Asantehene Displays Splendour On Akwasidae
The rich and magnificent culture of the Asante Kingdom was on display last Sunday at the Manhyia Palace.
It was another Akwasidae festival- the fifth of the year- where people from all walks of life and from across the world trooped in to have a glimpse of it and pay homage as well.
Most of these guests like all chiefs present dressed traditionally but their display of the culture of the kingdom was nothing near His Majesty’s.
The Monarch donned a beautiful and colourful kente cloth and was decorated in gold ornaments on his feet, wrists, fingers and neck. This is said to depict the existence of the richness of the Kingdom.
His headband which was in the colours of Asante Kingdom with a chain of golden sea shells around it- known as Adambotire- signifies the resilience of the Kingdom.
Another eye-catching and significant display was in his traditional footwear- known as kyawkyaw in the local dialect. It had a hen and its chicks beautifully engraved on the strap which signifies protection over the Kingdom.
In his symbolic yet breathtaking appearance, Otumfuo sat in state to receive his guests at the Manhyia Palace on July 23, 2023.
Before any other guest could pay homage, the royals in the Kingdom showed their reverence as well as chiefs.
They were followed by a delegation from the Regional Security Council led by the Municipal Chief Executive of Kwadaso, Hon Agyenim Boateng.
Then, a five-member delegation representing Members of Parliament in the region led by Kwame Adu Antwi the representative of Asante Akim Central and Chairman of the Asante Caucus. He was accompanied by Oforikrom MP, Emmanuel Marfo; Atwima Nwabiagya South MP, Emmanuel Agyei Anhwere; Mankraso MP, Adu Johnson; and Nsuta-Kwaman Beposo MP, Adelaide Yaa Agyeiwaa Ntim.
Next was Newmont Africa led by Mr Kwame Addo Kufour, the Vice President for Government relations and Strategic Development for Africa and Director for New Mont Africa and accompanied by Joseph Danso, Senior Manager of Sustainability in Ahafo North and David Johnson, Regional External Affairs Director.
The headmaster of Prempeh College, Mr Aaron Attuah Gyewu led the Robotic Club group to His Majesty to show appreciation for his support during a competition in the United States of America.
Tires manufacturing company Pirella paid a courtesy call on the King and donated $10, 000 to the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation. The delegation informed the King about their decision to feature him in their 2024 calendar.
Also was the Chief Executive Officer of Akate Farms Trading Company, Alhaji Abdul Salam Bachewi Akate who is now the paramount Chief of the Bawiesibai Traditional Area in Sissala East in the Upper West region and now known as Kuoru Baluganie Sapara II.
Retired Police officer, COP Kofi Boakye joined too. He formally informed Otumfuo about his retirement and thanked him for his support during his time of service.
The Golden Chef Foundation also made an appearance before the King with their qualification to global competition in France after qualifying from the continent level with a sword-designed cake.
As always, the Zongo Nkosuohene also paid homage.
The Kotoko Brass Band from the USA was not left out as they ended the celebration with a magnificent display and performance of traditional songs.
