The Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II hosted the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at his Palace in Accra on Sunday upon the two-day visit of the Asantehene to the country’s capital.
Asantehene who visited the land specifically to participate in the 2024 SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, June 8, 2024, as the Guest of Honour was hosted on Sunday, June 9, 2024, by the overlord of the Ga State.
The event which saw Clergymen, Muslim leaders and prominent personalities in the country attending and paying homage witnessed undiluted and unadulterated displays of cultures from both sides.
Otumfuo was treated to a special dance reserved for auspicious occasions such as yesterday’s, performed by the Chief of Ngleshie Amanfro Divisional Area, Nii Kwashie Gborlor IV.
In a welcome address the Paramount Chief of Sempe Traditional Area, Nii Adote Otintor II, stated that Asante and Ga have treaded peace lines for decades and witnessed their ties being strengthened over the years.
“The relationship between the Ga and the Asante has been very cordial for some decades now. However, under the reign of Nii Tackie Teiku Tsuru, Ga Mantse and Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, that brotherly friendship has been established.”
Ga State Blessed
In his remarks, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Titus Glover, counted the Ga state blessed with the visit by Otumfuo.
“We are witnessing the visit and the Presence of His Highness King Osei Tutu II. The Ga State is so blessed. We are humbled and it’s our privilege to welcome Otumfuo to Ga.”
Admiring the leadership qualities of Otumfuo, the Minister said the globally acclaimed Monarch has proven to be an embodiment of peace and a symbol of unity, exhibiting qualitative leadership over Asanteman.
“We as Gas are so proud of him for what he has exhibited to make chieftaincy so beautiful, excellent and it’s our prayer that the culture and values of the Ga Damgbe people will also be cherished…We want to tap his rich experience to boost the friendship between the Ga State and Asanteman.”
He stated that chieftaincy has passed wars of conquest and urged traditional authorities to build friendship, and collaboration and focus on the development of people in the areas of education, industry, trade and commerce, physical infrastructural development and digitisation.
I’m No Visitor Here
His Majesty in his speech pointed out the visit of his uncle, Prempeh II to the Ga State some years ago and his personal relations with past Ga leaders including Nii Amugi to support a statement that the Ga land was also his home.
“I am no visitor here. 78 years ago my uncle came here. He united with his brother, the Ga Mantse. At the time, I lived with the Ga Mantse at Kokomlemle …When I started coming here, I was not yet the Asantehene. It was during the era of Nii Amugi. At the time, I used to pay him private visits at his residence in Alajo like a brother.
“When I ascended the throne, our relationship did not end. I continued paying him private visits. Today Nii Ga is reigning and here I am on a visit. The love and unity my uncle showed to Ga is what I seek to strengthen for harmony.”
As traditional authorities of the current dispensation, His Majesty indicated that focus must be shifted to uniting for development.
“In the olden days, Asante waged war and won lands to ourselves but it’s a different story today. Unity and development are what we seek. The war we wage is driven towards good moral upbringings and a better future for our children. Our responsibility is to make the lives of our people better.”
On that note, he announced that if an education fund does not exist, he is providing a seed funding of GHC500,000 to establish one. However, if a fund already exists, the amount will be a donation towards it.
He also used the occasion to thank the Ga Mantse for attending his Silver Jubilee celebration and implored the entire Ga Traditional Council to lend their support and loyalty to the overlord.
Otumfuo further expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and the gratifying reception which he said came on short notice.
Future Relations
Nii Tackie in his speech thanked Otumfuo for the donation and invoked the blessings of God on him and his people.
“In return for this money for the project in Ga State, I pray blessings for the Otumfuo, his chiefs and all people of the Asante Kingdom.”
He also laid out his certainty that the relations between the Gas and the Asantes would transcend into the future.
Additionally, he called for a peaceful general election in December.
“All sections of the political divide should understand that the election should be in the political interest of Ghana. Ghana should be the eventual winner.”
Source: Manhyia Palace
