate the day with pomp and ceremony.
In attendance were traditional rulers, the Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who led the government delegation — the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene; the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, and the Chief Executive Officer, Tree Crops Development Authority, Dr Andy Okrah.
Others were a former Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Afoko; a former Ashanti Regional Minister, S.K. Boafo, and a former Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Diana Asonaba Dapaah.
Also present were the French and Canadian Ambassadors to Ghana, Diarra Dime-Labille and Myriam Montrat, as well as the Vice-Chancellor, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor Rita Akosua Dickson.
A delegation from the Anglican Church, the denomination of the Asantehene, led by the Bishop of the Kumasi Diocese, Rt Rev. Oscar Christian Amoah, also attended the ceremony.
Otumfuo’s entry
Clothed in his regal majesty with Asromodwe Abotire (headgear), the Asantehene entered the grounds in a palanquin from the meeting grounds of the Asanteman Council at exactly 1:45 p.m.
The entire venue went agog as the large gathering waved at Otumfuo upon his arrival.
In line with custom, the guests donated assorted drinks and undisclosed amounts of money to support the anniversary celebration.
President’s message
President John Dramani Mahama, in a message delivered on his behalf by Dr Frank Amoakohene, commended the Asantehene for his sterling leadership.
He enumerated some development projects the government was undertaking in the region, such as the commencement of works on the Kumasi-Accra Expressway, the Suame interchange and the Sewua road, to pave the way for the operationalisation of the Sewua hospital.
The President added that 10km road contracts had been awarded to district assemblies in the region to enhance mobility.
Assorted drinks and an undisclosed amount of money were also presented to the Asantehene.
Profile
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is the 16th Asantehene. He ascended the Golden Stool on April 26, 1999.
He is a direct descendant of the founder of the Asante Kingdom, Osei Tutu I.
Born on May 6, 1950, and named Barima Kwaku Dua, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is the youngest of the five children of Nana Afua Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, Asantehemaa (Queenmother of Asante).
From early childhood, Barima Kwaku Dua came under the tutelage of his uncle, Oheneba Mensah Bonsu, who had been enstooled as Hiahene in 1952.
The young royal had his secondary education at Sefwi Wiawso Secondary School in the Western Region, where his guardian was Nana Kwadwo Aduhene II, Omanhene of Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Area.
Barima Kwaku Dua returned to Kumasi in 1969 and enrolled at the Osei Kyeretwie Secondary School.
He then moved to Accra in 1971 and was admitted to the Institute of Professional Studies, Legon, for a course in Accountancy.
Two years later, he travelled to the UK, where he continued his accountancy studies at the Kilburn Polytechnic.
He later attended the University of North London, where he read Human Resource Development and Public Administration.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh