President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed deep gratitude to the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his unwavering support throughout his presidency. In an address at the Manhyia Palace on November 26, 2024, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged Otumfuo’s significant role in helping resolve critical issues during his tenure, including the long-standing Dagbon crisis.
The Dagbon conflict, which had lasted for over seven decades, was resolved under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership, thanks in large part to the intervention of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. The resolution paved the way for the peaceful enskinment of Ya-Na Abukari Mahama as the overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom.
“At the time I took office as President, the Dagbon conflict was 15 years old. President Kufuor constituted the committee you {Otumfuo} headed, and it was under my tenure that it was resolved. And it was all due to you. You did all the work and I took the credit,” President Akufo-Addo said.
The President also reminded Otumfuo of the honor he received on November 16, 2019, when he was enskinned as Dagbon Malti-Naa Abudani I during the celebration of the Damba Festival in Yendi—the first time the festival had been held in over 30 years. This recognition was linked to the resolution of the Dagbon conflict.
During his visit to the Palace, President Akufo-Addo, who is nearing the end of his second term in office, conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for Otumfuo’s immense support, both before his election and throughout his presidency. He was accompanied by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Simon Osei Mensah, Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Asenso Boakye, and other officials of his party and government.
Reflecting on Otumfuo’s guidance, President Akufo-Addo remarked, “You have helped me in my governance and I’m grateful. I can’t publicly say everything you did to help me…You counseled me all along… If everything went smoothly for me, it was your doing. I had to come and thank you in person and make you know I am very grateful and pleased. It is your younger brother, an Oyoko, who stands before you to thank you. You know whatever I am saying is from the bottom of my heart.”
In his address, the President also called for Otumfuo’s continued intervention to ensure a peaceful election in December. “I request that you help in the upcoming election so that it ends in peace. Our democracy has been exemplary in Africa and the whole world is watching. Please continue to do what you do for peace to reign,” he appealed.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II: God’s Blessing Behind President Akufo-Addo’s Success
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed delight at the President’s gratitude but emphasized that it was God’s intervention that had seen President Akufo-Addo through his challenges. The Asantehene recalled his prayers for the President before his first term and during the trials of his second term, particularly when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the country.
“You came for blessing ahead of your first term and I did pray for you. In the past eight years, we had a lot of interactions, sometimes at odd hours. In your second term, the COVID created havoc, disrupting many things, but you decided to contest yet again, and God gave you the second term,” Otumfuo said. “I know your good heart and thoughts, but some people disappointed you. You didn’t lose hope at that but carried on. Through the prayers we prayed, God gave you the strength, and that is the reason why Ghana is together in peace today. We need to give God the praise for seeing you through the hurdles.”
Ghana’s Unity Must Be the Priority, Otumfuo Says
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II also took the opportunity to stress the importance of national unity, particularly ahead of the upcoming general elections. He urged politicians to prioritize Ghana above all else and to accept the outcome of the election, regardless of the winner.
“We are just 12 days away from the election day. Ghana is bigger than everyone. It must come first. Vote is cast with the thumb. At the end of the election, we all will support the winner. It’s not about conflict and insults. Convey your policies and desist from insults and intimidation,” Otumfuo emphasized. “Ghanaians will vote based on policies you propagate. You {President} have promised me to superintend over a smooth transition. I tell all politicians to know Ghana is the priority. The winner becomes the next President.”
