Otumfuo@25: Golden Stool Goes On Display this Sunday

The revered Golden Stool of the Asante Kingdom will go on display on Sunday, May 12, 2024, during the culmination of the Silver Jubilee of the King, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

This was revealed by Nana Otuo Sereboe II, the Paramount Chief of the Juaben Traditional Area and the Chairman of the Otumfuo Planning Committee during a press conference at the Regional House of Chiefs on Thursday, May 9, 2024.

The royal and divine Stool which is believed to have descended from the skies, will be part of the various treasures of the Kingdom which will go on display that day.

“The procession with which Otumfuo will come to the Manhyia Palace where the grand durbar will take place will be a huge one. Its length would span from the Manhyia Palace to the Airport. The procession will cart some of the treasures of the Kingdom out to show the world. Among them would be the Golden Stool. The Golden Stool will not always be kept out of the public view and so we will bring it out for the world to catch a glimpse.”

The procession of His Majesty will arrive at the venue between 12 and 1 pm, while Traditional authorities in Asanteman are expected to be seated at 11 am.

The Golden Stool is adorned with intricate designs and symbols that represent the sovereignty and authority of the Asante Kingdom.

It is kept in a sacred place and is only brought out on special occasions.

Clean-up Exercise
Ahead of the event, Nana Juabenhene announced a cleanup exercise will take place across Asanteman as he emphasized the need to keep the town in good shape.

“There will be dignitaries from all over the world. Some are from Morocco, Trinidad and Tobago, Ivory Coast and many other places so there is a need to undertake this exercise. Just as we did on March 31 ahead of the beginning of the Anniversary, let’s all avail for this as well.”

Attendees
According to Nana Sereboe, thousands are expected from across the country and overseas.

Dignitaries expected in the country include the Prime Minister for Trinidad and Tobago, Dr the Hon, Keith Rowley,  Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, who will represent the King, Mohammed VI,  and a representative of the President of Ivory Coast, H.E Alassane Ouattara.

Ghanaian dignitaries expected at the event include President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Second Lady Samira Bawumia and Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey.

Also expected at the event are traditional authorities across the country, the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Akosua Frema Osei Opare and a representative of Speaker Alban Bagbin.

Restrictions
Black and politically branded outfits are banned from the event on Sunday, Nana Juabenhene emphasised. Gun and fireworks activities are also restricted within the precincts and around the Palace.

Additionally, he said tricycles would not operate within the metropolis on auspicious days with selected roads leading to the Manhyia Palace closed to commuters as a way of dealing with traffic while only cars with designated stickers would be allowed into the Palace.