Asanteman led by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Monarch will converge in Washington, D.C., United States of America, to observe this year’s sixth Akwasidae Festival.
The announcement was confirmed by the Director of the Diaspora Affairs Office at the Presidency, Kofi Okyere Darko, at the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana Executive Dinner Ball’ held on April 24, 2026, at the Manhyia Palace.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Okyere Darko linked consistency in traditional leadership to diaspora investment, noting that cultural events like Akwasidae provide a bridge for reconnection and economic opportunity.
“People in the diaspora do not invest where they are uncertain. They invest where they see order, respected authority, and continuity, and that is what His Majesty’s leadership signals,” he said.
“Everywhere you go in the world, people look up to us because we have an element of royalty that people can applaud and admire from a distance.”
He explained that the Akwasidae Festival creates opportunities for the diaspora to reconnect with their identity while exposing them to viable ventures in tourism, agriculture, and partnerships with local businesses. “Cultural connection opens the door, trust keeps people engaged, and once people feel confident, business conversations begin, and local trade ultimately benefits,” he said.
“This is one reason traditional institutions remain relevant in national development conversations. They provide stability where there is slow progress. Investors, particularly those in the diaspora, look at how stable leadership structures are in place before they commence business.”
Praise for Otumfuo’s Leadership
Turning to the Asantehene, in whose honour the dinner ball was organized, Mr. Okyere Darko observed that the stability associated with his reign has been deliberate.
“Stability here has not happened by chance. It has been very deliberate. It has come from discipline, consistency, and the ability to keep traditional authority relevant in a modern national setting,” he stated.
“Your leadership in the past 27 years demonstrates that tradition does not need to stand apart from development. It can support it and provide the kind of stability that encourages people, both locally and abroad, to commit resources with confidence.”
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by high-profile personalities, including former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Olu of Warri Kingdom in Nigeria, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, and his wife, Her Royal Highness Olori Atuwatse III.
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. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo represented President John Dramani Mahama.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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Source:
opemsuo.com