Prez Ouattara Makes Maiden Visit To Manhyia Palace
The President of Cote d’Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara has undertaken his maiden visit to the abode of the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.
He was received at the Manhyia Palace along with the Ambassador of Ivory Coast to Ghana, H.E Assielou Felix Tanon; Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon Simon Osei Mensah; Education Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum; Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister, Stephen Asamoah Boateng; Mr Kudjoe Fianoo, Chairman of the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCO); and others.
They were led by the President of Ghana, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo ahead of the President’s Cup game between the Asante Kotoko SC and ASEC Mimosa at Baba Yara Sports Stadium on March 5, 2024.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by H.E Felix Tanon, President Ouattara ran through his invitation from President Akufo-Addo for Ghana’s 67th Independence Day celebration and the match between the two great football clubs from both countries.
“President Akufo-Addo invited me to the Independence Day celebration and asked that I watch the game between Kotoko and ASEC with him in Kumasi which I accepted due to the friendship between President Akufo-Addo and I. This is what has brought me here today.”
He used the occasion to express his heartfelt appreciation to Otumfuo for the assistance provided during the civil war which lasted for five years following a military rebellion in 2002.
“I esteem Otumfuo highly,” he declared.
He recalled that the late and former President of Ivory Coast, H.E Henri Konan Bédié was the last Ivorian President to visit the Manhyia Palace and urged His Majesty to accept him into his abode as a son.
He also sought the blessings of the King.
For his part, Otumfuo expressed his gratitude to President Akufo-Addo for leading the guest, known to be his bosom friend, to the Palace.
He noted that the fact that an Ivorian football club was chosen for the President’s Cup did not come as a surprise to him as he is cognizant of the bond between the two heads of state.
“I know of the friendship between you and President Akufo-Addo and sometimes I wonder if it’s because he (President Akufo-Addo) speaks French but I know it transcends that. This is why I was not surprised when ASEC opted to face off with Kotoko.”
Welcoming President Ouattara, His Majesty hoped he would have a good time in the Garden City, as Kumasi is known.
“We thank you for coming here and we hope you experience hospitality and feel at home.”
