Prempeh I Exhibited Christ-like Traits- President Ramkalawan
In a sermon delivered at the Thanksgiving Service for the 100th Anniversary celebration of the Return of Otumfuo Agyemang Prempeh I, the President of Seychelles who doubles as an Anglican priest stated that the late Monarch exuded the traits of Christ in his endeavours.
The Monarch was baptised in the Seychelles on May 29, 1904, confirmed on the December 23, 1921 and first received communion on December 25, 1921.
President Ramkalawan from the scrutiny of the life of King Prempeh deduced that the King was a lover of God.
According to him, the traits of sacrifice and forgiveness which are paramount in Christianity was exhibited in the dealings of Prempeh I before his salvation and got reinforced in the aftermath.
At the Service held at the St Cyprian’s Cathedral in Kumasi on November 24, which coincided with Feast of Christ the King, the President cum Priest used Daniel 7:14 as the reference scripture.
“I believe King Prempeh walked in Christian principles. It was already in him. There was a man who had something special about him. He was a lover of God and without even knowing he was exhibiting what Christ the King would also teach us.”
On his trait of sacrifice, he referenced the King’s decision to offer his honour and dignity in a sacrifice for the survival of his people, alluding to John 15:13.
“Similar to Jesus the King who gave his life for us, king Prempeh I showed he was a man of peace and gave his life for his people. He didn’t fight to save people. He preferred to go into 27 years of exile away from his beloved land. Isn’t that exactly Jesus tells us in John 15:13? ‘There is no greater love than for one to lay down his life for his friends’ and in his case, he lay down his life for his people, those he loved.
“He did not know where he was going but he knew that his act of sacrifice was for the greater good of his people. The result is evident. The Asante Kingdom lives on because one man decided that he would give his life for his people. Jesus gave his life for us so that the door of salvation is opened to each one of us to enter whoever we are.”
On the trait of forgiveness which he exhibited even before his return, the President referenced Christ’s prayer for his persecutors while being subjected to anguish.
“Another element I saw was Christ-like was the forgiveness he showed to those who thought to destroy him. In the Seychelles, he became friends with those who had brought him into exile. He was very good friends with the governor.”
He furthered, “Even though they kept him in Seychelles, he showed them forgiveness. He showed that his heart was bigger than those who persecuted him….this element of forgiveness I say to myself, isn’t this what Christ teaches us?”
President Ramkalawan on that note urged the congregants to follow in the footsteps of King Prempeh who submitted himself to the authority of God to claim for themselves a better place after death.
He urged, “Be a servant of the living God and from there you will receive the deepest peace so that when you lay your head to rest, you will say, lord into your hands I lay my spirit guide me and strengthen me and he will ensure you fulfill whatever you have for you.”
Appreciation
In an address, Nana Otuo Siriboe II, Juabenhene, and Chairman of the Manhyia Anniversaries planning Committee for this year, expressed profound appreciation to God for his guidance and protection in the course of the celebrations.
“It is by God’s divine mercies we have gone through all these celebrations without blemish, hitch or casualty. We haven’t had any casualty before, during and after the celebrations. The millions of people who came from all over the world went back home safe and sound. God is indeed with us and may His name be praised. But for His mercies, we wouldn’t have gone through these celebrations.”
He also thanked Nananom, Asanteman and all Ghanaians for making the planned events and celebrations memorable with their presence and support.
Joining the Thanksgiving Service which climaxed the year-long celebrations in the Asante Kingdom, were Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Occupant of the Golden Stool, Lady Julia Osei Tutu, his wife, Nananom, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the President of Ghana, H.E. Wavel Ramkalawan, the President of Seychelles, H.E. Linda Ramkalawan, the First Lady of Seychelles, Russell Mmiso Dlamini, the Prime Minister of Eswatini, Nana Agyemang Konadu Rawlings, former First Lady and many others.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
