Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
THERE WAS celebration in the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi and Asanteman in general yesterday, as the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, marked his 22nd anniversary when he ascended the Golden Stool.
Even though there was no official programme to mark the historic day, reports said top dignitaries stormed the palace to congratulate the Asantehene.
According to credible reports, many dignitaries including top politicians, the clergy, business moguls, and traditional leaders thronged the palace to wish the Asantehene well.
Otumfuo was said to be very happy as the dignitaries paid homage to him and wished him well for the great milestone on the Golden Stool.
Golden Stool
Exactly 22 years ago on April 26, 1999, a 49-year-old Asante royal, known as Barima Kwaku Duah, became the 16th occupant of the Golden Stool of the Asante Kingdom.
The new king, who ascended the throne with the stool name, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, succeeded his late brother, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, whilst swearing the oath to Asanteman in 1999, particularly promised to champion for infrastructural development, availability of health facilities, provision of potable drinking water and importantly improvement in educational infrastructure in Asanteman and Ghana.
Promises Fulfilled
Twenty-two years under the leadership of the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asanteman has experienced total unity and massive transformation.
The Asantehene introduced the Otumfuo Education Fund to help improve education in the country.
Through the Otumfuo Education Fund, thousands of brilliant but needy Ghanaian students, including those that live beyond the boundaries of Asanteman, have climbed high the academic ladder.
Scores of professionals including medical doctors, journalists, teachers, pharmacists, engineers, nurses, bankers, among others, have been produced through the fund.
Otumfuo, who is widely described as a peace-loving king, has also worked tirelessly to resolve virtually all the chieftaincy and land disputes in his kingdom.
Among Otumfuo’s feats is the leading role he played in helping to resolve the Dagbon chieftaincy dispute, which has led to the restoration of total peace and unity in the Dagbon kingdom.
International Recognition
The Asantehene’s positive works has been recognised globally, so it was not a surprise to many when he was invited to address the United Nations General Assembly in the United States (US) some few years ago.
Meanwhile Otumfuo, who is the last born of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem, will be marking his 71st birthday on May 6, 2021.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi