On the eve of the climax of his 25th enstoolment 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.
In a welcome address, Juabenhene Nana Otuo Sereboe II emphasised that the impact that has characterised the reign of Otumfuo in the past 25 years was worth celebrating and thereby the feast.
“The achievements of His Majesty both locally and internationally are there for all of you to see and that is why the Silver Jubilee Planning Committee decided as our theme: “25 years of local and global impact”.
“Under the enlightening leadership of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, our kingdom has lived up to its tradition of tolerance, inclusivity and respect for diversity. The attendance to a Durbar held solely for non-Asantes resident in Asante two weeks ago attests to this fact.”
According to him, the the Silver Jubilee in the life of the King is not only a time of thanksgiving and introspection but also a time of hope for the future.
Stabilising Force
Delivery the goodwill message on behalf of the corporate sector in Ghana, the Chairman of the KGL Group, Mr Alex Dade stated that the King is a formidable force of support for businesses in the country and particularly in his territory.
He posited, “If the Asante Kingdom was trading on the stock market, it would have been one of the most profitable stocks to buy.”
“His Majesty has been a stabilizing force and also has been a mentor to most businesses here so on this occasion, we would like to wish him well. He has been a great leader and for corporate Ghana, a stabilizing force. Corporate Ghana wants to say a big thank you and congratulations.”
Respect
Addressing the guests on behalf of the Diplomatic Mission in the country, the British High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Harriet Thompson expressed the enormous respect with which the community hold Otumfuo as she acknowledged the level of affection he has for his people and Ghanaians at large.
“It’s a huge honour to be speaking on behalf of the diplomatic mission on such an important occasion as this when I talk about how much respect we all hold for you. You genuinely not only hold the people of the Asante Kingdom but the whole of Ghana at heart.
“This is seen in how much you invest in education, how much you invest in protecting Ghana’s resources and the love that you show your people everyday. It’s a great pleasure to be here with you to celebrate you. We wish you all the best for the 25 more years to come.”
Toast
For his part, the Prime Minister for Trinidad and Tobago raised a toast for His Majesty as he saluted him for what he called a phenomenal leadership.
“25 years in any profession is a long time, a successful time whether you are a teacher, a doctor, a politician. 25 years as a King who still accepts and receives the admiration of his subjects is something quite phenomenal.”
“To be invited here on this auspicious occasion to celebrate with the people of Ghana, particularly those in the Asante Kingdom, its an honour and a privilege and a dream come through. So on this memorable occasion, on behalf of my wife Sharon and my delegation, I would like to ask you to raise your glasses in a toast to His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Trinidad and … wishing you good health and continued prosperity, respect and adoration not only from the Asantes and Ghanaians but from people of the world.”
Appreciation
The Occupant of the Golden Stool in his speech expressed his immense appreciation to his guests for showing up.
He interpreted their presence as the token of his leadership and the respect he has earned through the years.
“Many have journeyed thousands of miles to be here. Delegations from the Republic of Morocco, Ivory Coast, Niger, AngloGold Ashanti, and so many of you who came just to be present with us here to enjoy and break bread with us tonight. I thank you all so much in a deep sense of gratitude.”
Otumfuo furthered, “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.”
Source: Manhyia Palace
