It’s been an eventful three weeks or more for the king of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as he celebrates milestone after milestone.
The traditional ruler who celebrated the 20th Anniversary of his ascension to the Golden stool amidst pomp and pageantry a few weeks back during the recent Akwasidae (an Ashanti festival that is celebrated every 6 weeks) also turned 69 on Monday.
As part of celebrations, the King who is known in private life as Nana Barima Kwaku Duah alongside his family, friends, sub-chiefs and high profile government officials a thanksgiving service in his honour.
The event took place at the St. Cyprian’s Anglican Chucrh in Kumasi where he fellowships. Most of the members of the Asante Royal Family just like their British counterparts are members of the Church of England or Anglican church by tradition and historical ties.
Mass was celebrated by the Anglican Bishop of Kumasi, Most Rev. Prof. Daniel Yinkah Sarfo with assistance from a number of priests and pastors from within and outside Kumasi. Most Rev. Peter Kwasi Sarpong, Archbishop Emeritus of the Kumasi Archdiocese of the Catholic Church was also present at the mass.
Dignitaries who attended the Thanksgiving Mass include Ghana’s Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia; the Chief Justice, Justice Sophia Akuffo; Chief of Staff, Mrs Akosua Frema Osei Opare.
Others were Minister of Trade, Mr Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen; Ghana’s Ambassador to Brazil, Prof. Abena Pokuah Busia; the Ghana Ambassador to the United Nations, Mrs Martha Pobi; the Regional Minister, Mr Simon Osei Mensah; the Mayor of Kumasi, Mr Antwi Osei Assibey; the Chairman of the Council of State and members of the diplomatic corps.
Fashion and culture reigned supreme at the all-white event which saw guest clad in white outfits or kente designs and anniversary cloth befitting of an event of this nature.
About the Asantehene
Born on the 6th of May 1950, His Majesty is the third son and youngest of the five children (three sons and two daughters) of Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, Asantehemaa (Queen-mother of the Ashanti). His father Nana Kwame Boakye-Dankwa was from Kantinkyere in Ashanti and was also the Brehyia Duke of Asante. Nana Kwame Boakye-Dankwa died on 1 January 2002, in Kumasi, Ashanti. He is the 16th Asantehene and the Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is also the Grand Patron of the Grand Lodge of Ghana and the Sword Bearer of the United Grand Lodge of England. He is married to Lady Julia and has six children