The Occupant of the Golden Stool, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on Saturday glorified the climax of the 60th Fetu Festival and the Silver Jubilee celebration of the Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II.
His Majesty was the Guest of Honour and did not disappoint.
The festival took place at the Oguaa Jubilee Park in Central Region on September 7, 2024, under the theme: “Celebrating the City of Firsts; Our People, Our Future”.
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.
Entry
The beauty of entry of the Asantehene was an indescribable yet beautiful spectacle to behold. It was breathtaking and filled with unmatched splendour and resplendence.
His entry caught attention miles from the Durbar grounds, sending onlookers and audience in cheers.
His glory took the eyes and ears of guests and natives within the durbar ground and outside to himself even when only the crown of his royal umbrella could be spotted.
All gaze moved to the entrance while those who preferred a 3D view of the elegance 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 tradition.
At his entry, Queen mothers 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.
Expression of Love
In a welcome address, the Chairperson of the Planning Committee of the celebration, Mrs Charlotte Osei expressed gratitude to the Asantehene and his eminent and large entourage for their presence.
She decoded their gesture as an expression of true love.
“They have been unwavering in their support. They have shown us a level of love and cooperation that deserves to be celebrated. Today Asanteman did not only show up but they truly showed an amazing spirit of brotherhood.”
While elaborating on the theme for this year’s celebration, she celebrated Oguaa’s glorious past.
Additionally, she said it “invites all of us to use what we have and who we are as our springboard for the future. We must recognize that Oguaa is ours to build…we invite the youth and all in Oguaa to join us to lift up Oguaa and restore our shine, our pride and our place.”
The Vice President in his speech urged Ghanaians to reaffirm their commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage for the next generations.
“It is time to honour our ancestors, reflect on our achievements and recognize the challenges we have overcome…As we celebrate, let us remember that our strength lies in our unity. The progress we have made as a community and as a nation is a result of our collective efforts. Let us continue to work together to build a prosperous and peaceful Ghana. The government also remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote development and improve the Ives of our people.”
For her part, the British High Commissioner to Ghana, HE Thompson admired as “wonderful” the colours, vibrancy, music, dance, joy and pride the event exuded.
Donation
The Asantehene used the occasion to donate an amount of ¢500,000 towards the establishment of an Oguaa Education Fund in the Central Region which will be used to support the underprivileged in the city to fulfil their educational dreams.
In his speech, Otumfuo announced the donation highlighting that education in Cape Coast is supposed to thrive since it is credited as the torchbearer in formal education in the entire Gold Coast.
His Majesty is therefore of the firm view that Cape Coast should be foremost in educational advancement in Ghana.
“Education started in Cape Coast. Trade started here and factories sprung here first before it infiltrated all other parts of the country. Since education started here, Cape Coast must lead in education and so should it be in trade.”
He urged residents and natives of Oguaa to rise to the aid of the city to salvage it from underdevelopment and give it a new face- one that it deserves.
“Unity in this course will give Oguaa a befitting face. I plead with all of you to assist Oguaa in the development cause. Omanhene informed me about plans to set up an education fund as part of his 25th Anniversary. Today, I donate a seed money of ¢500,000 for its establishment.”
Otumfuo further urged all Ghanaians to support and donate adding that “education started here and must do well here”.
Gratitude
The gesture of the Asantehene left Osabarima dumbfounded as he confessed he was not anticipating it.
“Your gesture has left me speechless. You are a discerning friend. I have realized this all this while we have been friends but it has been affirmed even more today. You are a genuine friend. God bless you.”
He further committed himself to judiciously using the fund and providing a periodic update on its utilisation.
“I will give you a periodic report on how the Fund runs. I assure you that it won’t be misapplied. We will use it for the intended purpose.”
He also acknowledged the honour the presence of Otumfuo had given him and the entire city.
“After a lot of hindrances, we are seated here looking at each other. When you arrived on Thursday, your first port of call was my Palace before you went to the University for the honorary they arranged for you. Today, you have come for the climax of the anniversaries. You have indeed honoured me and I am very grateful.”
In his speech at the Climax of the 60th Anniversary of the Oguaa Fetu Festival and his 25th Anniversary, he imagined what their bond could do and proposed they give it a shot.
He believes their friendship will enable them to break bounds and attract development in untouched areas in order to leave a legacy behind for the next generation.
“Friendship spurs development. I pray today brings us closer to identifying underdeveloped jurisdictions outside Oguaa to develop them in whatever way we can whether with our strength, wisdom or money. This will be in continuation of where our forefathers left off so that the next generation carries on after us.”
Presentation
Osabarima presented a portrait in the form of a gift to the King urging him to use it as a reminder of his visit to Oguaa.
Receiving it on behalf of Otumfuo, Juabenhene Nana Otuo Siriboe said it is a testament to their evolving friendship.
Source: Manhyia Palace
