Prince Charles being welcomed to the Manhyia Palace by Otumfuo
THE ASANTEHENE, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has stated that Ghana is currently at war against many challenges such as poverty, illiteracy and diseases.
He has consequently implored the United Kingdom (UK), which is Ghana’s trusted ally, to play direct roles to help the country to win this important war.
According to him, with the support of the UK, Ghana can easily overcome its challenges and begin to swim in prosperity for its people to enjoy.
The Asante Monarch, who was splendidly dressed in traditional cloth with gold ornaments to match, was speaking during a colourful Akwasidae Festival on Sunday.
The well attended ceremony was used by him to welcome an august visitor to the Manhyia Palace, Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla.
The Asantehene stated that now is the best time that Ghana critically needs the support of the UK in order for Ghana to overcome its many challenges.
He said there are a lot of opportunities in Ghana presently for businessmen from all over the globe to take advantage of, stressing that the UK should not miss out.
According to him, the UK should play significant roles in helping to transform Ghana’s economy, indicating that the country is fertile for businesses to grow.
The event was characterised by the firing of musketry and the display of the rich Asante culture, most of which date back to about 400 centuries and even more.
Tracing history, the Asantehene recounted the many battles that the Asante and the UK fought in the past before the two kingdoms eventually smoked the peace pipe.
He said the relationship that exists between the Manhyia Palace and the Buckingham Palace was that of mutual respect and cooperation and it had lasted for years.
Otumfuo stated that the healthy relations between Ghana and the UK generated its roots from the positive example that the Asante Kingdom and the UK Monarchy had set.
According to him, Prince Charles’ visit to the Manhyia Palace had further deepened the cordial relationship between the two powerful kingdoms.
“You were here at the Manhyia Palace in 1977, and after that Prince Ann and Prince Edward have also been here to signify the love and mutual respect between the two monarchs,” Otumfuo disclosed.
He said it is time for Ghana and the UK to deepen their relationship so that the people of the two countries would reap the numerous benefits to boost their lives.
According to him, the days when kingdoms fought against one another are over, stressing that the modern world requires cooperation to ensure growth.
He said the lasting peace that exists between the Asantes and the British now, who were once fierce rivals, clearly shows that the days of fighting are gone forever.
Otumfuo congratulated Prince Charles on taking over as the head of the Common Wealth, stressing that he is confident his reign would bring positive results.
Prince Charles, who spoke briefly, expressed his delight to visit the Manhyia Palace once again after 41 years when he first visited the palace.
He supported the Asantehene’s call for the UK and Ghana to deepen their relationship, especially in the area of business to benefit the two-sister countries.
Prince Charles commended Otumfuo for his immense contribution towards the transformational processes of Ghana, urging him to sustain his good works.
According to him, he was overjoyed following the colourful welcome that was accorded him and his wife at the palace, saying that he would continue to cherish the memories.
At the tail end of the ceremony, the Asantehene presented some Asante traditional gifts to his august visitor and Prince Charles reciprocated his gesture with some gifts.
The programme was graced by the Asantehemaa, Nana Ama Konadu and former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, who was dressed in ‘Kente’.
Other important dignitaries such as Iain Walker, the British Ambassador to Ghana, the IGP, David Asante-Apeatu and COP Nathan Kofi Boakye.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah; Kumasi Mayor, Osei Assibey Antwi and Council of State Chairman, Nana Otuo Serebuo, were also present.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi