Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Celebrates 22nd Anniversary On The Golden Stool
Highly revered King of Asante, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, yesterday, celebrated 22 years of enstoolment at the Manhyia Palace under strict observation of COVID-19 pandemic protocols.
The short ceremony blended with the rare Asante culture took place at the Nana Afia Kobi I memorial park, Manhyia Palace saw a sizeable number of people who joined the Asantehene to celebrate his remarkable reign.
The occupant of the Golden Stool was joined by Chiefs, Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Simon Osei-Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of Kumasi Metropolitan, Hon. Osei Assibey Antwi, the Vice Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson and other dignitaries to observe the day.
Otumfuo’s 22-year reign has been marked with figurative success following his unique style of leadership.
His leadership has seen a rise in development in the Ashanti region as well as Ghana as a whole.
The occupant of the Golden Stool who has been christened King Solomon played an integral role in restoring peace in Dagbon.
His reign has also birthed Otumfuo Education Fund, Teachers awards scheme, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation among others to support the less privileged in the society.
Known in private life as Barima Kwaku Duah, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II ascended the Gold Stool in April 26, 1999, as the 16th occupant, succeeding his brother Otumfuo Opoku Ware II who visited his ancestors on February 25, 1999.
His Biography;
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was educated at the Sefwi Wiawso Secondary School and Osei Kyeretwie Secondary School (OKESS) in Kumasi and continued to study Accounting at the Institute of Professional Studies (IPS), now University of Professional Studies, Accra in 1971, before proceeding to the United Kingdom to enrol at the Kilburn Polytechnic in North-West London to pursue Accounting studies.
Two years later, he changed his programme of study and enrolled at the University of North London to read Human Resource Development and Public Administration.
He worked variously as a senior consultant with the Ontario Mutual Insurance Group in Toronto, Canada, and as an accounts officer at Oxo, a British food manufacturing firm.
He also joined the Manpower Services Commission attached to the Brent Council in North London, where he helped to develop and oversee projects to assist unemployed youth from deprived communities to get into viable employment.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II returned to Ghana in 1989 to set up his own business. He, at the same time, acted as a representative of some reputable British and European companies in the mining sector.
Source: Opemsuo.com / Sasu Danquah
