Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
OTUMFUO OSEI Tutu II, the 16th Asantehene, officially attained 26 years on the sacred Golden Stool of Asanteman, on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Then known in public life as Barima Kwaku Duah, he ascended the stool on April 26, 1999, to succeed his brother, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, who had passed away.
Otumfuo, who was the last born of the five children of the late Asante Queen, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem, was unanimously endorsed by Asante kingmakers.
During a massively attended swearing of oath ceremony to Asanteman at the Manhyia Palace in 1999, he promised to unite and lead the Asante kingdom into prosperity.
And 26 years down the line, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has worked tirelessly to emerge as one of the greatest Asante kings, following his outstanding achievements, so far.
For instance, under his able leadership, Otumfuo has been able to successfully settle all chieftaincy issues that were troubling the kingdom before his enstoolment.
Using his unique mediation skills, the Asantehene settled all the chieftaincy issues with ease to the amazement of his people, who therefore nicknamed him ‘King Solomon’.
Otumfuo also worked tirelessly to successfully mediate the Dagbon chieftaincy crisis, thereby helping to stop bloodbath and the destruction of properties, earning him more respect.
In the area of education, Otumfuo, through his ‘Otumfuo Education Fund’ has supported thousands of brilliant-but-needy Ghanaians to climb the academic ladder.
Instituted after he was enstooled, the Fund is accessible to all qualified Ghanaian students.
The 16th occupant of the Golden Stool, widely seen as development-oriented leader, has also excelled in other areas such as water and sanitation, healthcare, among others.
His enviable achievements have been recognised and duly rewarded by several world bodies and academic institutions, who honoured him with Honorary Doctorate Degrees.
Otumfuo, whose fame goes beyond the borders of Ghana, once addressed the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, where he talked about global peace and development.
The Asantehene has over the years hosted presidents and other world figures at the Manhyia Palace. He was also hosted by King Charles of Britain at the Buckingham Palace.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah, Kumasi