The Asanteman Association of the United Kingdom has touted the unilateral effort of the 16th occupant of the Golden Stool, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in integrating black people, particularly, Asantes domiciled in Europe and the Americas.
The group in a citation presented during the sixth Akwasidae Festival of the year 2024 held at the Middle Temple Garden in London on Sunday, August 4 acknowledged the influence of the King in birthing their Association.
They noted that no one had ever made an effort at unifying them prior to the attempt by the Asantehene.
The aim, they said, was to ensure the preservation of the Asante culture and tradition among their sons and daughters and prevent cultural assimilation.
“It was here in London that our lord and sovereign Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II called for his people but they were nowhere to be found. We are here Your Majesty with the intent of preserving and upholding the culture and traditions of our forefathers in this land so dear to your heart. Our Majesty none before you has reached out and unified the black race in the diaspora as you have within the 25 years of your leadership.”
The group hailed the vision and leadership of the King for the past 25 years which has been inundated with recognition, honour and dignity for the blacks at the global stage.
“Your energetic stature has made the Black and African attractive…You are indeed the embodiment of the accolade. Wise King Solomon, you stand taller… You have proven by example that sovereignty is service to one’s people.”
The King observed the festival on European soil with over 20 groups formed by the Asante and Ghanaian expats. Among them were Nananom Progressive UK, Asanteman Europe, Asante Students Union UK, Asanteman Association of UK, Asanteman Europe, Asanteman Association in Belgium and Asanteman Northampton
Also present were former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Ghana High Commissioner to UK, Papa Owusu Ankoma, Member of the UK House of Lords, Lord Paul Boateng, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Member of Parliament for Manhyia South Constituency, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, among others.
Source: Manhyia Palace
