According to Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the country will reap the full benefit of democracy and witness it’s lasting survival only when it corresponds with the indigenous traditions and culture of the people living in it.
The King envisions that democratic values will crumble and fail the test of time if it overlooks traditional values.
Despite the advantage the presence of tradition presents to the country, he recognises that it is underestimated for the sake of democracy.
“Sometimes, I marvel at what our culture offers us and wonder why we fail to appreciate fully what it means to us. Along our journey of the last quarter of a century, I have tried to assure the world that Ghana’s democracy is safe as long as it works in harmony with our traditions.
“This is not just for the symbolism. It underscores enduring respect for our culture and it’s capacity to subsume personal interest to the common good,” he said at a banquet held as part of his Silver Jubilee celebration.
“Tonight in celebration of our Silver Jubilee and before the global audience, I pray that the wine we serve and the bread we break be onto each of us the wine of peace and the bread from which we derive abundant grace in the years to come.”
On the eve of the climax of his 25th coronation anniversary, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II hosted diplomats and industry players who have been a part of his reign to a world-class dinner.
The banquet held at the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Jubilee Hall inside the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on May 11, 2024, was characterised by lively musical performances from the Mesduah Band and Akwaboah Junior.
Present at the banquet were Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the King of the Asante Kingdom, Lady Julia, his wife, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the country’s head of state, H.E John Agyekum Kufuor, former President, Dr the Hon Keith Rowley, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Mrs Sharon Rowley, his wife, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President, H.E. Samira Bawumia, the Second Lady, Togbe Siri II, the Awomefia of the Anlo State, Hon Akosua Frema Osei Opare, the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, and many others.
Source: Manhyia Palace
