Asanteman on Saturday, March 9, 2024, gave the President of Malta, His Excellency George Vella and the First Lady, H.E Miriam Vella a typical and undiluted traditional welcome into their abode.
At the Kumasi Airport, the President and his entourage were ushered by traditional performers and presented with a bouquet by a flower girl adorned in full Asante traditional regalia.
The visitors were welcomed at the Airport by Otumfuo Hiahene, Nana Nana Prof Oheneba Boachie-Adjei who escorted them to the Manhyia Palace where they received an embrace from the Fontomfrom drums at the entrance.
At the Palace, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II gave them an undiluted traditional welcome with bottles of schnapps after hearing their mission.
The bottles were handed over on his behalf by Nana Effah Apenteng, the Paramount Chief of Bompata Traditional Area, Hiahene Nana Nana Prof Oheneba Boachie-Adjei, linguist Baffour Kantankrakye, among other traditional leaders.
In his welcome address, His Majesty said, “I welcome you, your wife and the delegation to Kumasi on behalf of my people and Ghana. Thank you for the visit.”
For his part, President Vella acknowledged the distinguished welcome terming it “warm” and “generous”.
“Your Majesty I conclude by extending my thanks and appreciation for the warm and generous welcome you have given to me and my wife.
“Among the entourage of the President were Malta’s Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Secretary to the President of Malta, Ms Rosette Spiteri Cachia and Malta High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Jean Claud Galea Mallia.
They were led by the Minister for Ghana’s Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng.
President Vella is in Ghana on a three-day working visit for bilateral relations. He arrived on Thursday, March 7, 2024.
Source: Manhyia Palace
