The rich culture and tradition of Asanteman were on full display on Sunday at the Silver Jubilee Anniversary durbar of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The Asantehene ascended to the Golden Stool in 1999, and Sunday’s colorful ceremony marked 25 years of his ascension to the throne.
People from all walks of life turned up in their numbers for the occasion, which also marked Akwasidaekese, a sacred festival in Asante tradition.
The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Keith Rowley, a special guest of honour, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former President John Agyekum Kufuor and Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru III, were among the dignitaries gathered at the Manhyia Palace for the grand Akwasidae celebration.
“Akwasidae” translates to “the day of the sacred stool”. The sacred stool holds immense significance for the Asante people, symbolizing their unity and resilience as a community. The stool is prominently displayed throughout the festival, inviting reverence and homage from all participants.
Speaking at the climax of the occasion, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, called on the public to be vigilant to safeguard the democratic process as the country prepares for the presidential and parliamentary elections on December 7.
The Asantehene emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable environment that enables citizens to make informed decisions for the good of the country.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II says the greatest challenge for Ghana is to redouble efforts to growing the economy and strengthening entrepreneurs in the country.
The Asantehene noted that while governments have transient tenures, the nation’s democratic fabric endures, and it is upon this foundation that entrepreneurs must be supported to foster national development.
He thus urged entrepreneurs to invest confidently in their homeland.
He voiced the urgent need to heal the wounds inflicted upon the environment by illicit mining activities ‘galamsey’.
The 16th ruler and custodian of the Golden Stool, underscored the imperative to eradicate illegal mining through every conceivable strategy.
The Asantehene advocated a profound sense of responsibility, urging the current generation to honour and preserve the environmental inheritance bestowed by their forebears.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for his part, hailed the Asantehene, acknowledging him as a leader who has consistently worked towards promoting peace, reconciliation, and national unity.
The President highlighted Otumfuo’s successful efforts in fostering dialogue in situations of conflict, which have garnered him widespread admiration both within Ghana and internationally.
The President lauded the Asantehene for his role in modernizing the chieftaincy institution and mitigating disputes within the Asante Kingdom.
