Prempeh I Exile Return: Asanteman Remembers Selfless King With Durbar

To express their pride and appreciation to Otumfuo Agyemang Prempeh I, the 13th Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Asanteman hosted a durbar on Saturday November 23, 2024 at the Manhyia Palace.

There was the display of tradition and restitution of Asante artefacts whose looting dates back to the era of the late King.

This followed a symposium in memory of the selfless and foresighted King on Friday, November 22, 2024.

Chairing the event was Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene alongside his mother, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, Asantehemaa.

Present were Nananom, the President of Seychelles, H.E. Wavel Ramkalawan, First Lady of Seychelles, H.E. Linda Ramkalawan, Prime Minister of Eswatini, H.E. Russell Mmiso Dlamini, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Seychelles Francisca Ashietey-Odunton, Founder of Movement for Change, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen and many others.

Essence
In his speech, the Chairman of the Manhyia Anniversaries Planning Committee for this year, Nana Otuo Siriboe II said the historic event shouldn’t be acknowledged only for the pain and anguish, urging Asanteman to reflect and draw positive inspirations from the struggles.

He noted that the celebration recognized the values, courage, unity and hope that sustained Asanteman during the darkest moments.

“King Prempeh’s return 100 years ago was not just the return of a King. It was the restoration of our identity, our heritage and culture and pride as a people. Let us use this centenary to reflect the lessons of our history and to recommit ourselves to a future where peace, unity and prosperity prevail. Let this occasion inspire us all to uphold the legacy of our ancestors and continue striving for the progress and development of our community.”

Celebration of Asante Strength
In the view of the Prime Minister of Eswatini, H.E Russell Mmiso Dlamini, the celebration highlighted the strength and enduring spirit of the Asante Kingdom.

“Today, we don’t just celebrate the return of a leader, we celebrate the resilience and strength of the Asante people. Nana Prempeh I was not just a King but a symbol of unity and perseverance. His journey has taught us even in the face of adversity, we must hold on to our identity, values and dreams. His return signified a new chapter of the Asante Kingdom: a time of rebuilding, strengthening bonds and embracing the future with courage.”

Future Relations
To the President of Seychelles, H.E. Wavel Ramkalawan, who is also an Anglican priest, the commemoration was an opportunity to reflect on the alliance that was forged between Seychelles and Ghana through King Prempeh for enhancement.

“For me, the commemoration is also a time of reflection of not only the past but also of the future. Seychelles and Ghana have a long history of cooperation in the cultural field. This is due to the historical connection between the Asante people and the people of Seychelles.

As such, he said a Memorandum of Understanding between Ghana and the Seychelles National Institute of Cultural Heritage and Arts had been signed in the area of culture.

In addition to that he announced he had initiated steps to reinforce the ties.

“This morning, I had a long conversation with the Member of Parliament for the area where King Prempeh I lived during his exile. I believe we should look to twin the district and Kumasi. This will further reinforce our cultural ties and allow people from Kumasi to come to Seychelles and those in Seychelles to come here to explore our rich diverse cultures.”

Prempeh Museum
President Ramkalawan also disclosed plans by his country to repurpose the church that hosted the sacrament of Holy Communion and Confirmation of Otumfuo Agyemang Prempeh I into a Museum.

The aim is to keep alive the memory, legacy and impact of the late King in Seychelles.

“We will be turning the very chapel in which King Prempeh I received the sacrament of holy communion and confirmation into a Museum. This has already been accepted. I have signed the papers and the presence of King Prempeh I will continue to live on. To further the legacy of King Prempeh I, the project has already begun.”

Handing Over Artefacts
Another significant event that marked the durbar was the official handing over of 28 British-looted gold artefacts by multinational firm AngloGold Ashanti.

The symbolic artefacts from South Africa include linguist staff, swords, palace security locks, rings, necklaces, and proverbial gold-weights depicting crocodiles and gold scandals.

Leading the official handing over segment of the Durbar were Mr Stewart Bailey, the Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs for AngloGold Ashanti, Ambassador Baso Sangqu, the Senior Vice President Group Sustainability, Eric Asubonteng, Senior Vice President Africa Non-operated JVC, Terry Strong, Senior Vice President for Africa, Samuel Boakye Pobi, Managing Director for AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi and Emmanuel Baidoo, Senior Manager for Sustainability in Africa.

In his remarks, Mr Stewart Bailey, the Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs for AngloGold Ashanti, said he was “honoured” to be involved in the return of the artefacts to where they belong.

“It’s a deep honour for me personally to be involved in the project to send the treasures here to Kumasi where they were forged… We are deeply honoured to be part of this important moment of history to ensure that these cultural treasures are accessible not only to the Ashanti people but to Ghanaians in general.”

Gifts
The Asantehene used the occasion to honour the two world leaders who joined the event as Guests of Honour with cultural gifts.

To the President of Seychelles, he presented a handcrafted stool embossed with the crest of the Asante Kingdom, the highest gift from the King.

Presenting it on his behalf was Nana Juabenhene who explained its significance.

“Your Excellency, on behalf of Otumfuo, Asantehene, I have to make a small presentation for you. You have said that you are going to open a Prempeh Museum in Seychelles. We look forward to coming to help you open that Museum. I hope you have this as a cornerstone in the Museum. The stool is for sitting but in our cultural context, it connotes soul of the nation… we are trying to immoratalise your visit.”

He continued, “It has the emblem of the King. This is the highest gift from the King. It shows the bond of friendship and solidarity between you and Otumfuo and Asante and your people.”

To the First lady and the Prime Minister for Eswatini, His majesty gave Kente cloths.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini