Otumfuo Osei Tutu II arrives in Kumasi
SCORES OF people, including prominent traditional leaders, top politicians and security officials, yesterday gave the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, a rousing welcome at the Kumasi Airport.
The Asante Monarch was returning home from the United States following an invitation by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York.
The Asantehene, who was dressed in suit, arrived with his delegation on a private plane at 4:10 pm.
Most parts of the tarmac were flooded by myriads of people, most of whom wore white apparel, and they all wanted to catch a glimpse of the king.
Royal Horns
Royal horn blowers from the Manhyia Palace, the official seat of the Ashanti Kingdom, put up a brilliant display as they produced a melodious traditional tune to signify that the owner of the land was back home from a trip abroad.
The horn blowers churned out unique tunes that perfectly matched the steps of the king.
Top Dignitaries
At the airport to give Otumfuo a rousing welcome were the Asante Mampong Paramount Chief, Daasebre Osei Bonsu; Bantamahene, Baffuor Owusu Amankwatia; Tepa Paramount Chief, Nana Adusei Atwenewaa Ampem; and other prominent chiefs.
A government delegation led by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah; Kumasi Mayor, Osei Assibey-Antwi; top officers from the various security agencies and other government officials were also at the airport to welcome the king.
Some top politicians in the country, including Bernard Antwi Boasiako aka ‘Wontumi’, the Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, John Boadu, the NPP General Secretary and others were also seen on the tarmac to give Otumfuo a rousing welcome.
Notable Ashanti youth groups, including the Kumasi Youth Association (KUYA), the Ashanti Youth Association (AYA) and other prominent groups in Kumasi and Ashanti Region in general, were also at the airport.
A group of dancers from the northern part of Ghana were also seen displaying their traditional music and dance to add colour to the event, which arguably has never been seen at the Kumasi Airport before.
The security agencies including the military and police had a torrid time controlling the excited crowd.
Long Live the King Chants
As Otumfuo was shaking hands with some selected dignitaries right on the tarmac as the crowd chanted “Long Live the King! Long Live the King!”
The Otumfuo beamed with broad smiles as he waved back to the charged crowd to show his appreciation for their love and support.
Kumasi Tour
Right from the Kumasi Airport, the Asantehene and his delegation were taken on a tour of some communities in Kumasi to enable residents who could not join the airport party to catch a glimpse of their king.
The king’s convoy passed through the Airport Roundabout, Dichemso, Krofrom, CPC, Kejetia, Dr. Mensah and Kumasi Central Market to the Manhyia Palace, where a crowd of people had been waiting for the Asantehene for several hours.
The people waved the beautiful Green, Yellow and Black colours of Asanteman as a sign of respect to the Asantehene.
The king did not make a speech at the airport and DAILY GUIDE sources say Manhyia will soon convene a meeting to discuss what has transpired whilst the Otumfuo was away.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi