The Immortalised Legacy of Daasebre Osei Bonsu II

Of a truth, the Second-in-command of the Asante Kingdom, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, has joined the ancestors in a different realm, but his legacy on planet Earth endures.

His reign is inscribed in causes he most cherished, believed in and championed.

This is evident in the Restoration of the Silver Stool; advocacy for Higher education Learning; Land Administration & Chieftaincy Reform; and more.

Restoration of the Silver Stool
The long and distinguished reign of Daasebre Osei Bonsu II as Mamponghene ushered in a period of deliberate and well-organized restoration of the sacred heritage of Mampong, most notably the Silver Stool; a powerful symbol of authority whose origins had been obscured by the ravages of historical conflicts and war.

On 23rd February 2018, Daasebre, in a landmark act of cultural revival and visionary leadership, commissioned and presented a newly crafted Silver Stool made from pure silver to the Mampong Traditional Council.

Since its unveiling, this sacred stool has become a central fixture in all major ceremonies and state functions of Mampongman, proudly and visibly displayed as a symbol of restored identity and unbroken continuity.

This singular act of restoring the Silver Stool has, in no uncertain terms, elevated the status of Mampong State to its rightful place within Asanteman—fulfilling the spiritual and political vision once laid down by Okomfo Anokye, the legendary priest and architect of the Ashanti Kingdom.

Such an achievement reflects Daasebre’s unwavering commitment to duty—not only to the people of Mampong but to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Asanteman as a whole.

His reign was marked by a deep sense of service, a profound respect for tradition, and an enduring legacy of leadership that shall be remembered for generations.

Education A Champion of Education and Higher Learning
Daasebre Osei Bonsu II was a tireless and passionate advocate for education. Under his visionary leadership, Asante Mampong emerged as a true educational hub in Ghana, with a comprehensive infrastructure supporting learning from the foundational level through to tertiary education.

From kindergartens and primary schools to secondary institutions and colleges, Daasebre’s influence and commitment to academic excellence were evident across all levels.

One of his proudest achievements was the transformation of St. Andrews College into a fully operational university campus for the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED).

It was his fervent desire—and one he held onto even in his final moments—that this campus would one day attain full autonomy and be renamed the University of Mampong, a vision rooted in his unrelenting belief in local empowerment through higher learning.

Through his leadership and advocacy, Mampong’s tertiary institutions saw significant advancement. Institutions such as the Mampong Technical College of Education (MAMTEC) and St. Monica’s College of Education (MONICO) were elevated to degree-awarding status, while the Mampong Nursing and Midwifery Training College continued to thrive under the favourable environment he nurtured.

Relatedly, under his reign, there was a remarkable increase in basic schools, while existing colleges were upgraded to diploma and degree-awarding institutions. From his own resources, he awarded scholarships to brilliant but needy students.

At the time of his passing, his efforts had supported several graduates and doctoral candidates.

Daasebre’s educational legacy is enduring. His efforts not only expanded access to quality education but also positioned Mampong as a beacon of intellectual and professional development in the Ashanti Region and beyond.

His unwavering dedication to learning has left an indelible mark that future generations will continue to benefit from and honour.

Land Administration & Chieftaincy Reform
A Visionary Custodian of Tradition and Reformer of Chieftaincy Daasebre Osei Bonsu II was not only a devoted guardian of Asante tradition but also a progressive leader who understood the need to modernize chieftaincy to meet contemporary challenges.

His reign was marked by bold and far-reaching reforms that transformed the traditional governance landscape of Mampong and Asanteman at large.

As a visionary, Daasebre led the reconstitution of both the Gyaase Council and the Mampong Traditional Council, infusing them with renewed purpose, structure, and administrative efficiency.

One of his most impactful initiatives was the establishment of a Land Management Committee, designed to decentralize land ownership and resolve disputes at the community level.

This pioneering model became a beacon for peace-building and a template for responsible land governance in traditional areas. Understanding the role of history and identity in succession and governance, Daasebre initiated the compilation of royal genealogies to safeguard against future chieftaincy disputes.

He also championed the documentation of customary practices and stool histories, ensuring that the cultural wealth of Mampong was preserved and transmitted accurately to future generations.

His contributions to the elevation and creation of stools were both strategic and visionary, bringing renewed dignity and prestige to the institution of chieftaincy.

Under his leadership, numerous stools were either established or elevated to better reflect the evolving needs of the state and its people.

Notable among these are the Dabehene, Nkoso]hene, Ntotoyehene, Aboafohene, Nkabomhene, Tufuhene, Sompahene, Hiahene, Saamanhene, Dwatoahene, and Apagyahene.

Through Daasebre’s encouragement, Nana Agyakoma Difi e II, Mamponhemaa has established a Customary Adjudicatory Committee to resolve household disputes and curse matters in the Traditional Area pursuant to Customary Law and Usage.

Through these far-reaching reforms, Daasebre successfully bridged the sacred traditions of the old with the practical demands of modern governance.

Infrastructure & Health
Daasebre’s relentless advocacy brought significant infrastructure to Mampong, including the completion of the Mampong Water Project, the construction of an ultra-modern High Court Complex, the construction of Mampong Market, the rehabilitation and construction of roads, and a magnificent extension to the Amaniampong Palace.

He also sourced critical medical supplies and equipment to improve the Mampong Government Hospital. The Benim Water Project which encompasses Nkubeta, Nyinampong, Sesease, Pataase, Kokoben, Nwaase, Penteng, Nwaadan, Asaam etc would not have been possible without the influence of Daasebre Osei Bonsu II.

National & International Service Daasebre’s influence extended nationally and internationally. He held key roles, including:
* Permanent Vice-President, Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs
* Chairman, Standing Committees of both the Ashanti Regional House and Asanteman Council
* Chairman, Legal Committee of the National House of Chiefs • Member, Drafters of the Chieftaincy Act 2008, Act 579
* Member, Standing Committees of the National House of Chiefs
* Editor-in-Chief, National House of Chiefs Publications
* Member, Ghana Judicial Council, Energy Commission, and Lands Commission
* Lead Discussant, Constitutional Review Committee

He participated in over 200 national and international seminars, representing Ghana in countries such as the UK, Canada, South Africa, the Czech Republic, and Libya, promoting tradition, law, education, and development.

A Defender of the Environment and Guardian of His People’s Wellbeing
Daasebre Osei Bonsu II was deeply committed to the preservation of the environment and the protection of the natural heritage of Mampong.

As a responsible and foresighted leader, he understood that the well-being of his people was inextricably linked to the health of their land, water, and ecosystems.

With unyielding resolve, Daasebre took a definitive and principled stand against illegal mining (galamsey) within his traditional jurisdiction.

He sent a clear and uncompromising message to all chiefs and citizens alike that the health, safety, and sustainable livelihood of his people would not be sacrificed for short-term gain or reckless exploitation of natural resources.

He consistently emphasized that no mining activity that threatened to destroy water bodies, farmlands, or forest reserves would be tolerated under his watch.

In doing so, he upheld his sacred duty as a chief not only to lead but to protect the land and its people for generations to come.

Daasebre’s stance on environmental protection set a bold example for traditional leadership across the country. His legacy lives on in the clean rivers, fertile lands, and resilient communities of Mampong, which continue to flourish under the values he so passionately defended.

A Passionate Sportsman and Champion of Athletics
Daasebre was not only a revered traditional leader but also a sports enthusiast and accomplished all-round sportsman.

His athleticism and love for sports especially lawn tennis were evident from an early age and remained a defining part of his life, even after ascending the Silver Stool. At Prempeh College, Daasebre distinguished himself as a gifted sprinter, representing the school in athletics from his first year through to sixth form.

His sporting excellence continued at the University of Ghana, Legon, where he became a prominent member of the university’s athletics team from 1962 to 1972.

During this period, he represented the university in numerous local and international competitions organized under the Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA), earning recognition for his dedication and performance.

Daasebre’s passion for sports did not wane with age or office. Even as Paramount Chief of Mampong, he remained actively involved in the development and management of sports in Ghana.

He served in various influential capacities, including the Asante Kotoko Management Board, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Sports Management Committee, the Ashanti Lawn Tennis Association, and the KNUST Staff Lawn Tennis Club.

He also contributed significantly as a member of the Kumasi Sports Stadium Rehabilitation Committee and served as an Honorary Legal Consultant to the National Sports Council.

Awards and Recognitions
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to education, traditional leadership, and public service, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) conferred upon Daasebre Osei Bonsu II an Honorary Doctorate Degree in 2013.

This prestigious honour reflected his unwavering commitment to the advancement of education and his exemplary role in bridging traditional authority with modern governance.

Further immortalising his legacy, the Administration Block of the GUSSS Hostels of KNUST was named the “Gyimah-Kessie Building”, a tribute to his leadership, influence, and deep connection with the academic community.

Most recently, the Registrar’s Office at KNUST instituted an Excellence Awards Scheme, with its highest honour named the “Saint Oswald Gyimah Kessie Award for Leadership”.

This enduring accolade celebrates Daasebre’s distinguished leadership and his transformative impact on university governance and administration.

Over the years, he received numerous awards, citations, and national commendations for his unmatched dedication to education, traditional leadership, and national development from several other institutions and individuals.

These honours stand as a testament to a life lived in devoted service to his people, his nation, and the future of knowledge.