Don’t Let Appreciation Restrict You From my Presence; Otumfuo to Chiefs

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has condemned the practice of chiefs shirking their responsibilities and avoiding his presence due to feelings of obligation or gratitude to him.

He avers that this is wrong as it puts unnecessary strain on traditional authorities who may not have financial muscles and in turn hinders them from undertaking their official duties in his presence.

This subject came up during the Kumasi Traditional Council meeting on August 15, 2024, at the Manhyia Palace when Otumfuo was presiding over the Bekwai Boaman Dikro stool dispute during which Adanwomasehene Nana Ntiamoah Panin II, absented himself at the expense of an official duty he had been assigned on the case by Otumfuo.

It was relayed that he was absent because he had not had the opportunity to express his appreciation to the Asantehene for designating a representative to attend his mother’s funeral.

This was sternly opposed by the Asantehene who indicated that impertinent issues as these shouldn’t be an obstacle to chiefs in attending sittings and appearing before him.

“Does a chief have to stay away from his duty because he doesn’t have the means to thank me? If that is the case, then appreciation has become mandatory.”

Otumfuo Kyeame Kantankrakyi added that the only condition that precludes a chief from coming to the Manhyia Palace is when his wife passes away which would require purification.

“In that case, the chief will have to be purified. Except that, nothing should be an obstacle.”