The gold coins being unveiled
Details of the commemorative gold coins to celebrate the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his contributions towards peace-building and the overall development of the country, has been released.
The unveiling was done at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Sunday night at the climax of the last Akwasidae of the year for Asanteman.
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) gave the permission to Gold Coast Refinery Limited to design commemorative gold coins to celebrate the Asantehene, for his contribution to the peace, stability and development of the country in the past 22 years and after he was accorded the title ‘Pillar of Peace’.
The Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) in collaboration with a business solutions provider, the EON 3 Group, spearheaded the launch of the gold coins which are of 99.99 per cent assay at 24 carat fine gold, with a diameter of 37mm and weight of 31.104 grammes each.
The face of the gold coins bears the image of the Asantehene, with the Adinkra symbols ‘Bi Nka Bi’ and ‘Mpatapo’, which symbolise peace, harmony and reconciliation and the reverse bears an image of the Golden Stool (Sika Dwa).
A statement issued by EON 3 Group said “these Gold Coins will be a long-life project that will stand as a legacy for His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.”
It said “proceeds raised will be used to establish a Cultural Resource Centre, which will employ the latest technologies and IT platforms to promote activities related to traditional and customary conflict resolution in Ghana as well as other peace initiatives.”
Governor’s Endorsement
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison, explained that the outdoored gold coin in honour of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is not a legal tender.
“The bank approved the issuance of a commemorative coin and offered to assist to procure the coin through appropriate channels. The gold coin will be of no monetary value. By that we mean it will not be a medium of exchange and not exactly a legal tender,” Dr. Addison said.
He emphasised that the commemorative gold coin “is not expected to display any face value to avoid risk of being confused with legal tender in circulation.”
The Governor expressed his pleasure in the bank’s decision to associate with the launch of the coin, in acknowledgement of the strides made by the Asantehene.
“In recognition of the invaluable role and your remarkable achievements in the preservation of peace in the safeguarding of life, the development of Ghana and ensuring peaceful coexistence of the citizenry of Ghana, the Bank of Ghana proudly associates itself with the launch of this commemorative gold coin to climax your Majesty’s 20th year as the Asantehene,” Dr. Addison remarked.
From I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi