Religious Women Communicators were part of the many people from all walks of life who thronged the Manhyia Palace on Sunday, May 12 to participate in the grand durbar to climax the Silver Jubilee of the entombment of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu was enstooled on April 26, 1999 after the death of his uncle Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, making him the 16th Asantehene.
The Sister Communicators’ participation in the well-attended ceremony which coincided with the third Akwasidae on the Akan calendar was facilitated by the Most Rev. Peter Kwasi Sarpong, Emeritus Archbishop of Kumasi, who led the Sisters to the durbar grounds.
The Sisters from ten Women Religious Congregations in Ghana were in Kumasi for a nine-day Media and Communications Training from May 6 to May 14, 2024 held at the Centre for Spiritual Renewal at Santase. The training was organised by the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious, Ghana in collaboration of the Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church and funded by the Conrad Hilton Foundation.
The Akwasidae is the most important event celebrated by the Chiefs and people of Ashanti. It is a magnificent celebration centred on ancestral reverence, remembrance and acknowledgement of past kings and noble feats. It marks the sheer magnificence of the golden heritage of the Ashanti people.
Akwasidae serves as a celebration of the Golden Stool and a cultural vibrancy that brings together the Asantehene, sub-kings and subjects at Manhyia in Kumasi. The Akwasidae celebration is indeed an eventful spectacle.
With this rare opportunity of visiting the Manhyia Palace and participating in Akwasidae, the Sisters moved by the rich Ashanti culture, drumming and dancing joined in the dancing of “Adowa”.
The Otumfuo’s Silver Jubilee ceremony was attended by many dignitaries including Kings, Paramount Chiefs and Sub-chiefs and their Queen mothers claded in rich “Kente” apparels.
Notable kings were the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II and the Awomefia of Anlo State, Togbui Sri III. Also present were Government officials led by President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his Vice, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The Clergy, members of the diplomatic corps with delegations from Cote d’Ivoire, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Togo, Morocco and Trinidad and Tobago. Political parties were also fully represented.
Addressing the chiefs and people at the durbar, Otumfuo Osei Tutu said as nation prepares for elections in December, Ghanaians especially political parties must be on the alert and not to take anything for granted to avoid anything that had the potential to disrupt the democratic process.
“We need to remind ourselves that we cannot take things for granted. We must be alert to avoid anything that has the potential to derail the electoral process,” he said.
He was of the view that the people of Ghana needed the right atmosphere and environment to make informed choices in the interest of the country, noting that with past experiences of the country, he was optimistic that “our democracy is safe”.
Nana Addo Akufo-Addo commended Otumfuo for his sterling leadership for the past 25 years, thanking him for being a symbol of unity, progress and tradition of the Asante kingdom and, indeed, for the entire nation.
He praised the Asantehene for his educational fund, scholarships to millions of Ghanaians, support for the fight against HIV, and for strengthening the chieftaincy institution in the Ashanti Region by containing the chieftaincy-related disputes.
The occasion was a privilege to witness the vibrant tapestry of the Asante’s kingdom, culture and its enduring legacy of esteemed monarch, said, Yaw Owusu Amankwah, Manhyia Photographer who journeyed alongside Otumfuo Opoku Ware II for 18 years, laid the foundation of his current role and now spanning 25 years alongside Otumfuo Osei Tutu ll.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, upon ascension of the throne, 25 year ago, laid a foundation with the mission of improving quality of lives of Ghanaians by enhancing access to good quality education, health, water and sanitation and sustainable economic empowerment, stated Nana Prof. Hiahene Boachie-Adjei Woahene, Board Chairman, Otumfuo Osei Tutu Foundation.
Prof. Hiahene continued that the education fund has granted over 26,000 fully funded scholarships to brilliant but needy wards from basic level through to the tertiary institution, in local and international institutions.
This foundation has partnered with like-minded persons and institutions to advance His Royal Majesty’s social investment legacy across Asanteman and Ghana.
Several developments have taken place during his regime. Among them are, the Kejetia Market phases 1 and 2, the 100km of inner roads in Kumasi, the New Nana Agyeman Prempeh l International Airport and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Maternity Block.
By Sr. Emmanuella Dakurah, HHCJ/Newswatchgh.com
