President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has referenced the impact and influence that has characterized the reign of the 16th Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, noting his leadership is felt in corners of the country and even beyond.
According to the President, Otumfuo has been exemplary in leadership, giving life to a popular statement of the late Ghanaian nationalist William Ofori Atta that “true power does not lie in authority or title but in service, humility and devotion to the well-being of our communities”.
“Otumfuo Osei Tutu II followed the line of great Asante Kings and respected the time-honoured traditions of governance and state crafts bestowed on them. It has been an amazing journey for him so far with his imprints, stands firmly on many aspects of the life of Asanteman and indeed of our nation, the results of which are evident for all of us to live,” he said in his remarks at the climax of the 25 enstoolment anniversary of the King on May 12, 2024.
He also admired the King’s tireless advocacy for peace, reconciliation and national cohesion in addition to his numerous humanitarian interventions to posit that Otumfuo had stayed true to the oath he swore into office some 25 years ago.
“I was present at Kumasi Sports Stadium on that day when with the state sword in his hand and his kuntunkuni cloth wrapped around his waist, Barima Kwaku Duah swore to uphold traditions chartered by his predecessors and to continue to make Asanteman a model traditional state in our country. By all accounts, he has lived and continues to live up to this noble undertaking.
“For a quarter of a century, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has served as a symbol of unity, progress and tradition for the Asante Kingdom and the entire nation of Ghana. Otumfuo’s commitment to the welfare of his people coupled with his strong leadership has earned him the respect and admiration of all. Under his reign, his dedication to improving the lives of his subjects, in preserving the rich cultural heritage of Asante has been truly commendable, helping to ensure access to education for thousands and thousands of Ghanaian children through the Otumfuo Education Fund, joining the fight against the spread of HIV and AIDS, re-energising and modernising the institution of chieftaincy and putting an end to unnecessary chieftaincy disputes within Asanteman are but a few of his many achievements and successes as Asantehene.”
“In a world fraught with division and discord, Otumfuo has been a steadfast voice for unity and understanding both within Asanteman and beyond. His efforts to promote dialogue…has earned him widespread acclaim and admiration making him a revered figure not only in Ghana but also across the globe.
“He’s continued in great firm, the praiseworthy tradition of Kumasi, the long-established 17th-century capital of the great Asante Kingdom. Being the epic centre and multi-ethnicity and multiculturalism where Anlo, Ga, Fante New Town, Zongo and many other non-Asante communities live in harmony and peaceful coexistence with the indigenous Asante majority.”
The President also highlighted His Majesty’s smooth relations with all Presidents in the Fourth Republic as he hailed his personality as the magnet that has attracted imminent national leaders from diverse parts of the global African family to his abode.
He on that note congratulated Otumfuo on his remarkable leadership and cherished contributions to national development.
Source: Manhyia Palace
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