The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has celebrated the leadership of the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as ‘patient and far-sighted work of peacemaking’, hoping it continues to inspire the world.
She recognizes that peace is synonymous with truth, work, leadership, judgment, restraint, the ability to hold trust across differences, and the ability to summon reconciliation where others see only division.
All these, she said, are embodied by the Asantehene, according to him the honour as a world leader and a pillar of peace.
“His Majesty has shown over many years that traditional leadership and modern statecraft are not in contradiction. At their best, they strengthen one another. The moral authority of tradition exercised with wisdom and integrity can help societies find balance, restore dialogue and move forward together, anchored in values tested by time.”
According to her, the lesson from the leadership of the King is crucial now more than ever in the face of sharp tensions and uncertainty, conflict, mistrust, democratic strain, economic anxiety and communities unsettled by rapid change.
She noted that the panacea to these issues is an exemplar of the Asantehene’s leadership.
“The response to this is leadership that is steady enough to calm tensions. Leadership that is generous enough to build bridges. Leadership that understands that dignity, dialogue and justice are not abstract ideals but the foundations of national and regional cohesion in lasting progress.”
She used the occasion to congratulate the King on his anniversary.
“Your Majesty, on behalf of the Commonwealth, on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III, your dear friend and in my own name, I pay tribute to your distinguished service. We honour your commitment to peace. We honour your Service to Asanteman and to Ghana and the world and we honour the example you continue to offer to all who believe that leadership should unit not divide, leadership should heal not inflamed and leadership should leave a nation stronger, calmer and more confident than it was before. Your Majesty, may your legacy continue to inspire and may Ghana and the wider world continue to draw strength from the truth that peace is our greatest virtue.”
She delivered this address at the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana Executive Dinner Ball’ held on April 24, 2026, at the Manhyia Palace to celebrate Otumfuo’s 27th enstoolment anniversary.
Gracing the occasion were former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Businessman Sir Sam Jonah, the Olu of Warri Kingdom in Nigeria, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, and his wife, Her Royal Highness Olori Atuwatse III, and Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, who represented President John Dramani Mahama.
Also present were Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Bank of Ghana Governor Dr Johnson Asiama, politician Alan Kyerematen, Council of State member Betty Mould-Iddrisu, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, and Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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Source:
opemsuo.com