Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
VICE PRESIDENT Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and former President John Dramani Mahama, yesterday stormed the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi for the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Sagrenti War.
The two dignitaries were among a sea of people who attended the grand durbar in remembrance of the Sagrenti War, which was fought in 1874.
The historic occasion saw the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, sitting in state at the ‘Dawbirem’ at Manhyia, for foreign and local dignitaries to pay homage to him.
Otumfuo’s Procession
The Asantehene was earlier carried high in a palanquin from the Apagyafie to the Manhyia Palace as enthusiastic-looking crowd lined up the streets to catch a glimpse of him.
A sizeable number of palace attendants and some elders were seen following Otumfuo, who intermittently danced to melodious Asante traditional tunes.
The Asantehene, who is loved and adored by his people, was seen waving back at the crowd, who continually chanted the Asante Monarch’s name.
There was spontaneous shouts of applause when the Asantehene finally appeared at the durbar grounds. He then sat in state for people to pay homage to him.
Vice President Bawumia and his delegation, which included the Second Lady, Samira Bawumia, and other government officials paid homage to the Asante King.
Former President Mahama, who was also joined by top National Democratic Congress (NDC) members, were also given the chance to greet Otumfuo and wish him well.
Kufuor and Bagbin
Also present to make the traditional programme memorable included former President John Agyekum Kufuor and the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, among others.
The Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, aka ‘Napo’, the Energy Minister, who is a grandson of the Asantehene, was also at the durbar.
Business mogul, Osei Kwame Despite and the clergy also graced the occasion. Paramount chiefs in Asanteman and their queenmothers also rode in palanquins to the event venue.
Looted Asante Jewels
The high point of the event was when Asante crown jewels that were taken to the US after the Sagrenti war were presented to the Asantehene at the durbar grounds.
An emotional-looking Otumfuo was seen beaming with smiles as he finally touched the historic Asante objects. The objects were then taken through the durbar grounds.
Otumfuo, in his address, expressed happiness over the return of the Crown Jewels, pointing out that the historic objects were taken from Asante unjustifiably in 1824.
According to him, the Asante Kingdom was rapidly growing in size and numbers so some people were not comfortable, resulting in the invasion of foreign troops in Asante in 1824.
Dr. Bawumia, in a speech read on his behalf, said the return of the crown jewels was yet another achievement of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, whose reign has been successful.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi