My Doors Are Open to All Diasporan Pro-Asante Associations – Asantehene
The occupant of the Golden Stool, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, says his doors are wide open to receive all pro-Asante associations in the diaspora.
According to him, there is no room for discrimination or prejudice, as his only desire is to see Asantes in foreign countries uniting to pursue cultural preservation and other noble causes.
Otumfuo made this statement when Opemsuo Nananom, a New York-based group of Asantes founded and led by Attakora Amaniampong, visited the Manhyia Palace to pay him homage as part of the observation of the Awukudae Festival on February 12, 2025.
The group had broken away from another Asante association in New York, leading to disputes that eventually resulted in a lawsuit.
Otumfuo first became aware of the conflict during a visit to the United States a few years ago and ensured that the lawsuit was withdrawn by the original group.
During his meeting with Opemsuo Nananom on Wednesday, His Majesty emphasised that unity among his subjects was paramount.
“Each Asante who lives in the diaspora paid for his or her trip and did not travel as part of a group. If this young man [Amaniampong] has decided to form an association separate from the existing one and has people willing to join, so be it. If others prefer a different association, allow them to operate as well.”
His Majesty affirmed that his doors would always be open to all.
“This young man is the first to come with his members. If the other group also comes, I will receive them equally. This should not be a source of conflict. They are all serving the interests of Asanteman.”
Pleased with Amaniampong’s initiative, Otumfuo encouraged him to continue mobilising and uniting Asantes in America.
“Continue to mobilise the people… The fact that he has people supporting him is proof that he is indeed bringing them together. Keep it up. You all travelled as individuals, so uniting them is commendable.”
Donation
As part of the group’s visit, Attakora Amaniampong donated US$5,000 in support of the Heal KATH project.
This initiative aims to raise funds to renovate the dilapidated old Gee Block of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
Akwasidae in the US
The founder of Opemsuo Nananom humbly expressed his desire to host an Akwasidae Festival at Times Square in New York.
The group intends to organise a celebration similar to the one held in London, United Kingdom, in August 2024.
“This year, we are looking forward to celebrating Akwasidae at Times Square with him, just as he did in the UK last year.”
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
