The Manhyia Palace was a place of worship on Friday morning as Otumfuo Osei Tutu II met with various denominational churches and Asanteman to praise and honour God for seeing him through 25 years as the King of the Asante Kingdom.
The event held at the Dwabrem grounds of the Palace witnessed offerings of prayers, worship, praises, a sermon, musical performances by renowned gospel artistes and a speech by the King.
The wife of the King, Lady Julia Osei Tutu, as well as the Regional Minister, Hon Simon Osei Mensah, were part of the event on Friday, April 26, 2024.
Clergymen who participated included Most Rev Dr Paul Kwabena Boafo, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana; Most Rev Peter Kwesi Sarpong, Catholic Archbishop Emeritus; Most Rev Gabriel Justice Anokye, Catholic Archbishop of Kumasi; and Most Rev Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith, Anglican Bishop of Asante Mampong and Archbishop of Ghana and the Church of the Province of West Africa.
Also present were Most Rev Prof Daniel Sarfo, Anglican Archbishop Emeritus; Most Rev Prof Emmanuel Asante, Past Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana; Rev Dr Seth Frimpong Coleman, AE Zion Church; Rev Samuel Yeboah, Ashanti Presbytery Chairperson of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana; RT Rev Stephen Owusu, Kumasi Diocese Archbishop; and RT Rev Nu-Ben Abubeker, Past Kumasi Diocesan Methodist Bishop.
Denominations that were present included the Church of Pentecost, Power Chapel Worldwide, Anglican Church, Faith Convention, Methodist Church Ghana, Deeper Life Bible Church, Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Christ Apostolic Church International, Seventh Day Adventist, Spirit Life Community, International Central Gospel Church, Assemblies of God Ghana, Church of Christ Spiritual Movement, Resurrection Power and Living Bread Ministries, and Embassy of Life Chapel.
Uplifting song ministrations and electrifying performances were put up by Diana Hamilton, the Daughters of Glorious Jesus, and the Pro Vice Chancellor of the Kumasi Technical University (KsTU), Ing Prof Abena Agyeiwaa Obiri-Yeboah.
Meanwhile, prayers were offered for the King and his family, Asanteman, and Ghana.
Gift to Humanity
In his sermon, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana, Most Rev Paul Kwabena Boafo, lauded the King’s decision to give to God his well-deserved praise for seeing him through the years and capping his reign with glory, strength, and might.
He also thanked God for giving His Majesty as a gift to humanity, promoting peace and development, and redefining kingship.
“The chieftaincy institution is now dignified and respected because of Otumfuo. He has changed the narrative around the institution… He is a gift to Asanteman, Ghana, and, in fact, to humanity. Asanteman is grateful to God for his life.”
Glory To God
Addressing the audience, Otumfuo stated, “To God be the glory,” as he gave God all the glory for establishing the Golden Stool and appointing him to sit on it among this generation.
“How do I express my appreciation to God? I am not here in my own capacity. I give him all the credit and praise…If the day has come to mark my 25th anniversary, God can’t be excluded.”
He recalled how he swore to be honest and firm in his dealings 25 years ago and has done just that through the grace of God, the prayers of clergymen, and the assistance of people around him: Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III, his cousins, sisters, his wife, children and grandchildren, royals in the Kingdom, courtiers, and the traditional authorities.
Expressing his immense gratitude and appreciation to them, he noted they had facilitated his successful reign so far.
He urged the clergymen to continue in prayer with them, saying, “A lot is ahead. We don’t know what the ages ahead hold, but with your prayers, I will be able to overcome all evil.”
Source: Manhyia Palace
