The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is marking his silver jubilee on the revered Golden Stool. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the 16th Asantehene began his reign on April 26, 1999, when he ascended the Golden Stool. He traces his lineage back to the founder of the Asante Kingdom, Osei Tutu I.
Named Barima Kwaku Dua, the historic swearing-in ceremony bestowed on him the revered title of Asantehene, assuming the stool name Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. With this sacred honor, he undertook the responsibility of leading his people with wisdom, embodying a profound respect for Asante traditions and values.
“I’m the grandchild of Nana Agyeman Prempeh. My uncle is Osei… my brother is Opoku Ware II,” he is heard saying in a video recorded from his swearing in ceremony.
The anniversary celebrations are a vibrant tribute to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s illustrious reign and the enduring legacy he has cultivated over the past 25 years.
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A non-denominational thanksgiving service was held on April 26, which marks exactly 25 years of distinguished leadership on the Golden Stool, at the Dwabrem grounds followed by a dinner to raise funds to support the Otumfuo Foundation.
Ahead of the silver jubilee celebrations, Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on Monday, April 15, opened a grand 7,000-capacity multipurpose hall known as the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Jubilee Hall. The Asantehene personally financed the construction of this landmark edifice, showing his commitment to advancing Asante culture and heritage.
The Jubilee Hall, built with modern architectural flair yet reflecting quintessential Asante house settings, is expected to promote economic growth and preserve the rich cultural legacy of the Asante kingdom.
On Wednesday, April 24, the Asantehene hosted 43 ethnic groups domiciled on his land at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
It was an opportunity for the various groups to exhibit their tradition and culture before the King as well as pay homage to him on the Awukudae durbar (Ahorho Da). It was also an affirmation of the bond and friendship between Asanteman and these groups.
Present at the event were dignitaries including Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi, the President of the National House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area; Naa Puowele Karbo III, the Vice President of the National House of Chiefs and the Paramount Chief of the Lawra Traditional Area in the Upper West Region; and the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng.
Speaking at the “Ahoho Da”, the Monarch of the Asante Kingdom noted that Ghana can take a cue from Asantes who have demonstrated their commitment to standing against such acts.
“If truth be told, Asantes are the only group who aren’t tribal when it comes to employing workforce and allotting leadership positions. We make way for all qualified persons to take positions. We are focused on the development of Ghana. Let’s all be one,” Asantehene said.
He added that: “This is a lesson to Ghana that togetherness is keen for development… Let’s come together and work towards our development. Leadership positions must be allotted to competent people and not based on their ethnic backgrounds.”
Also using the evolution of the Asante Kingdom as an example, he noted that different ethnic groups were incorporated in the quest to build it into the great kingdom it is known for today.
“Non-Asantes who settled here to make a living have established their businesses here, all contributing to development. They now call this place home and have become a part of us.”
He added, “Asante Kotoko Sporting Club was established and groomed by the likes of Salisu, Dogo Moro, Abukari and Malik. We recognized them as our own. Why did we name the Sports Stadium after Baba Yara when he was not an Asante? Because he was recognized as one of us. All we need as a country is unity.”
Biography
Born on May 6, 1950, and named Barima Kwaku Dua, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is the youngest of the five children of Nana Afua Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, Asantehemaa (Queenmother of Asante). From early childhood, Barima Kwaku Dua came under the tutelage of his Uncle, Oheneba Mensah Bonsu who had been enstooled as Hiahene in 1952. Oheneba Mensah Bonsu, therefore, ensured that Barima Kwaku Dua benefited from a childhood of careful grooming in Asante traditions and statecraft.
The young Royal was given his Secondary Education at Sefwi Wiawso Secondary School in the Western Region of Ghana where his guardian was Nana Kwadwo Aduhene II, Omanhene (Paramount Chief) of Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Area. Barima Kwaku Dua returned to Kumasi in 1969 and enrolled at the Osei Kyeretwie Secondary School. He then moved to Accra in 1971 and was admitted at the Institute of Professional Studies, Legon for a course in Accountancy.
Two years later, he travelled to the United Kingdom and continued his accountancy Studies at the Kilburn Polytechnic. He later attended the University of North London where he read Human Resource Development and Public Administration.
By the time he returned to Ghana in 1989 to establish his own business, Transpomech International (Ghana) Ltd., he had behind him a wealth of experience which he had gathered working as Senior Consultant with Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company of Toronto; Finance Officer at the British firm Oxon, in London; and as Personnel Administrator at the Manpower Services Commission attached to Brent Council in London.
Traditional Accomplishments
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has brought peace and reconciliation to his Kingdom ever since he has been in power.
So far he has been able to settle over five hundred land and Chieftaincy disputes which could have sparked agitations and conflicts in his Kingdom and elsewhere.
He has established a solid foundation for co-operation between tradition and modernism, by emphasizing the need for tradition to redefine itself in a rapidly changing world without losing its essence.
During his leadership, the United Kingdom returned 32 gold and silver treasures stolen from the Asante Kingdom more than 150 years ago on a six-year loan.
In recognition of this unique leadership role, the Government of Ghana appointed him Chairman of a Committee of Eminent Chiefs to resolve the Yendi Skin Affairs which had already resulted in the murder of the King of Dagbon and other sub-chiefs and whose effect was the looming conflict which could have destabilized Ghana as a whole. A lot of work has been done in this sphere and the intervention has stemmed the tide favorably.
He has been able to perform these tasks with great wisdom and tenacity of purpose, earning for himself remarkable respect among the people. The vision of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II encompasses education, health and economic development.