It was all pomp and pageantry as people from all walks of life on Sunday converged on Dwabrim of the Manhyia Palace, Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region, to climax the 25th anniversary of the enstoolment of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The durbar also marked the 74th birthday of the King, and Sagrenti War, which was fought between soldiers of the British colonialists and the Asantes, in 1874.
The atmosphere was electrified with excitement, splendid display of culture, artifacts, the Golden Stool, and firing of musketry, which sought to remind the large gathering of the epic of the Asante Kingdom.
The silver jubilee of Asantehene’s ascension to the Golden Stool (Sikagua Kofi), also coincided with the third Akwasidae festival, celebrated by Asantes to thank the gods and ancestors for a good harvest.
President Nana Addo DankwaAkufo-Addo, Vice President Dr Mahamadu Bawumia and his wife Samira, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, running mate to the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress Party (NDC), former President John Mahama, host of government officials and Members of Parliament attended the durbar.
Also at the event, were Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, National chairman of the NDC, and other political figures, including Nana Kwame Bediako of the New Force.
A delegation led by the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, and that of the Anlo State, in the Volta Region, led by the Awomefia, Togbui Sri III, were also at the silver jubilee, to grace the occasion.
There was large contingent of warriors, queenmothers, paramount chiefs, chiefs, sub-chiefs and traditional priests from Asante and guest communities.
Dignitaries from Cote d’Ivoire, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Togo, Morocco and the Prime Minister of the Trinidad and Tobago, Keith Christopher Rowley, and his wife were present, with some bearing gifts for the Asantehene.
The display of culture and tradition by chiefs and guests from outside the Asante kingdom, who brought gifts peculiar to their region to Asantehene, was gratifying.
At 12 noon, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, arrived at the durbar in a palanquin amid the beating of fontomfrom, then followed the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, and other chiefs of the kingdom.
The Juabenhene, Otuo Serebour II, whose is also chairman of the Council of State, welcomed the dignitaries and the entire crowd, and thanked them for supporting “Otumfuo thus far”.
Mr Rowley commended the Asantehene for his leadership role that has stimulated collaboration among all towards peace and development.
President Nana Akufo-Addo noted that the Asantehene has served as a symbol of unity, progress and tradition for the Asante Kingdom and Ghana as a whole.
He praised the Asantehene for his commitment to the welfare of his people, coupled with his strong leadership qualities, which have earned him respect and admiration of all and sundry.
The President said that the King’s dedication to peace, reconciliation, national cohesion, development and improving the lives of his people and preserving the cultural heritage of Asante were commendable.
He thanked Asantehene for promoting the country and “ensuring access to education through the Otumfuo Education Fund for thousands of beneficiaries, re-energising and modernising the chieftaincy institution and putting an end to unnecessary chieftaincy disputes.”
The President stressed that the Asantehene had been “a steadfast voice for unity and understanding within Asanteman and beyond.”
President Akufo-Addo praised the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago for what he described as “a great hospitality shown the Asantehene, during his recent visit to that country”.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu said education remained his priority, but was not enthused about the ravaging nature of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in the country. The Asantehene urged Ghanaians to promote peace ahead of Ghana’s 2024 General Election.
FROM KINGSLEY E.HOPE, KUMASI
