Sikadwa Chose Me Through My Mother – Asantehene
The Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has reaffirmed that his ascension to the Golden Stool was neither by personal ambition nor individual power, but by divine selection through his late mother, Asantehemaa Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II.
Speaking at the Akwasidae Festival celebration in the United States of America on Sunday, August 30, 2026, the King reflected on his 27-year reign, detailing the vision, moral commitment, and developmental milestones that have defined his leadership across Asanteman and Ghana.
“I did not ascend the Golden Stool willfully,” he stated.
“The Golden Stool appointed me through my mother. It was neither based on my looks nor my power.”
Recalling the early days of his ascension, he noted that the overwhelming love and enthusiasm from his people compelled him to deploy his office towards socio-economic development, despite traditional rulers not levying taxes.
Education and Healthcare
Educational reform served as the first major imperative of his reign, driven by a determination to challenge national misconceptions regarding academic attainment in the region.
“I realised education was key,” the King observed.
“Before my ascension, there was a perception that Asantes were uneducated. It burdened my heart, so I decided to address it. Traditional leaders assisted as we mobilised funds to provide scholarships for children from underprivileged homes. I can boldly state today that we have produced countless graduates and professionals across Asanteman.”
Similarly, healthcare infrastructure and public health interventions were among his primary objectives, with significant leadership provided by his wife, Lady Julia, particularly in maternal health initiatives.
Conflict Resolution
Wading into traditional governance, the Asantehene outlined his framework for settling land and chieftaincy disputes inherited at his ascension.
He highlighted the introduction of the lineage and family tree model, which traces stool roots to resolve claims without acrimony.
“All chieftaincy issues are resolved amicably. Sometimes the claimants are not entirely to blame; because a grandfather once occupied the stool, a claimant invokes the Great Oath in bold assurance. I instituted a model that traces the exact lineage and foundational root of the stool. In all disputes, truth, honesty, and transparency remain our compass.”
Reaffirmation of Oath
Expressing appreciation to the paramount chiefs, queen mothers, and elders who serve Asanteman with dedication, the Asantehene pledged to remain faithful to the oath he swore in 1999.
“I will not go back on my oath,” His Majesty affirmed.
“I will continue to work for the development of Asanteman and Ghana.”
Appeal
Concluding his address, Otumfuo called on the diaspora community to initiate targeted development projects in their ancestral hometowns, citing examples of diaspora groups adopting schools, drilling boreholes, and sponsoring university students.
“Keep those of us in Ghana and Kumasi in mind. Do whatever little you can in your hometown to support Asanteman. If you cannot do it on a large scale, consider the small contributions you can make. Let us unite to spur development across Asanteman and Ghana.”
Story by Hajara Fuseini
Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/
