Prempeh I Exile Return: Three World Leaders to Attend Centenary Celebration
Two Heads of States and a Prime Minister are expected to grace Asanteman’s commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the return of its 13th Monarch from exile.
Sir Osei Agyemang Prempeh I was exiled to Seychelles in 1900 on the back of his resistance to colonial rule when he gave himself up to save Asanteman from another war few years after the ravages of the 1874 Sagrenti War.
He spent 28 years in exile which included a year at Elmina Castle, three years in Sierra Leone and 24 in Seychelles.
This year marks exactly a centenary since the “saviour” of Asanteman returned from exile, a very significant historic event in the annals of Kingdom.
The current occupant of the Golden Stool, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will be marking it in grand style at the Manhyia Palace starting from November 22 with dignitaries and world leaders invited to be part of the celebration.
The President of Seychelles, H.E. Wavel Ramkalawan, President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Prime Minister of Eswatini, Russell Mmiso Dlamini will be present.
At a press briefing ahead of the commencement of the celebration, the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Manhyia Palace, Mr Lawrence Prempeh outlined the events slated to mark it.
The residue of the King’s relatives who remained in Seychelles will be present too.
Symposium
Mr Prempeh said a symposium will be hosted on Friday, November 22 at the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Jubilee Hall, Manhyia Palace to open the celebration. It will start at 11 am.
Speakers will include Prof Adu Gyamfi from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Dr. Penda Choppa from the University of Seychelles and Mr. Ivor Agyeman Duah from the Manhyia Palace Museum.
They will be speaking about the events leading to the exile, the King in exile and the return of the King and beyond.
Durbar
The second day of the celebration, he announced, will be marked with a grand durbar at the Nana Afia Kobi Park at noon to welcome the heads of state and government and their entourages.
The President of Seychelles will come with a 30-member entourage while the Prime Minister of Eswatini who will be representing the King will come along with a 24-member entourage.
Thanksgiving Ceremony
The climax of the celebration will be spent at the St Cyprians Anglican Church, Kumasi where H. E. Ramkalawan is bid to deliver a sermon.
Significance
Mr Prempeh underscored the significance of the event to Asanteman and particularly to the Manhyia Palace.
“For sacrificing himself for the Asante Kingdom, it calls for celebration. In some places, he will be called a saviour”.
Security
He guaranteed the optimum security arrangements in the city and precincts of the Palace in the course of the three-day celebration.
“There will be strict security arrangements to ensure everything goes right.”
Meanwhile, he warned against political activities at the event, stating that party paraphernalia and campaigning are banned.
“Manhyia is not partisan. We don’t tolerate politics and so no party colours or materials are allowed at the event. It is an event being organised by Asantehene and so must be devoid of politics. Come in your traditional outfits or your best clothes.”
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
