Indeed it was not just Cape Coast, the “City of Firsts” that got carried away by the breathtaking and unmatched splendour that characterised the entry of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Oguaa Jubilee Park where the 60th Oguaa Fetu Afahye and the Silver Jubilee celebration of Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, the Omanhene were held.
It mesmerized the entire world as it was duly represented.
The festival took place on Saturday, September 7, 2024, under the theme “Celebrating the City of Firsts; Our People, Our Future” and was joined by dignitaries from across.
Prior to the arrival of the Guest of Honour, a procession of chiefs and queens of the Oguaa Council riding in palanquins arrived and took their respective places at the venue. Their procession was crowned by the entry of the Paramount Chief of the Area.
It was the procession of the Asantehene that followed but miles away from the grounds, he stole all attention. His resplendence took the eyes and ears of guests and natives within and outside the durbar ground to himself even though only the crown of his royal umbrella could be spotted.
The attention of those within was drawn by cheers from persons who had occupied walls and high-rise buildings in the neighbourhood.
All gaze moved to the entrance while those who preferred a 3D view of the King ran to restricted areas of the ground to catch an invaluable and unforgettable glimpse. It was the Asanteman Flagbearers who entered first followed by all others in accordance with the rich culture and tradition of Asanteman.
At his entry- in a palanquin- Queens of Asanteman filled the atmosphere with the beauty of their unified voices to chant an ode for the King which hailed him as “The Man” while Asanteman rose to its feet in reverence.
When the Queens ended, the Aprede drums took over from there to usher His Majesty into his seat.
The beauty of the moment was an indescribable spectacle.
Present were Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, Vice Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the British High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Harriet Thompson, the Founder and Leader of the New Force, Nana Kwame Bediako, the President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, Odeefo Amoakwa Buadu VIII.
Source: Manhyia Palace
