Scenes from the Kumasi Airport during the arrival of Otumfuo from overseas yesterday
Scores of overly excited people drawn from all walks of life yesterday accorded a rousing welcome to the 16th occupant of the Golden Stool, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene.
The sea of people that besieged the airport were seen jumping and shouting in ecstasy immediately the private jet in which the king traveled landed on the tarmac at about 5pm.
The jubilation at the hitherto quiet airport skyrocketed when the Asante monarch appeared on the gangway of the plush-looking white private jet.
The entire foundation of the airport was shaken when Otumfuo, who was dressed in sleek suit with tie to march, joyfully waved at the crowd.
As expected, there were various traditional ‘Kete’ and ‘Adowa’ groups, who provided melodious traditional tunes to welcome him, who from his demeanour, looked extremely excited.
Brazil Visit
The Asantehene was returning from a visit to Brazil in South America.
Even though the purpose of the visit had not been disclosed to the public, DAILY GUIDE learnt that his travel was aimed at bringing development to Asanteman and Ghana.
Dignitaries
Among the people that stormed the airport to give a hero’s welcome to the king were the Kumasi Mayor, Osei Assibey Antwi; Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, Elizabeth Agyeman and other government officials in the region.
Prominent traditional leaders from Kumasi were also at the airport. Business executives, security capos, the clergy, some members of the Muslim community, various Asante youth groups and many others were also there.
Nana Addo Boys
Significantly, some young and energetic members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), led by Sammy Awuku, National Youth Organiser, journeyed from Accra to Kumasi to welcome Otumfuo.
The NPP team also included Henry Nana Boakye aka Nana B, Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Secretariat (NSS), Stephen Amoah, Chief Executive of MASLOC and Justin Kodua, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Youth Enterprise Agency (YEA).
“Long Live The King”
There were shouts of “Long Live the King, Long Live the King” all over the airport, as Otumfuo, who seemed overwhelmed about the massive love that his subjects had shown to him, shook hands with some selected dignitaries.
At a point, the Asantehene was seen nodding his head in admiration as the charged crowd intensified the shouts of his name.
Otumfuo T-shirts
Some of the Asante youth groups had even printed branded T-shirts of the Asantehene, with inscriptions, which suggested that they were proud to be subjects of the great king, whose influence and respect are unquestionable.
Other Asante groups also stormed the airport with huge banners, decorated with the black, yellow and green colours of Asanteman, just to show to the king that they were also proud to be his subjects.
Mad Rush
The excitement at the airport was extended to other parts of the city, as people were seen lining up the streets from the airport roundabout to the Manhyia Palace – the seat of the monarch – just to catch a glimpse of him.
Most of the people, especially those who sell on the streets, were even seen leaving their wares as they rushed to the roadside just to wave at the Asantehene.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II ascended the Golden Stool in 1999, succeeding his late brother, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II.
His reign has brought transformation to Asanteman and Ghana in general.
The visionary king established the Otumfuo Educational Fund immediately he ascended the great stool and since then, thousands of brilliant but needy children from all over the country have benefited from it.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi