Organisers of the launch 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, have said the initiative is going to be a life-long project.
A statement signed by E ON 3 Group, said “the limited issuance of the Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Coins will be a life-long project that will not only stand as a legacy for the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, but also serve as a vehicle to project the country’s cultural heritage.”
The statement said that through the commemorative coins, they will establish a Cultural Resource Centre that will stand out as a national heritage for the benefit of generations.
“The centre, will employ the latest technologies and information technology (IT) platforms to promote activities related to traditional and customary conflict resolution in Ghana as well as other peace initiatives,” the statement indicated.
The statement said further that 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, with Access Bank (the official bank) and the Manhyia Palace got the approval from the Bank of Ghana to launch 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).
“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,” Governor of the Central Bank, Dr. Ernest Addison said at the launch.
“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,” he added.
The EON 3 Group statement said that special presentation of the coins would be made next week to very important personalities like President Akufo-Addo, Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia; Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin, Chief Justice, Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah, the Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta; the Governor of the BoG, Dr. Ernest Addison, Chairman of National Peace Council, Rev. Dr. Adu-Gyamfi; the Director- General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Rev. Daniel Ogbarmey Tetteh, and the Executive Chairman of Jonah Capital, Sir Sam Jonah.