Former President John Agyekum Kufuor and Ga Mantse Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II were among the countless well-wishers who made it to the Thanksgiving Service in honour of the 74th birthday of the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The King was clad in a resplendent and colourful “Nnwe” cloth for the occasion and bedecked with gold ornaments including the “Menfra” bracelets and the “Tipa” headdress-all speaking to the joyous occasion.
Gorgeously standing alongside the King was his exceptional and ever-supportive wife, Lady Julia, clad in white. Also present was one of the sons of the King.
The service also had in attendance traditional authorities in Asanteman, former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, Chief of Staff of the Presidency, Hon Akosua Frema Osei Opare, the Leader of Movement for Change, Hon Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, former Minister for Agriculture, Hon Afriyie Akoto, the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon Simon Osei Mensah and many other dignitaries.
Almost all persons who joined the King for the mass were in white costumes to signify their elation and appreciation to God.
The praise-filled service featured a delivery of bible quotes, hymns, song ministration, sermon, intercessory prayers for the King and his family, the Kingdom and Ghana and performances from the Kumasi Evangel Choir and the Tamale Youth Choir.
Pleasing Leadership in God’s Sight
In his sermon taken from Matthew 16:18-19 and themed, “You are Peter, On this Rock I will build my Church. You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God”, the Bishop of the Tema Diocese of the Anglican Church, Right Reverend Dr George Kotei Neequaye, declared that God is contented with the reign of Otumfuo.
He noted that Otumfuo has publicly declared the Messiahship of Jesus in making God the centre of his anniversary celebrations this year- his 25th Anniversary and now his birthday celebration- thereby, touching the heart of God to unleash the same blessings he gave to Peter centuries ago.
“Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, by organising an inter-denominational service to thank God on the occasion of your Silver Jubilee as Asantehene and your presence here in this church to thank God on the occasion of your 74th birthday, you have declared to the Asante Kingdom and the whole world that Jesus is your Messiah and the foundation and rock of your Kingdom.
“Therefore, like Peter, Jesus is pleased with you today and declares this blessing on you: I tell you that you are Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. On you, I will build a fruitful, prosperous and powerful Asante Kingdom and no evil will be able to overcome it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom such that whatever you loose in the Kingdom will be loosed in heaven. Whatever you bind in the Kingdom will be bound in heaven. Jesus says: For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God and it will be answered.”
Glory To God
In his speech at the Service, Otumfuo credited God for his success in life as he recounted events that preceded his birth, his upbringing, his journey to becoming the Monarch and his reign.
“Praises, thanks and glory are all we give God today.”
He used the occasion to show appreciation to his wife, Lady Julia, royals and traditional authorities in the Kingdom, his friends, and all present.
Dinner
Otumfuo will later today, as part of his birthday celebration host a dinner at the Manhyia Palace.
May 6, 2024, marks the 74th birthday of the King of the Asante Kingdom. This year’s birthday is special as His Majesty is marking his 25th Anniversary on the Golden Stool.
It’s been 25 years of unparalleled leadership, local and global impact and worth celebrating.
Source: Manhyia Palace
