I Can now Die Peacefully – UK-based Ghanaian on Seeing Otumfuo
A Northampton-based Ghanaian man says he feels fulfilled and is prepared to meet his maker after having the opportunity to pay homage to the King of the Asante Kingdom, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The man, a leader of the Asanteman Northampton group, was among the thousands that thronged to the Middle Temple Garden in London on Sunday, August 4, 2024, for the sixth Akwasidae festival that was hosted by the Asantehene.
Like many of his peers, he was determined not to miss the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that destiny had presented. Along with his group members, he made his way to the venue, which was alive with the rich Asante culture and tradition.
When it got his turn to pay homage to Otumfuo, he publicly shared the excitement that boiled within and threatened to explode as he announced he had reached self-actualization.
Just as Simeon, who was destined to meet the ‘Messiah’ and longed for death upon seeing the baby Jesus, this man, after meeting His Majesty, wished for death.
“I am very excited standing here today. I will be pleased to die today after this opportunity to stand before my lord. God bless him. I will be pleased to peacefully die today because it is my god seated there. I am excited today because I feel fulfilled today standing before my lord.”
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.
