UEW Graduate Unveils Asantehene-Themed Playing Cards at Manhyia Palace

A graduate of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Ebenezer Mensah, has developed spade cards featuring the images of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, his mother and Komfo Anokye, an Asante traditional priest.

The special cardstock was unveiled before the King during the first Awukudae festival of the year on January 14, 2026, at the Manhyia Palace.

The project received the blessings of the Asantehene, who encouraged Nananom to patronise.

Suit
On this symbolic Spade suit, the King of Spades is Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, represented by the Bosommuru or Denkyemkye symbol.

The Queen of Spades is Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, embodying the beauty of Asante women through the Duamfe symbol, while Komfo Anokye, a revered figure, is the Jack of Spades, symbolised by a sword.

The Ace of Spades represents Asanteman, marked by the Adinkrahene symbol.

Aligning Youth and Culture
The seeming misalignment between the modern youth and culture inspired this project, he told opemsuo.com on the sidelines of his visit to the Mahnyia Palace.

According to him, the idea is to incorporate culture into modern games to incite interest from the youth.

“The modern youth’s difficulty in engaging with tradition and culture inspired this project. We aimed to incorporate culture into our daily games.”

Concept
The project captures the regime of Otumfuo, including His Majesty’s ascension, legacy, and reign.

It is also intended to provoke interest in history.

“The moment someone sees Komfo Anokye, their interest in him will grow.”

Mounting at Manhyia Museum
These Spade cards are already at the National Museum, while he said efforts are underway to mount it at the Manhyia Palace Museum.

“We are currently working on the process to have it mounted at the Manhyia Museum.”

Patronage
Mensah says he is open to investors for mass production and sale across the country.

He also implored the public to patronise.

“We welcome investors because I cannot handle mass production alone and we need public support through patronage.”

Mensah read Arts Education at the UEW.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/