Anglican Bishop Explains Why Asantehene Is an Extraordinary King

The Bishop of the Tema Diocese of the Anglican Church, Right Rev Dr George Kotei Neequaye has described Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as an exceptional Monarch.

According to him, Otumfuo has endeavoured to emulate and walk in the footsteps of Christ throughout his reign, exemplifying leadership.

Delivering a sermon during the Birthday Thanksgiving Service of His Majesty at the St Cyprians Anglican Church in Kumasi, on May 6, 2024, the Bishop stated that Otumfuo’s leadership is geared towards the development and the well-being of his people and Ghana at large.

This, he noted, is also capped with integrity, discipline, peace, reconciliation and the preservation of the traditions of the Asante Kingdom.

“We have met here today to thank the Almighty God for the life and reign of an extraordinary King who, without doubt has done everything to emulate the life and works of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He stands tall among leaders across our nation and beyond by his exemplary leadership in the areas of integrity, discipline, peace, reconciliation, education, health, community development and the preservation of the traditions of the Asante Kingdom.”

Justifying his statement, the Bishop outlined the track record of His Majesty in the resolution of disputes, success in retrieving some artefacts looted from the Asantes some years ago by the British and his input in the social and economic development of Ghana as well as works undertaken by his Non-Governmental Organization- the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation and many others.

“By the recognition God has given you globally, dozens of gold artefacts that were looted some 150 years ago have been returned from the UK. The gold artefacts are the ultimate symbol of the Asante royal government and are believed to be invested with the spirit of former Asante Kings, therefore I believe that Otumfuo Nana Prempeh I is looking on with admiration from Asamando. Otumfuo Nana Agyemang Prempeh II is patting you on the shoulders, smiling profusely. Otumfuo Nana Opoku Ware II is saying well-done my son.”

“The Otumfuo Education Fund has benefited over 500,000 young people. This reflects your dedication to providing quality education and opportunities for the youth. Infrastructure as social projects undertaken by your Foundation across the over 66 paramountcies under your authority. You champion integrity and discipline by not hesitating to destool chiefs whose activities are counter-productive. The Otumfuo Foundation in partnership with the JOBerg Foundation has commissioned the Nana Konadu Yiadom III Maternity Block, a 30-bed new maternity block extension for the Manhyia Hospital. All mothers and unborn children are saying Thank you.

“Presidents in the fourth Republic have openly spoken of how Otumfuo contributed to shaping their administration in various ways. Your advocacy for HIV/AIDs Awareness through the Serwaa Ampem AIDs Foundation further demonstrates your holistic approach to social challenges.”