Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Togbui Sri III
HISTORY WILL be made on Sunday, December 16, this year, as the Awomefia of Anlo State, in the Volta Region, Togbui Sri III, will storm the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi in a grand style.
The visiting monarch will be making the historic journey at the invitation of the 16th occupant of the Golden Stool, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, who is respected and recognized worldwide.
Significantly, the Awomefia would be the special guest of honour during the last Akwasidae festival of the year, which is an important festival on the Asante calendar.
The final Akwasidae festival of the year would be marked with a grand durbar, which would take place at the forecourt of the Manhyia Palace, amid pomp and pageantry.
The Asantehene, according to a press release, has decided to invite the Awomefia as part of his (Otumfuo’) efforts to promote national cohesion, leading to the proper growth of the country.
“The Akwasidae would mark the celebration of the longstanding friendship between Asanteman and the Anlo State as part of Otumfuo’s efforts to promote national cohesion and inter-ethnic harmony”.
Authored by Kwame Aboagye Mensah, Personal Assistant to the Chief of Staff of Manhyia Palace, the statement also announced that Togbe Sri would travel with a retinue of 150 people.
The Akwasidae festival, which dates back to some centuries, is one of the important festivals on the Asante calendar, as is marked by all traditional rulers in the Asante Kingdom after every 40 days.
During such traditional festivals, the people pay homage to their chiefs as a sign of respect. The people also use such grand opportunities to wish their chiefs long life and prosperity.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi