To Be In The Presence Of Royalty Is An Honour- Asantes In Diaspora
Asante Natives in Memphis, US have expressed utmost honour to have received the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in Memphis to celebrate the Memphis in May Festival as they salute Ghana.
According to them, the move is one that confirms to them that the culture of Asante is an authentic and approved one.
A Ghanaian native said, “It’s a dream come through to be part of this team to celebrate His Royal Majesty’s special day and it is the first time meeting the King.”
Another said, “Otumfuo’s presence makes her happy and relays that indeed the Asante culture travels beyond Ghana.”
“I see the King’s presence here as a great blessing to us because he is well known for standing for peace and stability. With this, we rest assured of more development in Asanteman and Ghana.”
With the Memphians, they said, “I’m honoured that the king is here with us in Memphis to celebrate the Memphis in May festival and it’s just amazing that he’s sharing his birthday with us, we wish him long life.”
“I’m so amazed to be in the presence of the king from Ghana and to be able to celebrate his birthday, I feel so honoured to be in the room with the royalty from Ghana, happy birthday to the best king ever.
At the Renasant Convention Centre where the Black Star Black Tie Gala was held in honour of Otumfuo’s 72nd birthday, several officials and dignitaries came in to join the special celebration of Otumfuo at Memphis.
The International May Festival this year salutes Ghana of which an invitation was extended to His Royal majesty and in line with activities for the festival, the Black Star Black Tie Gala was held.
Meanwhile Memphians regarding Asantehene as the best King ever also feel honoured with his visit. They express honour and privilege to be in the presence of royalty whilst wishing him long life on the special occasion.
In attendance were, the mayor of Memphis, Jim Strickland, the Board Chairman for the Festival, Charles Ewing, the CEO of the Memphis Festival, James Holt, Mayor of Shelby County, Lee Harris, the CEO of EON3 Group, Richard Ofori Atta.
Also were the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, the Executive Chairman for KGL Group and Board Chairman of Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), other business Tycoons from both Ghana and Memphis, also a delegation of chiefs accompanying the King on his visit.
The event included featured entertainment by Wendy Moten, an American singer.
Source: Opemsuo.com/ Monica M. Appiah Manu.
