Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh paying homage to Otumfuo
THE RICH Asante culture and traditions, which dates back to over four centuries, was showcased in public in London, in the United Kingdom (UK) on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
This was when the 16th occupant of the Golden Stool of Asanteman, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, made history by organising a mammoth “Akwasidae’ festival in London.
The programme, which formed part of Otumfuo’s 25th anniversary on the throne, saw the Asantehene, joined by other prominent Asante traditional leaders, to mark the day.
Scores of Ghanaians in the UK and other parts of Europe, notably Asante natives, flooded the Middle Temple Garden, the venue of the historic event, to make the event memorable and colourful.
Otumfuo’s Arrival
Otumfuo was ushered into the durbar grounds with the famous “Asante Kotoko” chants by the charged crowd, who were dressed in different colours of nicely weaved ‘Kente’ clothes.
The Asante King, who from his demeanour was excited and impressed by the nice reception, was seen smiling intermittently as he walked majestically to his seat at the durbar grounds.
The Asantehene, who was accompanied by a retinue of Asante chiefs, elders and servants, sat in state for some selected dignitaries to pay homage to him.
Among the dignitaries present at the programme were former President John Agyekum Kufuor and Ghana’s High Commissioner to UK, Papa Owusu Ankomah.
The Chieftaincy Minister, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, popularly called Asabee, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, and other government officials also graced the event.
A section of dignitaries at the event
NPP Delegation
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) was represented by a delegation led by the party’s running mate for the December 7 polls, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, aka Napo.
He was accompanied by the NPP General Secretary, Lawyer Justin Kodua Frimpong, Lawyer Henry Nana Boakye, aka Nana B, NPP National Youth Organiser and other party bigwigs.
The Manhyia South NPP Chairman, Richard Adjei Mensah Ofori Atta, aka Tomtom, Fiifi Boafo, the Communications Director for Napo, Nana Tima Boakye and others were also present.
Dr. Prempeh, in his succinct remarks, said his boss, the flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has tasked him to visit chiefs in the country and seek their blessings and wise counsel ahead of the polls.
According to him, the NPP believes that chiefs have a crucial role to play towards national development, hence the party’s resolve to seek the support of chiefs ahead of the election.
“Dr. Bawumia has tasked me to inform our chiefs that we appreciate their hard work and sacrifices that helped to secure Ghana. They started the good works for Ghana and we are continuing.
“I’m currently touring the country to meet our revered chiefs. We believe that Ghana is what it is today because Nananom secured Ghana for all of us,” he said to applause from the crowd.
According to Dr. Prempeh, the party respects and adores Otumfuo, so they decided to pay homage to him and seek his blessings as he marked the Akwasidae festival in London.
On his part, the Ghana High Commissioner to UK, Papa Owusu Ankomah, lauded the Asantehene for his unique and remarkable leadership style, which has brought respect and transformation to the country.
He also described the huge gathering at the Akwasidae festival in London as a sign of Ghana’s unity, and prayed for God’s blessings, long life, sound health and wisdom for Otumfuo to continue his good works for the country.
“You have inspired us as a people. The gathering here today shows the unity in Ghana. Otumfuo, your accomplishments in the last 25 years is unmatched. We wish you to live long and guide us even those in political leadership,” he said.
Otumfuo’s Trip
Otumfuo, as a reminder, has been in the UK for some days now and has been attending different programmes, aimed at marketing Asanteman and Ghana to the world.
Last week, he visited King Charles III, where the two powerful monarchs had fruitful discussions, which was not opened to the media.
Otumfuo has also met with the Ghanaian delegation in the UK, where he (Otumfuo) advised them to live in peace and harmony, and also contribute to the transformation of the country.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi