Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
Activities to mark the 20th anniversary of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II since his ascension to the throne are expected to be launched officially today.
There has been feverish preparation at the Manhyia Palace – the official seat of the Asantehene – and DAILY GUIDE’s checks show that the official launch will be done amid pomp and pageantry.
There will be a durbar to be attended by paramount chiefs in Asanteman, divisional chiefs and other traditional leaders apart from the many dignitaries across the country who are expected to grace the occasion. The Otumfuo is expected to sit in state to supervise the launch himself.
At the launch, members of the planning committee for the anniversary will be made known to the public for the first time.
A palace source told DAILY GUIDE that virtually all the paramount chiefs in Asanteman are expected to partake in the historic durbar.
According to the source, the rich Ashanti tradition and culture, which dates back to about four centuries, will feature prominently in the 20th anniversary programme.
Otumfuo’s Reign
Then known in private life as Barimma Kwaku Duah, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, succeeded his late uncle, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II in 1999.
His ascension to the sacred Golden Stool of Asanteman was met with excitement and hope by the people.
Achievements
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who is widely known as a ‘development-oriented’ leader both in Ghana and abroad, has so far lived up to expectations.
His 20-year stay on the Golden Stool has brought about massive infrastructural development, peace, total growth and fame to the Asante Kingdom, which is famous globally.
Education
For instance, more than 20,000 needy students in Ghana, drawn from various tribes and regions, have benefited from the Otumfuo Education Fund.
Immediately after being enstooled as Asantehene, Otumfuo publicly stated that education is the key to development “in this computer age.”
He then set up the Otumfuo Education Fund to give a chunk of Ghanaian youth the opportunity to climb high the educational ladder.
Otumfuo has also created a mobile library van project, which travels to areas without libraries to promote reading among pupils.
Infrastructure
The Asantehene’s extraordinary leadership style has brought about massive infrastructural transformation to the famous Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
He has also contributed significantly to the construction of various modern classroom projects, especially in the hinterland, to help boost education.
Health
Aside from the aforementioned, the Asantehene set up the Otumfuo Charity Foundation, which has played important roles to help boost healthcare delivery for the people.
The foundation, apart from assisting the poor and needy in society, has also provided financial support for children whose parents have died through HIV/Aids, among other philanthropic activities.
Chieftaincy Disputes
Again, Asanteman has experienced total peace during the 20-year reign of the Asantehene, as virtually all chieftaincy disputes had been resolved through Otumfuo’s intervention.
Awards
Otumfuo’s excellent leadership style has been recognized across the globe as he has been the recipient of several top awards from states and universities all over the world.
For instance, several top universities in the world have conferred doctorate awards on Otumfuo, who is the Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi.
Otumfuo has also embarked on countless state visits both in Africa and beyond, where he has always preached about peaceful existence of people without discrimination.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi