Vice President Dr. Bawumia paying homage to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace
VICE PRESIDENT Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia’s immense popularity in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, once again, came to bear yesterday.
This was when he stormed the Manhyia Palace to join the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the entire Asanteman to mark the Akwasidae festival.
Accompanied by his wife, Second Lady Samira Bawumia, the Vice President was dressed in an exquisite ‘Kente’ cloth.
In their entourage were the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu; Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah; Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh; Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum among others.
Significantly, Dr. Bawumia was ushered into the Manhyia Palace by Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh aka ‘Napo’, NPP MP for Manhyia South.
Also accompanying the Vice President were 90 Members of Parliament (MPs), Ministers, CEOs of state agencies and institutions, NPP Regional Chairman and hordes of party supporters and members.
The 90 MPs accompanying the Vice President, majority of whom are from the Ashanti Region, defined the level of support he wields in the party.
He was the cynosure of the function as his admirers screamed his name, especially when he displayed his trademark humility.
Dr. Bawumia’s delegation was so huge that they caused heavy vehicular traffic on the streets in the boisterous city, especially roads leading to the Manhyia Palace.
The charged NPP members and sympathisers also caused heavy human traffic at the forecourt of the Manhyia Palace. Virtually every space was covered by a sea of people.
Elated-looking people from all corners of the region were seen singing songs and dancing to welcome the Vice President to the region.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, who spoke on behalf of Dr. Bawumia, said the Vice President was grateful to Otumfuo for his unflinching support, so far.
According to him, Otumfuo has consistently offered wise counsel and encouragement to him (Dr. Bawumia), which has impacted positively on his political career.
“As your son, I’m equally grateful for your wise counsel and support and blessings to me over the years. It has impacted positively to my political career, especially as Vice President.
“You are dear to me, Otumfuo, and I will always seek your wise counsel going forward,” the Vice President indicated, adding that he indeed cherished Otumfuo.
Dr. Bawumia also used the occasion to seek for Otumfuo’s blessings and support so that all his heart desire in life, especially his political career, would become a reality.
The Vice President also expressed sadness about the unfortunate fire outbreak, which destroyed some shops and goods at Kejetia Market in Kumasi last week.
“The government is sorry for your heavy loss,” he told the victims of the inferno, and added that the entire country was behind the Kejetia Market victims.
Dr. Bawumia also announced to Otumfuo that he would be visiting the Kejetia Market today, to inspect the extent of damage, and inform the President.
The Akwasidae festival is celebrated on a Sunday, once every six weeks.
After rituals to appease their forefathers, the King, the Asantehene, makes an appearance in the royal court where he takes a seat under a large brightly coloured umbrella. Dressed in vibrant colours and adorned with large pieces of antique gold jewelry, he greets his people.
Prior to storming the Manyhia Palace for the Akwasidae, Dr. Bawumia also met with some members of the party where he hailed the NPP in the Ashanti Region for the tremendous show of love. He also appealed to the rank and file of the party in the region to continue to forge ahead in unity.
“I am humbled by the surprising and amazing support. It is a big statement you have made. Let me commend Constituency Chairmen and other executives in the Ashanti Region for this support,” he said.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi