Why Otumfuo Refused To Read His Speech At Launch Of Heal KATH

It was observed that the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, rejected the file containing his speech when it was presented to him at an event to launch a fundraising drive to renovate the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) as his turn approached to address the gathering.

It was on Friday, November 10, at the hospital grounds.

Instead of delivering his speech in English, the Monarch chose to use the local dialect of the Asantes – Twi, to address the congregation to the surprise and admiration of all present.

His Majesty, in the course of his submission, noted that the condition of the hospital did not require an eloquent speech but understanding in championing the good cause.

“This is not the time to be eloquent,” he said, reasoning with the public to support the renovation and justifying the rejection of the written speech.

“The state of the hospital is a matter of an emergency and that’s why we are here. Corporate institutions, businesses, professionals and all must contribute their quota for this. No amount is meagre.”

He added, “This is not for Asantes. It is for all Ghanaians and visitors. This is our responsibility.”

Present were Members of Parliament including the Asawase MP, Hon Muntaka Mubarak, Banatama MP, Hon Francis Asenso Boakye, Nhiaeso MP, Hon Stephen Amoah, Subin MP, Hon Eugene Antwi and other Members of the Ashanti Caucus.

The onscreen fraternity had in attendance Nana Ama McBrown, Kofi Adu known as Agya Koo, Akwasi Boadi known as Akrobeto, Bill Asamoah, Yaw Dabo, Producer Samuel Nyamekye and others.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon Simon Osei-Mensah, the Chief Executive Officer for Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Hon Sam Pyne and a coalition of Market women in Kumasi were also present.