Not A Single Day is Free Day; Asantehene’s Daily Routine
There is nothing like a holiday when it comes to the life of the Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Once he steps out of bed, it’s either a day to adjudicate cases, administer oaths of allegiance by chiefs, hold meetings, receive courtesy calls or any other matter.
But before that, his first port of call is the golf course for some sessions to exercise and refresh himself ahead of the day’s busy activities.
His Majesty’s schedules are meticulously arranged according to days. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays are normally for adjudication while Wednesdays and Fridays are for courtesy calls.
Saturdays are earmarked for his family; however, they can be unpredictable as he sometimes has meetings.
Speaking to Graphic in 2019 during his 20th Anniversary, he stated, there is nothing like a “free day” in his life.
He said his activities each day are dictated by the Gyase, a division traditionally in charge of the Kitchen.
“From morning to evening, every activity I undertake must be sanctioned by the Gyase. Once I finish with my bath in the morning, the Gyase will tell me what I am going to do for the day. It could be an adjudication of cases, swearing of oaths by chiefs, meetings, courtesy calls on me or any other matter,” he said.
He said he sometimes grants audience to leaders from within and outside the country who may need his help.
“Politicians, business people from not only Ghana but other parts of the world, chiefs and others come to me to seek advice and support on many issues, and I make sure I attend to everyone.
“Yes, I am Asantehene but I spread my activities to other areas not within my traditional jurisdiction because I want to see Ghana progress.”
He has been doing this flawlessly for over two decades and today marks exactly 25 years since he ascended the Golden Stool.