President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reached out to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for help in resolving the protracted conflict between the Kusasis and Mamprusis in the Bawku area of the Upper East Region.
Addressing an audience at a birthday dinner held for the Asante King in London on May 6th 2023, President Akufo-Addo praised the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his immense role in the political stability of Ghana.
The president said the Asantehene is ‘an invaluable partner in the governance of Ghana.’
Akufo-Addo mentioned the specific example of the Otumfuo’s involvement in resolving the conflict in Dagbon, where he was a mediator, and expressed hope that the Asantehene will do the same for the Bawku crisis. He urged birthday attendees to “make merry and remember the contributions of Asantehene to national lives, not the least to the stability of our country.
“Remember the role he played in bringing a settlement to the crisis in Dagbon and I am confident he is going to repeat that for me in the Bawku crisis,” he said.
The Bawku crisis is an inter-ethnic conflict between the Kusasis and Mamprusis over land rights, chieftaincy and political power.
The conflict has claimed many lives and properties and has disrupted social and economic activities in the area. The government recently announced that soldiers will be deployed to restore peace.
Otumfuo and Akufo-Addo are in the UK with their spouses for the May 6 coronation of King Charles III.
The 73rd birthday celebration of the Asantehene took place after they had attended the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
This follows the official invitation that was sent to Otumfuo, as was confirmed through a statement issued by the Chief of Staff of the Manhyia Palace, John Badu, that said that the Asantehene had been invited for the coronation ceremony, which is slated for May 6, 2023, with his wife, Lady Julia.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu and Lady Julia will also attend the King’s official reception on May 5, 2023.
The coronation of King Charles III would also be done with that of Queen Consort Camilla.
Already, about 2,000 people have been confirmed to attend the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Prior to the King’s Coronation on Saturday, May 6, 2023, King Charles III today welcomed the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and his wife, Lady Julia, to the Buckingham Palace.
The Asantehene and his wife are in London at the Royal family’s invitation, where they are meeting with other kings and heads of state from around the world.
Today’s photo of King Charles and the Asantehene shows the two laughing together.
They will assemble at Westminster Abbey on Saturday for what is expected to be a feast of pageantry marking the first coronation in over 70 years.
Apart from today’s private audience at Buckingham Palace, they will also attend the King’s official reception for overseas guests on Friday, May 5, 2023.
The leader of the Achuar Nation of the Ecuadorian Amazon, Uyunkar Domingo Peas was also received at the Buckingham Palace today.
The President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, and Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan, and his wife, First lady Linda Ramkalawa will join the Ashanti ruler, Otumfuo Osei Tutu and his wife, Lady Julia to witness King Charles III’s coronation, this is according to the full list of invitees released by townandcountrymag.com.
Members of the Royal Family attending the coronation:
Members of the House of Windsor will be in attendance, including Charles’s sister, Princess Anne; his son, Prince William; and daughter-in-law Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Prince George, his grandson, will be a page of honor at the coronation. His other son, Prince Harry, will attend, but Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will not be in attendance.
All the members of the British royal family we can expect to attend include:
Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis
Princess Anne and her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence
Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, and their children Lady Louise and James, Earl of Wessex
Prince Andrew
Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank
Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall
Peter Phillips
Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent
Prince Michael of Kent and Princess Michael of Kent
Princess Alexandra
Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester and Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester
Princess Margaret’s children Lady Sarah Chatto (and her husband, Daniel Chatto) and David Armstron
The king of the Ashanti kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, may, perhaps already be in the United Kingdom now, ahead of the coronation of Charles III as the new monarch.
This follows the official invitation that was sent to the king, as was confirmed through a statement issued by the Chief of Staff of the Manhyia Palace, John Badu, that said that the Asantehene had been invited for the coronation ceremony, which is slated for May 6, 2023, with his wife, Lady Julia.
It added that Otumfuo Osei Tutu and Lady Julia will meet the British monarch before the coronation on May 4 at Buckingham Palace and also attend the King’s official reception on May 5, 2023.
The coronation of King Charles III would also be done with that of Queen Consort Camilla.
Already, about 2,000 people have been confirmed to attend the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.
On Sunday, April 30, 2023, the Ashantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, his sub-chiefs, and the Ashanti people marked their third Akwasidae for the year 2023.
Several dignitaries, including former President John Dramani Mahama, attended the vibrant event.
The Asantehene celebrated the 24th anniversary of his coronation as the King of the Ashanti Kingdom just before the 3rd Akwasidae.
The Asantehene made his customary grand entrance to the festivities in a palanquin festooned with Kente cloth and gold ornaments, complete with pageantry, drumming, and dance.
Audio-visuals shared by Opemsuo Radio showed the Ashanti King majestically riding in a palanquin as he danced and waved at his subjects and guests.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II can also be seen in a video displaying his Adowa dance skills when he stepped down from the palanquin.
The Akwasidae festival commemorates the time that the Ashanti Golden Stool was magically brought down from heaven and is celebrated once every six weeks on a Sunday.
Every paramount chief in Asanteman (Ashanti Kingdom) observes the Akwasidae in his jurisdiction, however, the main event is held at the Manhyia Palace, in Kumasi.
There, the Asantehene (Ashanti king) sits in a state for his subjects and other visitors to pay him homage.
Atwima Mponua has benefited from the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana’s ambition to make access to the courts fair and appropriate for all.
On the 25th day of April 2023, the Nyinahin court building was commissioned by the Chief Justice, the Member of Parliament, the District Chief Executive and Nananom of the Nyinahin traditional council within the District.
Giving his welcome address, the DCE of the Atwima Mponua Assembly, Isaac Kofi Marfo extolled the feat of the judicial honcho.He called on the resident judge to make maintenance her priority and dispense Justice to all without fear or favour.
Nana Oti Boadua II, the Akwamuhene who was at the program in the stead of his overlord, Nana Ampene Boateng Twum II, was happy about this turnkey project.
He noted that this court edifice will even give a good ambience for justice administration. He commended the government for giving Mponua its fair share of the national cake.
Mr. Isaac Kwame Asiamah, the Member of Parliament for the constituency called on the Chief Justice, to elevate the status to a circuit court.He noted that, Mponua has a vast land with an immense population, and some cases must be settled here without travelling to other jurisdictions.
In addition, the legislator pleaded with Manhyia and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to honour Justice Anin Yeboah for pitching Asanteman to a higher pedigree.
“I am pleading with Otumfuo Osei Tutu to honour such a great son of the land; a Ghanaian who has served as the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee of FIFA is a great achievement,” he posited.
In addition, he thanked the NPP government for projects like Agenda 111, the Law Court, Nursing training and a Stadium.Delivering his keynote address, His Lordship Anin Yeboah told the gathering that, such edifice befits justice delivery.
He advised that, people should use other dispute resolution methods which are less aggressive, less time-consuming and less expensive to get matters resolved.
He maintained, the axiom, ‘Justice delayed is Justice denied’ is a threat to justice delivery and admonished all stakeholders for a swift delivery system that exudes contentment.
Furthermore, he called on all to exercise good candour and seek appellate judgement if they believe the lower courts have erred in their judgements and not to take matters into their hands and act on emotions.
He thanked the Chiefs for availing the parcel of land for the project; he also commended the DCE and his staff for playing a supervisory role from scratch till completion.
The commissioning was done, and the keys were handed over to the registrar of the court for the commencement of their duties.
In attendance were Justice Boakye Yiadom, the northern sector judicial secretary, district security chiefs, the clergy and heads of departments within the district.
The Government has approved a budget of GHȼ2.5 million for this year’s exercise.
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor who announced this at a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, April 26 said it intended to plant 10 million seedlings across the country.
The Green Ghana Project was launched by President Akufo-Addo in 2021 as part of the government’s aggressive afforestation and re-afforestation programme to restore the degraded landscape.
So far, about 31 million seedlings have been planted nationwide with an average survival rate of 81 and 72 per cent in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
“This year, we have revised our target downwards to 10 million trees. This will give us space to devote some resources and attention to the trees planted over the last two years, while not losing momentum on our quest to restore our degraded landscape,” Mr Jinapor said.
He expressed the hope that it would receive the usual massive support from the public to build upon the successes achieved in 2021 and 2022.
He urged the media to carry the message across and mobilise support toward the success of the project.
The Lands Minister appealed to all well-meaning Ghanaians, including chiefs and queen-mothers, religious and faith-based organisations, civil and public servants and students, to support the Ministry to make this year’s Green Ghana Day a success.
“As we did last year, we have compartments for adoption by private institutions, and we will brand these compartments with their names and logos,” he said. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to launch 2023 Green Ghana Day
Seedlings will be made available at the Ministry, District Offices of the Forestry Commission, and at various designated locations for collection on the Day.
The Minister said details of the seedling distribution and pick-up points will be published in due course.
“Trees play a crucial role in our survival and the survival of planet earth…When the last tree dies, the last man dies,” he added.
A Deputy Minister of Lands, in charge of Forestry, Mr Benito Owusu-Biotold the media that it had so far secured 7.5 million seedlings and expected to receive the remaining 2.5 million from donors.
The Forestry Commission provided three million seedlings, the Mineral Commission supplied three million, while Plantation Fund Board and Rotary clubs and churches have supplied 500,000 and one million seedlings, respectively, he said.
The 2023Green Ghana Day will be held on Friday, June 9, 2023, this was announced by Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor.
He said the official launch of the Green Ghana Day will be performed by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in Kumasi in the month of May.
The Green Ghana Day was instituted in 2021 by Government, under the auspices of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, as part of an aggressive afforestation and reforestation programme to restore the lost forest cover of the country. At the maiden edition, over seven million trees were planted, exceeding the target of five million trees. And last year, over twenty-four million trees were planted, exceeding the target of twenty million trees.
Speaking at the Press Briefing, Mr. Jinapor said the 2021 edition had a survival rate of eighty-one percent (81%), while the 2022 edition had a survival rate of seventy-two percent (72%). This, he said, brings the total number of surviving trees for the two years to over twenty-three million (23,000,000).
The Minister underscored the important role trees and forests play in human survival and the survival of the earth. He said this year’s Green Ghana Day will be held under the theme “Our Forests, Our Health,” adding that the theme has been chosen “to reflect the importance of forests in our lives, and to remind us of the many health and related benefits we derive from forests.”
According to Mr. Jinapor, the target for this year’s Green Ghana Day is ten million (10,000,000) trees. He said the target has been revised downwards this year, to ensure that adequate resources and attention are devoted to nurturing the over twenty-three million (23,000,000) trees surviving from the first two editions of the Green Ghana Day. He said seedlings will be made available at the Ministry, the District Offices of the Forestry Commission, and designated locations, for collection on the Green Ghana Day.
The Minister also said opportunities are available for corporate Ghanato adopt compartments in forest reserves to plant, and the forest will be branded with the company’s name and logo. He called on Ghanaians of all walks of life, including traditional authorities, civil and public servants, doctors, lawyers, judges, teachers, nurses, artisans, and all residents of Ghana to support the Project, come out in their numbers, and make this year’s Green Ghana Day a success.
A photo of Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in a handshake with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has warmed the hearts of many Ghanaians.
On either end, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, command their shares of public admiration, though the former mostly outweighs the latter.
And even more recently, because of the impending political season the country is about to enter, news and stories about the vice president have taken on even more interest in the hearts and minds of many.
This is because Dr. Bawumia has been linked to the vacant position of flagbearer (presidential candidate) of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), especially since his president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is no longer going to be in the picture.
But then, there has yet to be any official announcement by the man himself on this new move, although several recent movements of the vice president point to those indications.
That aside, the Asantehene hosted the 2023 Akwasidae Festival over the past weekend in Kumasi.
In attendance were some of the crème de la crème of the country’s political, traditional and affluent class.
Sharing some of the photos from his attendance of the Akwasidae, the Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, posted a photo of the moment the vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, met with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in what appeared to have been a meeting right after the public ceremony.
The Overlord of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has admonished the government to be be mindful in its spending and cut down on frivolous spending.
He said this is necessary to reduce the economic hardship the indiscriminate expenses government has plundered the nation into.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II during the 56th congregation of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi was telling the government to be transparent and candid with the citizens about the true state of Ghana’s economy.
“The current economic difficulty should also serve as a wake up call for all of us to carefully review our economy and implement some significant adjustments.
“The moment has come for us to reduce wasteful spending and direct resources towards economically productive areas in order to improve the quality of life of our people,” he advised.
Meanwhile, the Asantehene wants government to assemble the best of brains in the country irrespective of political affiliation in its final proposal to the International Monetary Fund to get the best value for the country.
“As we move to negotiate with our external creditors, I urge government to bring together the best brains with the requisite expertise from all political perspectives to present the final proposal so that whatever decision the country chooses will be everyone’s responsibility,” he indicated.
The statue, gold-plated shows the Asantehene who is also the Chancellor of the school, in a traditional Kente cloth, with what appears to be royal jewelry on his arms and wrists.
The statue also captures Otumfuo with a head ornament.
The statue which captures Otumfuo’s facial details in an exceptional way could be described as an exact duplicate of his image.
A post shared by the Asante Nation on their Twitter page, showed the Asante King in a pose with some other school officials around the statue.
Here is a glimpse of the statue of Otumfuo:
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has unveiled a giant statue of their Chancellor, the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
KNUST has arguably become the most attractive university in the country in both academics, facilities and human resources. pic.twitter.com/LwjRhZj3Vq
As part of celebrations for the university’s 56th Congregation, the Asantehene,Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has officially commissioned the Jericho Wall Police Station at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on March 17, 2023.
In addition to improving local and campus security, the police station, which is meant to service the university and the neighboring areas, is also projected to increase overall safety.
The KNUSTMotorbikes Patrols was also launched as part of efforts by the Police Administration to improve police visibility and incident response time on the university campus.
This is an initiative to ensure motorized police visibility on the campuses of our universities. University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani was the first to benefit from this initiative with the KNUST being the second.
Also present at the commissioning which took place immediately after the 56th Congregation of the university were the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, the Deputy Education Minister, Rev John Ntim Fourjour, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Rita Akosua Dickinson, the Director-General/NPD, COP/Paul Manly Awini, DG/HRD, COP/Frederick Adu Anim and some other Senior Police Officers and some officials of the university.
A British actor, Idris Elba who recently visited Ghana has described his trip to theManhyia Castle as intriguing.
When filming his documentary on gold, the actor claimed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert that he was shocked to receive an invitation to see Asantehene, who is a major fan of his.
He was invited to join Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the first Akwasidae of the year 2023 – a first for him.
Idris Elba said “so I showed up in my jeans. They were like, no, ‘you got to wear this kente cloth’. It was a really fascinating day. I mean, it was beautiful and the tradition was rich.”
He noted that he was nervous when meeting the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for the first time especially since he was not familiar with how to keep the Kente cloth stable.
Idris Elba told Stephen Colbert that “so when you meet the king, typically what you have to drop the kente cloth shoulder down a little bit and then shake the King’s hand. It’s part of the tradition like a symbol of respect.”
.@idriselba shares his experience meeting the Ashanti king on his trip to Ghana. #Colbert pic.twitter.com/6l8xrAGRZm— The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) March 9, 2023
“This is the first time I’m wearing it and underneath, you just got your shorts on. And my thing kept unravelling. I was like, ‘oh, man, I’m going to meet the king, and it’s going to fall off me and be standing there in my boxers’.”
The Luther actor said he was glad to not have had any mishap occur adding “I did my thing gently. It was actually a really beautiful time. I don’t mean to make fun of it. It was very beautiful.”
Idris Elba was at Manhyia Palace on Sunday to pay homage to Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III during the Akwasidea in February.
He led his movie production crew to take shots of the events for his shoot.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was in attendance Friday, March 3, 2023; when the newly reconstructed Kumasi Central Mosque was inaugurated.
Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, handed over the facility whose expansion he financed, to the Mosque’s committee after it was commissioned on Friday amidst excitement.
The commissioning ceremony was graced by the Asantehene along with the national Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu and a host of distinguished dignitaries including Ministers, MPs, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, regional Imams, Zongo Chiefs, as well as top Muslim and Christian clerics.
The arrival of the Asantehene to the grounds in a video shared by Manyhia-owned Opensuo TV showed the respected chief moving from his palace to the venue with a fleet of cars amid police escort.
He is in his usual flashy black saloon vehicle with the flag of the Ashanti State and upon arrival at the venue is met by his royal retinue as well as some of the other invited guests at the premises.
The mosque was officially commissioned by the Vice President, the Chief Imam and the Asantehene in time for Jummah (Friday congregational) prayers.
In no time after it was opened to the public, the 7000-capacity mosque was filled to capacity with several others praying outside.
As the excited people entered the mosque, some were seen shedding tears of joy in excitement and admiration of the sheer beauty of the mosque.
Watch the arrival of Otumfuo at the premises below:
Relevant portion starts from 14:20 seconds onwards
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8ZdvhnBazY
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President Bawumia said he undertook the project “to the glory of Allah “, and expressed gratitude to God for giving him the strength and the will to be able to complete it single-handedly.
“I am really grateful to the Almighty Allah for giving me the vision, guidance and commitment to be able to undertake this massive project. I was touched by the Almighty Allah when I visited the mosque in 2020 and realised that it needed urgent attention.”
Dr. Bawumia noted that the Kumasi Central Mosque, as one of the oldest mosques in the country, represents the vision of “our forefathers” and expressed his delight at the transformation of the mosque into a modern edifice, befitting the status of Kumasi as a renowned city.
The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, according to certified economist Bernard Oduro Takyi, is the only one who can assist Ghana in overcoming the current obstacle preventing it from receiving the $3 billion bailout from theInternational Monetary Fund (IMF).
According to him, the only obstacle remaining before the government can convince the IMF board that Ghana’s debt is manageable and the $3 billion bailout should be approved is the Chinese government, which is now the only obstacle.
“The Chinese government is going to drag its feet and will not meet Ghana over the money we owe them. What they are likely to do is demand control of key assets of Ghana because we have failed to honour the agreement, we had with them.
“The only way out is for the government to fall on the Otumfuo. It took Otumfuo for Kufuor to get debt cancellation. The only way out is for the Otumfuo to lead the delegation anybody else forget it, it won’t wash.
“The Otumfuo’s seat goes beyond the country… in Africa, he is one of the most respected monarchs. He can speak to Buckingham Palace for the King of England to intervene for Ghana. If any other person leads Ghana’s delegation will not wash,” he said in Twi in an Onua TV interview, on Thursday.
Oduro Takyi, a leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who has defected to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), added that the last person to be leading the country to seek reprieve for its international debt is the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta.
He explained that international lenders to Ghana including China see Ofori-Atta as the cause of the problems in Ghana and they will not be willing to sit with him to discuss the country’s debt.
The government of Ghana started engaging external debtors with the view to getting debt cancellation, especially from the Paris club of creditors.
China holds a third of Ghana’s external debts amounting to $1.7 billion out of a total of $5.7 billion.
Ken Ofori-Atta, according to a Joy News report, told Svenja Schulze, the German Development Minister that China has committed to a bilateral negotiation.
“The big elephant in the room is China as in how they will comport themselves in the comparability of treatment because China wants to do bilateral. We would be visiting China by the end of the week to really discuss how they can envelop as quickly as possible,” he said.
Svenja Schulze on her part assured of German support in helping Ghana to get fair treatment at the Paris club.
The National Chief Imam, His EminenceUsmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, paid a visit to Manhyia palace to express sympathy to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II over the death of the Ashanti Regional Zango Chief, Sultan Umar Farouk.
The late Sultan, who was a close ally of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, died on Thursday, February 23 at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital after a protracted illness.
A Muslim delegation led by the National Chief Imam, the President of Tijaniyya Movement in Ghana, Sheikh Abdul Wadud Haroun Ciessey, and Alhaji Abdullah Ali Barry, Zango Development Chief (Nkosuohene) paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace.
“I know the strong ties between you (Asantehene) and the late regional Zango Chief. His death will obviously come as a big blow to you,” the National Chief Imam said through his spokesperson, Sheikh Armeyaw Shuaib.
“Allah is the one who gives and takes so we just have to thank Allah for a life well lived by the late Sultan Umar Farouk. It is important I come here, in person, to console you. The Muslim community in general has lost a good man.”
His Eminence Dr Sharubutu prayed for the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and the entire the Asanteman for good health and sustainable peace.
The late Ashanti Regional Sarkin Zango, Sultan Umar Farouk, has since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has expressed displeasure over Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI, Bantamahene’s, actions which he said humiliates him as the overlord of the Asante Kingdom.
Bantamahene appeared on February 20, 2023, before Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Kumasi Traditional Council (KTC) over double sales of land to one Mr. Amponsah and a church, creating confusion between the two.
After resolving the land dispute betweenBantamaheneand the parties involved, Otumfuo directed Bantamhene to release all documents on the land to one Mr. Amponsah, whom he first sold the land to, and again directed him to return the money he took from the church within 14 days, as he promised before the traditional council.
Otumfuo further instructed Bantamahene to ensure that by 10 a.m. on February 21, 2023, all documentation on the land should be released to Mr. Amponsah.
Otumfuo, who did not mince words with Bantamahene, said, “Baffour, with the stature of the stool you occupy, if such cases come before me, it means you are disgracing me. This is not the first and second time, Baffour, be careful. If you don’t repent you will supervise your own destoolment; tomorrow I will not forget to dismiss you. Bantamahene don’t deserve this prosecution. You are lowering the stature of the Bantama stool.”
“Baffour, what are you looking for in this world, how much debt do you owe for this too much rush for money, why ? Because of your father, you are making things very difficult for me,” Otumfuo stressed in anger.
Otumfuo further stated that “this is the same way your elder brother came to disturb me until his demise; you are also repeating the same. You are making me regret something. This is not how your father managed things when he became the Bantamahene. Your father was never petitioned before the Kumasi Traditional Council but why always you? So I gave you the inheritance because I knew you would walk in the path of your father. Now look at what you are doing. As we are speaking, there’s another pending charge against you now: on land, you used my name and sold it out.”
Otumfuo stated that Bantamahene doesn’t know the value of the Bantama stool he occupies.
“The stool you sit on as Bantamahene you don’t understand the meaning and the value. If you don’t take care, the stool will sack you. You lose your reputation any time you appear before the traditional council for such wrongdoing.”
To honor the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, thousands of people gathered at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi as part of celebrations for the first Akwasidae of the year 2023.
It was marked with drumming and dancing amidst exchange of greetings, presentation of drinks and other pleasantries.
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II entered the Palace in a palanquin dressed in a kente cloth with gold ornaments around his wrists and arms amidst drumming and firing of musketries.
He was followed by the Queen of the Asante Kingdom, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
The Akwasidae Festival is a magnificent Asante celebration centered on ancestral reverence, remembrance and acknowledgement of past kings and noble feats.
It serves as a celebration of the Golden Stool and a cultural vibrancy that brings together the Asantehene, sub-chiefs, subjects and dignitaries at Manhyia in Kumasi.
The atmosphere was charged with a lot of activities, which include drumming and dancing, cultural display and others.
Lands and spatial planning engineers in the various local assemblies are to appear before the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs over the poor spatial planning of Kumasi.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, expects the professionals to be assertive in decongesting the city through proper planning.
He has asked the Ashanti Regional Minister to ensure the various town and city planning officers meet the House on the poor siting of structures.
Vehicular congestion and petty trading on pavements have choked parts of Kumasi, depriving the city of its beauty.
Despite the operations of satellite markets, business activities are mostly centered in the central business district.
At a meeting of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs, Bantamahene, Baffour Amankwatia the VI, questioned the Regional Minister on the indiscriminate siting of temporary structures.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, blamed some assembly members for the congestion.
He is hopeful the second phase of the Kejetia redevelopment project will help ease congestion in the city.
The Asantehene however expects professionals in land and spatial planning to properly plan the city.
He has directed the Regional Minister to summon Metropolitan, Municipal and District planning officers to the next meeting of the House.
“Given the situation, the bank authorized the creation of a commemorative coin and offered to help with the acquisition of the coin via the proper channels.
The gold coin will have no monetary value, which means it won’t serve as legal tender or a medium of exchange, he said.
The governor of the Bank of Ghana added: “As a result, the commemorative coin is not expected to display any face value to avoid the risk of being confused with legal tender in circulation. Your Royal Majesty In recognition of the invaluable role and your remarkable achievements, the preservation of peace in the safeguarding of life, the development of Ghana, and ensuring the peaceful coexistence of the citizenry of Ghana, the Bank of Ghana proudly associate itself with the launch of this commemorative gold coin to climax your Majesty’s 20th year as the Asantehene.”
Read the full story originally published on December 13, 2021, by GhanaWeb
A commemorative gold coin has been launched in honour of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
According to him, the Bank of Ghana has been following Otumfuo’s exploits since he was enstooled as the Asantehene over two decades ago.
Dr Ernest Addison explained at the launch of the gold coin in Kumasi on Sunday, December 12, that, “the Bank of Ghana has followed with keen interest the painstaking effort of his Majesty in the mediation of peace in Dagbon and also in ensuring a peaceful transition of power from different political administrations over the past twenty years.
“Under the circumstances, the bank approved the issuance of a commemorative coin and offered to assist to procure the coin through appropriate channels. The gold coin will be of no monetary value, by that we mean it will not be a medium of exchange and not exactly a legal tender.”
The governor of the Bank of Ghana added: “As a result, the commemorative coin is not expected to display any face value to avoid the risk of being confused with legal tender in circulation. Your Royal Majesty In recognition of the invaluable role and your remarkable achievements, preservation of peace in the safeguarding of life, the development of Ghana and ensuring peaceful coexistence of the citizenry of Ghana, the Bank of Ghana proudly associate itself with the launch of this commemorative gold coin to climax your Majesty’s 20th year as the Asantehene.”
About the commemorative gold coin
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on Sunday, December 12, 2021, launched the 24-carat commemorative gold coins as part of celebrating 22 years of his contribution to the peace, stability and development of Ghana.
The launch was under the authorization of the Central Bank, the Bank of Ghana, for Gold Coast Refinery Limited to mint the commemorative gold coins to celebrate the Asantehene.
This is the first time in the history of this country that non-circulating commemorative coins meant to celebrate and honour people, places, events and institutions are being issued.
The commemorative gold coin was issued at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, Sunday marked the last celebration of the Akwasidae festival. The auction of the gold coins will be used to establish a multi-purpose Cultural Resource Centre in Kumasi to promote activities related to traditional and customary conflict resolution in the country.
Key features of the commemorative gold coins
The coins are of 99.99 per cent assay at 24-carat fine gold, with a diameter of 37mm and weight of 31.104 grammes each. It is described by the organizers as the ‘treasured collectors articles’.
“The face of the gold coins bears the image of the Asantehene, with the Adinkra symbols ‘Bi Nka Bi’ and ‘Mpatapo’, which symbolise peace, harmony and reconciliation.
“The reverse bears an image of the Golden Stool (Sika Dwa),” a statement from the organisers said.
He claims that as the pricing of such resources are mostly set by the importing nations, farmers, participants in the agricultural value chain, and the nation’s economy, gain very little from exporting raw materials.
Therefore, he has urged the government and other agricultural industry participants to work toward giving raw agricultural products more value before exporting them to other markets.
In a speech read on his behalf of the Akwamuhene of Kumasi Traditional Council, Asafo Boakye Agyemang Bonsu, the Asantehene expressed that it would be in the country’s best interest to support farmers to improve the quality of their products before sending them onto the market.
He, however, praised Ghana’s gallant farmers who have always worked hard to provide enough food for the populace.
A total of 20 farmers received various awards at this year’s event with Nana Kwadwo Opoku Bonsu, a farmer at Asante Akyem Agogo emerging as the Region’s best farmer.
The Rev. Dr. Stephen Wengam, the newly elected General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana, with a 13-member delegation, has paid a courtesy call on Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene.
The engagement was to introduce the leadership of the Church to the Asantehene and to discuss issues of national development.
Rev. Wengam commended the Asantehene for his unequaled contribution to nation building and the development of Asanteman, particularly, the championing and provision of scholarships for the poor and needy.
He also thanked the Asantehene for his support for churches – releasing lands for church buildings and construction of schools.
Rev Wengam spoke about the global influence of Assemblies of God, citing the worldwide membership of 70 million, Africa membership of 19 million and 600,000 in Ghana and stated the Church’s commitment to rapid socio-economic development.
He appealed to the Otumfuo to invite all political parties to a bipartisan round table to find solutions to the challenges facing the economy and pledged the Church’s readiness to working with every government and all traditional rulers to build a God fearing, united, peaceful and prosperous nation.
The Asantehene congratulated the new leadership and the Assemblies of God, Ghana for their contribution towards the development of Ghana.
He lauded the Church’s evangelistic activities, which had resulted in the spreading of the word of God to every part of the country.
Otumfuor promised to continue to work with every government and all political parties to ensure the peace and development of Ghana.
In a speech read on his behalf at the 19th Ashanti Business Excellence Awards by Sewuahene, Nana Kwaku Sarkodie, the Asantehene expressed worry over the depreciation of the local currency against other foreign trading currencies.
He urged the central bank to implement measures to bring predictability to Ghana`s export and import trade, as well as other international financial transactions.
“I will like to make reference to the unsettling turbulence which has characterized Ghana’s foreign currency market, Since the beginning of the year, there has been an astronomical depreciation of the cedi against Ghana’s major foreign currencies, particularly the US Dollar.
I have no doubt that the Bank of Ghana is doing its best to remedy the situation, but the central bank is doing its best to remedy the situation, but I must urge the central bank to urgently take all the requisite steps within its competence to return the foreign market to stability, in order to bring predictability to Ghana`s export and import trade, as well as other international financial transactions”, he said.
The cedi ended last week with a marginal appreciation, but the cedi has depreciated again to GH¢14.20 to one dollar which is the average quote by the forex bureaus.
The free fall of the cedi coupled with the recent economic crisis in the country has triggered calls for immediate measures to be implemented by the government to resolve the situation.
President Akufo Addo in his address on Sunday, October 30, announced some measures the government intends to put in place to address the fall of the cedi and the current economic crisis.
In a speech read on his behalf at the 19th Ashanti Business Excellence Awards by Sewuahene, Nana Kwaku Sarkodie, the Asantehene expressed worry over the depreciation of the local currency against other foreign trading currencies.
He urged the central bank to implement measures to bring predictability to Ghana`s export and import trade, as well as other international financial transactions.
“I will like to make reference to the unsettling turbulence which has characterized Ghana’s foreign currency market, Since the beginning of the year, there has been an astronomical depreciation of the cedi against Ghana’s major foreign currencies, particularly the US Dollar.
I have no doubt that the Bank of Ghana is doing its best to remedy the situation, but the central bank is doing its best to remedy the situation, but I must urge the central bank to urgently take all the requisite steps within its competence to return the foreign market to stability, in order to bring predictability to Ghana`s export and import trade, as well as other international financial transactions”, he said.
The cedi ended last week with a marginal appreciation, but the cedi has depreciated again to GH¢14.20 to one dollar which is the average quote by the forex bureaus.
According to the Bank of Ghana, however, the local currency is selling at GH¢13.014 on the interbank market. The cedi is also going for ¢15.60 and GH¢13.60 to one pound and one euro respectively.
The free fall of the cedi coupled with the recent economic crisis in the country has triggered calls for immediate measures to be implemented by the government to resolve the situation.
President Akufo Addo in his address on Sunday, October 30, announced some measures the government intends to put in place to address the fall of the cedi and the current economic crisis.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has appealed to the Bank of Ghana to take necessary steps to stabilize the forex market.
In a speech read on his behalf at the 19th Ashanti Business Excellence Awards by Sewuahene, Nana Kwaku Sarkodie, the Asantehene expressed worry over the depreciation of the local currency against other foreign trading currencies.
He urged the central bank to implement measures to bring predictability to Ghana`s export and import trade, as well as other international financial transactions.
“I will like to make reference to the unsettling turbulence which has characterized Ghana’s foreign currency market, Since the beginning of the year, there has been an astronomical depreciation of the cedi against Ghana’s major foreign currencies, particularly the US Dollar.
I have no doubt that the Bank of Ghana is doing its best to remedy the situation, but the central bank is doing its best to remedy the situation, but I must urge the central bank to urgently take all the requisite steps within its competence to return the foreign market to stability, in order to bring predictability to Ghana`s export and import trade, as well as other international financial transactions”, he said.
The cedi ended last week with a marginal appreciation, but the cedi has depreciated again to GH¢14.20 to one dollar which is the average quote by the forex bureaus.
According to the Bank of Ghana, however, the local currency is selling at GH¢13.014 on the interbank market. The cedi is also going for ¢15.60 and GH¢13.60 to one pound and one euro respectively.
The free fall of the cedi coupled with the recent economic crisis in the country has triggered calls for immediate measures to be implemented by the government to resolve the situation.
President Akufo Addo in his address on Sunday, October 30, announced some measures the government intends to put in place to address the fall of the cedi and the current economic crisis.
Vice President, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, says it is wrong to measure the government’s performance only by the current post-COVID-19 economic difficulties.
He said the country’s economic outlook before the onset of the pandemic was positive; thus the reason the government continued to attribute the current crises to factors emanating from the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.
“Judging government by the development in the global space and not including the performance of the economy when we assumed office in 2017 to 2020 is an anti-climax. And we all know that period gave us a strong economy.”
Dr. Bawumia said this in an address at the 60th Anniversary celebration of Hogbetsotsoza at the Anloga park.
History was made when Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II, the Asantehene, and his entourage of chiefs, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse and his retinue of chiefs and Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II, the Kwahuhene’s delegation participated in the event.
He said the government had chalked many successes across all sectors, including school infrastructure, railways, fish landing sites, interoperability, restored teachers and nurses allowances as well as many transformational policies and programmes.
He said these successes were unequal to successive governments’ performance on all fronts.
Dr. Bawumia said the government was working assiduously to stem the high food and fuel prices and urged Ghanaians to be patient.
He identified with the strong cultural heritage of the Anlo people, which is a panacea for the development of the creative industry, an enabler, and a driver for sustainable national development.
He said Keta and Anloga continued to harness a chunk of the tourism traffic and urged the residents to maintain the peace at all times.
Togbi Sri III, the Awoamefia of Anlo, said COVID-19 denied them the organization and celebration of the festival for two years, the same way its effects were wreaking havoc on the economy.
He said the Russia-Ukraine war had added another dimension to the crisis with escalating fuel hikes, food shortages, and high inflation.
He appealed to the people to remain patient with the government for a permanent solution to the difficulties.
The Awoamefia bemoaned the increasing exodus of professionals from the Anlo enclave compared to their collective support for the development of the area.
He said the time had come for them to redirect their efforts at building a solid Anlo state to serve as motivation for the young ones.
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II said his forefathers and the Anlos forged a military pact, which he wanted to practicalize through development to benefit the two kingdoms on a win-win situation.
He said he had been yearning for an occasion like this to demonstrate to the whole world that Asantes and Anlos were inseparable and could only work to better the fortunes available to them.
He said it was time to maximize the human resources of the two kingdoms and improve the productivity and creativity of their people.
Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II, the Kwahuhene, said he agreed to particiate in the festival to forge stronger ties due to the mindset of the people towards work and peacebuilding.
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, who presided, appealed to the Anlos to unite and forge a common front for development to thrive, adding close ranks and not allowing politicians to divide them.
The festival also known as Hogbeza, commemorates the legendary exodus of the Ewe-Dogbo folks from Notsie in present-day neighboring Togo.
The festival was held this year after its suspension in 2020 and 2021 in compliance with COVID-19 protocols and was attended by people from far and near, diplomats, politicians, and the clergy.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will join the Awomefia of Anlo state, Togbe Sri III, to celebrate the Hogbetsotso festival this Saturday, November 6, 2022 in Keta in the Volta Region.
The historical visit to the Volta Region, while it will not be the first time, is hugely anticipated to add to the grandeur of the meeting between the two powerful traditions in the country.
The relationship between Asante and Anlo states dates back to the 19th century during the reign of Asantehene Kofi Karikari, when the Asante, Akwamu and Anlo States formed a tripartite alliance during the Asante-Krepi War (1869-1872).
This year’s celebration is on the theme ‘60 Years of Anlo Hogbetsotso Za: Uniting for Development, Sustaining our Unique Cultural Commonwealth for Future Generations’.
The Ashanti and Ewe royalties in one place for a historical event! That’s what’s happening in a few hours.
On Saturday, November 5, 2024, the Ashanti King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II will meet the Ewe Paramount Chief, Awoemefia Togbi Sri III to mark the 2022 Hogbetsotso Festival in the Volta Region.
It could be added to the historical books containing records of the long-lasting cordial relationship with Ashanti and Ewe royalty.
As part of efforts to mark the 60th edition of the historical festival this year, the Awoemefia who is the Paramount Chief of all Anlo States invited Otumfuo Osei Tutu, the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Paramount Chief of Kwahu Traditional Area, Daasebre Akumoah Agyapong II and the current King Agorkoli of Nortsie of Togo.
Ahead of the event, a list has emerged online that is allegedly the full list of people who will form the entourage accompanying the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to the 2022 Hogbetsotso Festival.
While GhanaWeb cannot independently confirm the authenticity or otherwise of the list, the list indicates that there will be a total of 211 people.
According to the list, there will be 8 Nkonwasoafuo, 25 Afenasoafuo/Atuntufuo, 10 Kyineyetufuo, 1 Apimasantan, 1 Sika Akua, 4 Sanaafuo, 10 Afotosanfuo, 10 Abenasanfuo, 10, Nsumankwafuo, 6 Asomfo, and 8 Nseneefuo.
The others are 4 Danponmu/Papahufuo, 8 Ahoprafuo, 10 Akyemfuo, 3 Somisisi, 5 Adwareye, 5 each for Adum/Abrafuo, 2 Animuyesum, 10 Fontomfrom/Atumpan, 10 Fontomfromsuafuo, 4 Mpebi/Nkrawi, 4 Apeede, 4 Kwadwomfuo. 2 Drugya, and 10 Nyahera.
The rest are 10 Kokwanagya, 5 Mentiahyenfuo, 6 Sodoofuo, 2 Camera Men, and 3 Video Men.
Ewe-Ashanti relations:
Contrary to perceptions that Akans and Ewes have some rather unresolved differences and don’t meet ‘eye to eye’, the two have had inseparable relationship between the Anlos and the Ashantis.
Per history, a treaty was signed in 1865 between the then Asantehene and Awoemefia. Both leaders agreed at this point, to halt any further fights between them and forge to become allies.
2022 Hogbetsotso:
The theme for the celebration is “60 Years of Anlo Hogbetsotso Za: Uniting for Development, Sustaining our Unique Cultural Commonwealth for Future Generations”.
The Hogbetsotso Festival is a migratory festival that has been celebrated by the Anlos for many years now.
It also serves as a uniting event for citizens of Anlo both at home and abroad. It is one big event that attracts lots of tourists from far and near to see the beautiful display of culture and tradition.
The President of any country usually moves around with a convoy for official, sometimes ceremonial occasions; albeit with varying number of vehicles that escort same.
In Ghana, President Akufo-Addo, like other presidents before him, are seen during many official and ceremonial events, being escorted by a number of vehicles, usually V8.
It was a similar sight when President Akufo-Addo was captured leaving the palace of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in his presidential vehicle, being escorted by a convoy.
This was after the President paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene at the Manhyia palace during his tour of the region earlier this month.
A set of black V8 vehicles lined up at the frontage of the Manhyia Palace and drove off one after the other after the President sat and was ready to move.
President Akufo-Addo, during his visit, touched on issues regarding illegal mining and how to deal with the canker.
Meanwhile, the president has been criticized on some occasions in the past, for using a long convoy when going on trips around the country.
The 2023 National Budget, which will be put up to Parliament for approval in November 2022, would reportedly incorporate the agreements negotiated with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the bailout it is requesting.
After early talks, the IMF stated that Ghana’s government only needed to demonstrate that its debt level is manageable in order to receive the rescue it is seeking.
Bright Simons, vice president of IMANI Africa, and other analysts have hinted that it will be extremely difficult for the government to reach an agreement with the IMF before the budget is presented in the following three weeks.
Renowned economist and statesman, Kwame Pianim, has said that the information he has indicates that the bailout negotiations are not going well.
This is the time the country needs someone like the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, whose intervention, according to former President John Dramani Mahama, was critical to Ghana getting an IMF programme in 2015.
Mahama, in February 2022, said that he called on Otumfuo Osei Tutu to enquire from him whether he could get his friend, the then President of the World Bank, James D. Wolfensohn, to work on the IMF programme for the government, and the Asantehene readily accepted the request.
“Because of that programme, he (Otumfuo) flew to Washington to have talks with Mr. Wolfensohn, who, together with Otumfuo, went and spoke with the IMF Director, Madam Christine Lagarde, and within a short period of time, we had the Extended Credit Facility,” the ex-president said.
To date, the Otumfuo has not commented on the current IMF negotiations the government is having, probably because it has refused to call for a national dialogue on the current economic crisis like the one Mahama’s administration had in 2014.
“If the Akufo-Addo government needs the IMF bailout as it has indicated to help turn the economy around them it has to start bringing people like Otumfuo on board,” the former president said.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has once again berated the government for failing to take the needed steps to curb the menace of illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey.
According to the Asantehene, the government knows the politicians and government officials who are financing galamsey activities but has failed to arrest them, and it is rather arresting and prosecuting galamseyers, who are mere tools being used by these politicians.
He added that if the government does not start arresting persons who finance galamsey activities, it will never be able to stop the menace.
“We all know that the galamsey we are all talking about is being championed by some Ghanaians and these Chinese and other nationals they bring in. You are pretending as if you don’t know the people who are into it, but you know all of them.
“You are always arresting galamseyers at the sites, but who takes the gold away? Do the illegal miners on the field have the money to buy the excavators they are using; can they afford the chamfans? It is someone who has bought these equipments for them. The illegal miners are people who don’t have jobs and have been employed by these financers and are being paid daily. What have they done wrong?
“Government officials, politicians are all implicit in the galamsey menace. They have all bought these excavators and the chamfans… If we don’t arrest them, then we are deceiving ourselves with this fight against galamsey,” he said in Twi at the Manhyia Palace as he was receiving a document on galamsey from the Multimedia Group.
The Asantehene said that the very thing about galamsey is that it is destroying water sources for many people.
He added that if galamsey is not stopped, it will very soon contaminate the country’s cocoa which will have a devastating effect on Ghana’s economy because no country will accept Ghana’s cocoa exports.
Meanwhile, the pollution of water bodies by galamsey seems to be getting to the sea.
A viral video sighted by GhanaWeb showed how galamsey activities had heavily polluted parts of the Atlantic Ocean along the Central Region.
The narrator in the video indicated that the sea, which was looking brownish, was being polluted by galamsey water from the Pra River.
“I’m here at Awona beach, off the Cape Coast road towards Takoradi. You can see the ocean over here. See how brown it is. That is all from the River Pra. That is all muddy matters from galamsey actives.
“See all the way over there, the Pra River all the way, all this water is brown. All galamsey water,” he said.
Discussions have previously focused on what Article 276 of the 1992 Constitution states: “Chiefs shall not actively participate in party politics but any of them who are competent for any public office may be so appointed” (paraphrased).
There have been several arguments and refutations throughout the years regarding the practicality of this and its applicability to the nation’s present political climate.
But there has always been one aspect of the role of traditional leaders in politics that has always been welcomed: the fact that chiefs are free to pass comments on national issues or generally on matters that involve the development of the country.
And this feature article focuses on exactly that; looking at what some prominent traditional leaders in the country have said about some major things in the country, as well as about other people.
But even more specifically, what is it that some three prominent traditional leaders done that have given Ghanaians a lot to talk about?
Here they are:
Togbe Afede XIV
In June 2022, the Paramount Chief of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, grabbed major headlines when he decided not to accept an amount of over GH¢365,000 ex-gratia paid to him for serving on the Council of State between 2017 and 2020.
According to him, it was not appropriate to receive the said amount when he had been paid monthly for serving as a Council of State member.
In a press statement on Monday, June 6, the traditional leader said he did not think the over GH¢365,000 ex-gratia was made to trap him.
“While working on my tax returns towards the end of last year, I received tax receipts from the Council of State Secretariat that indicated that some money was paid into my bank account in July, 2021 as ‘Ex Gratia’ for my four-year work as a member of the Council of State, 2017-2020.
“I applied for and received a statement from my bankers that confirmed that indeed some money was paid into my account. I eventually confirmed from the Council of State Secretariat that the sum of GH¢365,392.67 was paid into my account as Ex Gratia.
“I did not think the payment was made to trap me, as is being speculated. I believe it was paid to everybody who served on the Council of State. However, I thought that extra payment was inappropriate for a short, effectively part-time work, for which I received a monthly salary and was entitled to other privileges. So, I was very uncomfortable with it,” Togbe Afede XIV explained in his statement.
This news became a talking point for many people in the country, with some praising the chief for the gesture, while others called him out for what they believed was a hypocritical decision.
Expressing shock over the criticisms in a radio interview later, Togbe Afede XIV reiterated that his four-year part-time job as a Member of the Council of State does not merit such quantum of money as an extra reward.
“My joy turned sadness because I knew there was no way I would spend that kind of money. I was very surprised about the sheer quantum of money that I was going to be paid, and I thought that for four years of work, that in all honesty, it was part-time work, I did not think that it merited such amount of extra reward, after I have enjoyed monthly salaries.
“Of course, there are other privileges whether I enjoyed them or not is neither here nor there…but I thought the salaries were more than enough,” the former Council of State member explained.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
Being arguably the most powerful traditional leader in Ghana, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, grabbed major headlines last week when he was reported to have rejected the candidacy of the former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC), Dr. Kofi Kodua Sarpong.
Dr. K. K. Sarpong had been nominated as the Paramount Chief of Offinso, but according to the Asantehene, his objections to the nomination was because it did not follow due process.
He said that family heads who led the nomination process of Dr. Sarpong did not have the mandate to do so and that they also failed to consider some persons who have rights to the Offinso stool.
“Kofi Kodua Sarpong has lived a good life, he has achieved a lot in life. If he is the person, you the elders of Offinso want, you should have come to me and told me that you want him to be your chief if I accept him. Is that not what you should have done? And now that you have gone your own way and you are having difficulties you are coming to me for what?
“I have cancelled all the pleas of the family head (Atta Kwabena). Mother, I have cancelled the pleas he (the family head) brought to you because the family head himself does not have the right to come close to the stool and for that matter bring you pleas. There is a curse on him that he was to take off.
“That is why I was asking the elders why they will let someone with a curse on him lead their plea. That is the issue I have. I have cancelled the nomination process.
“I know that Kofi Konadu Sarpong is the person you want as chief if that is true come and tell me about it. I know that you have sat with him and have come to an agreement. But the person leading your plea does not have the right to do so now,” the Asantehene said in Twi at the Manhyia Palace in a video shared by Opemsuo Radio and sighted by GhanaWeb.
Background:
The Offinso paramount seat became vacant in October 2021 after the passing of the late Paramount Chief, Nana Awiafe Akenten III after a short illness at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi.
The late Offinsomanhene had occupied the Wiafe Akenten traditional stool for 28 years, following his enstoolment in November 1993.
As tradition demands, a new candidate must be nominated and duly vetted by the traditional processes to replace the deceased chief.
There have however been controversies surrounding the nomination of the former GNPC Boss, K.K Sarpong after he was proposed by the Offinso Queenmother, Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko.
His candidacy has mostly been contested because of suggestions by some royal factions that he is not a royal nor has any entitlement to the stool.
The paramount chief of Offinso is the third in command in the Asante Kingdom.
Amotia Ofori Panin II
The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia ofori Panin, has been the most recent traditional leader to have grabbed major headlines for what he said.
Speaking at the inauguration of Archeaconry Service held at the St. Martin Anglican Church in Kyebi in the Abuakwa South Municipality of the Eastern Region on Sunday, October 23, 2022, the traditional leader described persons criticizing the work of the president as ‘villagers’ and ‘witches.’
The chief called on Ghanaians to appreciate the significant contribution of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to the country and stop running down the president.
“We must appreciate the feat of the president and show him appreciation for what he has done for Ghana. We must defend and protect him.
“… those insulting the president are children of villagers. They are uncivilized. No well-nurtured person will insult an elderly. If you were raised in the church, you will not insult an elder. If you are not a villager then you may be a witch or wizard,” he said without mincing words.
Following this, there have been many reactions from the public, with some politicians, including the New Patriotic Party’s former Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Obiri Boahene.
He described the chief’s comments as unfortunate, adding that rather than insulting the critics of the president, he should have urged Akufo-Addo to listen to those with genuine concerns.
“Let me be very honest. Such a comment coming from a big chief is not in good taste. You are not some small chief, you are a big chief and you were not talking to your friend, you were talking in public and you uttered such words, it is not good.
“You don’t have to support the NDC or the NPP to make such comments. It was an opportunity for him to urge the president to listen to the cries of Ghanaians. You don’t just call people witches and wizards. It is not good,” he said in Twi in a Neat FM interview monitored by GhanaWeb.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, openly rejected the nomination of Dr. K.K Sarpong, Former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC) as was captured in a video that made rounds on Friday, October 21, 2022.
In the said video, the Ashanti King clearly indicated his displeasure about how the nomination process for Dr. K.K Sarpong was done.
While nullifying this and asking for kingmakers to follow the appropriate traditions as regards his nominations, Otumfuo Osei Tutu mentioned 5 main reasons he was rejecting the said nomination of Dr. Sarpong.
They were outlined as follows;
1. Family heads who led the nomination process of Dr. Sarpong were not qualified and didn’t have the mandate to do so. He noted that the family head (Atta Kwabena) who presented the pleas to him did not have the right to come close to the stool because he had a curse on him that had to be taken off.
2. Some family heads had reported to him (Otumfuo) that the name (KK Sarpong) presented to the queen mother for nomination as chief was not a royal.
3. They failed to consider other persons who have rights to the Offinso stool
4. They should have presented their thoughts about nominating him (K K Sarpong) as a candidate before him (Otumfuo) and asked for his permission and input.
5. Due process wasn’t followed by the family heads and queen mother for the selection process.
Asantehene cancels nomination:
The Asantehene further noted that despite his good relationship with the candidate, KK Sarpong, he expects that the right thing must be done.
He subsequently cancelled and nullified their nominations and asked that they do the right thing and return to him when all the processes have been followed accordingly.
“What went on, I know but what hurts me is that Kofi Kodua Sarpong, I have a good relationship with him so if you want him to be chief and you don’t come to me with the truth…the right thing must be done.
“There are a lot of narrations about the people deserving of the stool, you are making the complications complicated.
“I cancel every nomination. The person who brought you the pleas is not deserving until the curse is taken off. Why did you elders allow such a person to lead the process?
“I know you have sat with KK Sarpong and agreed he is the one you want, follow due process and present it to me,” Otumfuo further added.
Background:
The Offinso paramount seat became vacant in October 2021 after the passing of the late Paramount Chief, Nana Awiafe Akenten III after a short illness at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi.
The late Offinsomanhene had occupied the Wiafe Akenten traditional stool for 28 years, following his enstoolment in November 1993.
As tradition demands, a new candidate must be nominated and duly vetted by the traditional processes to replace the deceased chief.
There have however been controversies surrounding the nomination of the former GNPC Boss, K.K Sarpong after he was proposed by the Offinso Queenmother; Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko.
His candidacy has mostly been contested because of suggestions by some royal factions that he is not a royal nor has any entitlement to the stool.
The paramount chief of Offinso is the third in command in the Asante Kingdom.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has described the country’s fight against galamsey as a charade.
Addressing sub-chiefs in the region at the first General Meeting of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs in 2022, the Ashanti Kingdom’s paramount chiefbemoaned the government’s failure to effectively combat the canker, despite measures in place to curb it.
Dissatisfied with the situation, the Asantehene referred to the efforts as a sham.
“I hate these lies. The fight is full of lies. I hate lies. They should give us a break. It is full of lies,” he stressed.
Venting his spleen, he alleged that the government is very much aware of the financiers and true perpetrators of illegal mining, however, they have employed gimmicks to shield such persons.
This, according to him, is the main factor derailing the fight against galamsey.
“Are they saying they don’t know those behind galamsey in Ghana? The gold ends up being sold abroad. So who is behind the sale of gold abroad? Is it not the financier? How come he is not arrested?” he asked.
“You send military men to galamsey sites; they end up arresting labourers covered with mud. Can this man be the one behind galamsey? This is someone hired by a big fish to work at his site. Who is the final receiver of the gold? How come the one who bought excavators is left off the hook?” a baffled Asantehene could not hold back his frustration.
He believes once the financier is arrested, galamsey will be a thing of the past.
Expressing his frustrations further, he noted that “the military as usual photographs a poor labourer whose body is always covered in dirt; a man who receives partly 200, 300 cedis from a financier. Then they say they have arrested galamsey operators. You will find nothing on that man when he is searched,” he noted.
“What then happens to the financier? How come he is not arrested,” he further asked.
The Galamsey fight
Recall that President Akufo-Addo in 2017, put his presidency on the line with a commitment to end illegal small-scale mining, popularly called galamsey, in Ghana.
However, five years down the line, the galamsey fight has been described by many as a lost battle, following failed efforts to efficiently deal with the menace.
At the meeting of the chiefs, the Asantehene bemoaned the adverse impact of galamsey and its related activities on the environment and questioned his sub-chiefs on their efforts to curb the menace.
Also, he cautioned them against taking incentives from perpetrators of illegal mining, adding that “whoever has benefited financially from galamsey will surely pay for it.”
The Asantehene, OtumfuoOsei Tutu II is questioning the neutrality of his chiefs in illegal mining activities.
He questioned why the chiefs under his authority have been silent and failed to voice their complaints about the environmental damage done by illegal miners, particularly to water bodies in their areas.
Have you ever informed me that your water bodies are being destroyed and your people can’t get water to drink? He quizzed when he addressed the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs in Kumasi on Friday.
The Asantehene’s comments followed an appeal to chiefs by the Administrator of Stool Lands to help stop activities of illegal mining which have wreaked havoc on farmlands and led to the destruction of cocoa farms.
Maame Ama Edumadze Acquah observed that the chiefs risk a decline of their share in the payment of revenue from stool lands since several cocoa farms have been destroyed by illegal mining activities.
Infuriated by the observation, the Asantehene wondered how chiefs who have sworn allegiance to protect lands on his behalf have kept mute over the operations of illegal miners.
Are you not aware that people are using excavators to mine and destroy the environment, and that the government is struggling with the fight? You’ve sworn an oath of allegiance to be custodian of Essumenja, Asokore, as Asokorehene to be my representative. When you pass by galamsey sites with your cars and flags hoisted on them, don’t you see the destruction? Otumfuo quipped.
The government has struggled with the fight against illegal mining.
The introduction of military-led interventions such as Operation Vanguard, Galamstop, Operation Halt, has yet to help stem the tide.
A recent Joynews Hotline Documentary, “Destruction for Gold” catalogued the destruction of farmlands, forest reserves and water bodies by illegal mining activities.
The destruction means millions of Ghanaians have been denied their livelihoods.
According to the Asantehene, though the chiefs have no arms to fight the illegality, they could have taken advantage of laid down traditional structures such as the Regional House of Chiefs or the Asanteman Council to drum home the galamsey issues.
It is true you have no arms but what did you do? We have our laid down structures here. You could complain here or when we meet at the Asanteman Traditional Council.
You have kept mute because the miners have been home and given you money. I hear your share of gold is sent to you at home. What about that? he quizzed.
The Chief Justice, Kwasi Anin-Yeboah has announced the judges residential complex in Kumasi in the Ashanti region is going to be commissioned next week Monday.
The Chief Justice said this when he was speaking during a meeting with the leadership of Judicial Service Staff association of Ghana in Accra on Tuesday October 11.
Explaining why he appeared late at the meeting, he said “Please accept my apology for not being here on time. Indeed, yesterday I was unable to come to work because I had to attend to more pressing matter in Kumasi and I came just this morning. As some of you may be aware, we are going to commission the residential complex in Kumasi on Monday and we have invited some of the Directors to be with us.
“So, I had to spend the whole time with the consultant, the contractors, and the regional Minister.”
In April last year, President Akufo-Addo cut sod for the construction of 20 residential facilities for Court of Appeal judges in Kumasi.
Supported by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and the Chief Justice, Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah, President Akufo-Addo cut the sod to signify the beginning of construction works for the accommodation facilities.
“With the collaboration of the Ministry of Local Government and the District Assembly Common Fund, 20 townhouses and a guesthouse are being built to be used as permanent residences for Court of Appeal Judges based in Kumasi, who will be mandated to handle cases in the northern part of the country,” Mr Akufo-Addo said.
Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School (OKESS) over the weekend celebrated its 85th anniversary in grand style as it held a colourful speech and prize-giving day to mark the joyous occasion.
The event was well attended by prominent personalities such as John Ntim Fordjour (Deputy Education Minister), Francis Asenso-Boakye (Works and Housing Minister and Bantama MP), Daniel Okyem Aboagye (former Bantama MP) and a host of other old students of the school of high repute.
One key personality who attended the event was Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the overload of the Ashanti Kingdom, who also happens to be an old student of the institution.
Otumfuo arrived at the venue for the program in a convoy. The convoy at least had five Land Cruiser V8s well as a police vehicle accompanying it per video sighted by GhanaWeb.
On his arrival, the Asantehene was welcomed by Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah and also flanked by some traditional leaders amidst drumming and singing. Otumfuo, who wore a suit to the event, was also seen guarded by a police officer and a soldier.
Before the Asantehene mounted the podium to address the gathering, a dancer danced to traditional drumming before Otumfuo spoke.
In a brief address to the gathering, Otumfuo said he was present at the event to inspire students as well as to prove that he is an old student of the school.
“I came because of the students here. I came here for you to know that I am a past student of this school. I came to inspire you that if I have been able to pass through the school to the level I am now, you also can achieve what you have set for yourself,” he said in Twi.
The revered king further pledged to finance the construction of a toilet facility for female students of the school. To this end, he has asked the board chairman to furnish him with the estimates for the project on which he intends to embark on.
Additionally, he asked the board and headmaster of the school to further bring estimates for ICT things the school needs.
“The board chairman told me the female students do not have a toilet facility. I will ensure that it is constructed for them. There are two ICT things and I have asked Dr. Opoku Adusei, the board and headmaster to bring the estimates so that they come for money for it. This is the beginning just to show that I have not forsaken the school,” Otumfuo stressed.
The Overlord of Mamprugu, Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga has expressed appreciation to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and other Chiefs around the country, for protecting their son, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The Nayiri welcomed Dr. Bawumia and his delegation, made up of members of Government from various parts of the country, to his Palace on Tuesday morning, before the Vice President commenced his working tour of the North East Region.
As members of the Vice President’s powerful delegation were introduced one after the other, the Nayiri realised that the delegation was made up of people from different parts of the country.
He acknowledged the diversity of the delegation during his address and commended Dr. Bawumia for being inclusive, adding that the diversity of the delegation is also an indication that the Vice President is widely accepted and also has a very good relationship with people.
To the members of the delegation, the Nayiri urged them to continue to work together with the Vice President until the right destination is reached.
“You have come far with the Vice President and since you have not yet reached your destination, you cannot complain of being tired. The plea to all of you is that, continue to lend support to the Vice President so that we will all get to our preferred destination.”
Expressing gratitude to all present and Chiefs for supporting the Vice President to serve, the Nayiri delivered a special message to the Asantehene, through members of the delegation from the Ashante Region.
“The Asantehene is a blood brother to the Nayiri and a very good friend. Each time they are together and they speak the same language. So those of you from Ashanti, when you get back, go to the Asantehene and tell him that his brother, his friend extends warm greetings to him and expresses his gratitude to him for protecting our son. I also request his continuous support for his son so that he can get to where he wants to get to.”
The Nayiri urged Dr. Bawumia to continue to work hard in service to the nation, assuring that God will reward his efforts.
The Vice President has been on a working visit to the since Sunday. After spending two days in the Northern Region, he started the a tour of the North East Region.
Members of his delegation is made up of Ministers, MPs, Senior Government and Party Officials, former party executives and other party stalwarts.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will today Wednesday, October 5 meet with the National House of Chiefs and various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) over the illegal small-scale mining, galamsey, menace.
The meeting will take place at Manhyia, in the Ashanti Regional capital. It is expected that the meeting will see the various stakeholders proffer solutions on how to deal with the galamsey menace which has become very topical in recent weeks due to the polluted nature of water bodies and general environmental degradation.
Many civil society organizations have expressed concerns over the heavy pollution of water bodies which has compelled the Ghana Water Company Limited to threaten to shut down operations in some mining communities.
Pressure group, Occupy Ghana, has urged President Akufo-Addo to declare a state of emergency in mining areas and to recommit to the fight against the illegal activity.
The President, it will be recalled placed his presidency on the line in 2017 over the galamsey menace. However, many hold the view that the fight has not been a success as a result of the state of water bodies as well as the face that some top officials have been found complicit in the fight.
Nana Akufo-Addo opines that he paid a political price for his fight as he lost votes and in some cases, NPP lawmakers also lost their seats in mining areas in the 2020 elections.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has had cause to speak on the matter when US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, paid a courtesy call on him.
He wondered why the country has failed to stop the menace of ‘galamsey’ even after the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, had put his political career on the line to stop it.
Asantehene also questioned why the security apparatus in these ‘galamsey’ areas and the taskforce set up by the government have failed to stop the menace.
He intimated that small-scale mining was something that had been done for serveral years but never to the detriment of the environment.
“It has gotten to a point where people are now using equipment and all that. They do not care about the environment.
“But the question is who is in control of the security around the area. From the district level to the highest level. We are all talking about ‘galamsey’. The government set up this military cum police to stop galamsey. Why have we not been able to stop it? Why?” he asked.
The revered king further absolved traditional authorities from blame over the menace stating that the political class ought to rather be blamed.
But speaking at the 40th anniversary celebration of the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources (FRNR) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Lands and Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor insisted that traditional authorities as well local assembly members were complicit in the matter.
“I can say without a shred of equivocation no one can bring a chain saw to harvest rosewood in the forest or an excavator to mine in the bush, to work on river bodies in the community without the knowledge or passive approval somehow of the chief, elders, the assemblymen, opinion leaders and local authorities in the community,” he stated.
Asantehene has urged the youth in Ghana to choose the nursing profession because they have the heart for it and not because of its relative job assurance and other benefits that come with being in nursing training institutions.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said that most people go into nursing and teaching not because of the love they have for these professions and they end up becoming frustrated.
The Asantehene, who made these remarks when a team from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana paid him a courtesy call, reiterated that only people who have the calling can become good nurses.
“If you don’t have the heart for the nursing profession don’t go into it because you will not be able to do the work effectively.
“People who go into nursing because it is a reliable source of employment are mostly not happy. People who are called, who love taking care of people are those who become better nurses.
“If you want to become a good nurse it must come from your heart. You must have patience. Dealing with sick people is very stressful but you are the person who will be taking care of them. You have to help bedridden people ease themselves, you must bathe them and so on. In all these, it is the empathy that you have that can make you an excellent nurse,” he said in Twi.
There is often this rift between persons belonging to the Akan and the Ewe ethnic groups, with each group accusing the other of some disrespect.
But this was not the case at the celebration of the 7th Akwasidae in the Asante calendar at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, on Monday, October 4, 2022, which was attended by many dignitaries, including an Ewe chief, the chief of staff of the Forum for Kings and Traditional Leaders of Africa, Torgbui Gobah Tengey.
During a speech at the event, Torgbui Gobah Tengey, who is also an International Peace Ambassador, described the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as the greatest monarch in the world.
He also praised the Ashantehene for his role in the maintenance of world peace.
“His Majesty, my great brother, the greatest monarch of the world today by your deeds. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is a King of Peace. He has performed creditably, to the admiration of the whole world.
“We call each other brothers. As an Ewe man, he loves me to the narrow. So, when we see each other, we are always smiling at each other. Otumfuo is a great King, a peacemaker, a loving father. Your peaceful overturns are unparalleled. A few years ago, you were at the United Nations, (and) you surprised the whole world with your oratory, ‘The African is a Great Son of the World’.
“You have proved beyond reasonable doubt that Africans can remake the world. And I rely on you, we rely on you to have that union of fellowship among the rest of Africa so that we can conquer the world,” he said.
Torgbui Gobah even went on to dedicate his “Development Chief of Africa” award which was conferred on him by the President of Congo, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, to the Asantehene.
“As a peace ambassador, I’ve been honoured by the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo through the All Africa Conference of Churches because of my peace overtures in the world.
“It is through your (the Asantehene’s) prayers and blessings that I have reached that level in the world. And I’m showing this honour, for the first time, to you, my mentor, before it goes any were. But I would like you to keep this in your kingdom,” he said.
The United States (US) Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia E. Palmer,has expressed the embassy’s commitment to work with the Manhyia Palace to promote development for the benefit of the people.
Peace-building, economic development and protection of the environment are some of the major areas the embassy would be focusing on, the US envoy said.
“We look forward to being able to discuss the development in the region, and how the US might cooperate with that,” Ms Palmer noted.
“I’m also very much interested, and I know because this is important to the economy of the region, the role of ‘galamsey’, and I know the Asantehene is interested in and working to address it,” she said.
Courtesy call
Ms Palmer gave the assurance when she led a delegation of the embassy to pay a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi last Friday.
The visit was also to inform the Asantehene about her assumption of duty as the successor to Stephanie S. Sullivan, who ended her duty tour in May this year.
The Ambassador was accompanied by a delegation from the US State Department, and Political and Public Affairs sections of the embassy.
Depth of knowledge
Ms Palmer said the Asantehene was not only important to the nation, but the entire world, and that the embassy would, therefore, always seek the needed collaboration with him to enhance the cause of humanity.
She said her office would continue to count “on the Asantehene’s insight into the chieftaincy disputes nationwide, and how they might be a source of conflict, and if there are, solutions to that”.
She commended the Asantehene for his leadership qualities, especially in the area of strengthening the chieftaincy institution.
Otumfuo’s pre-occupation
Otumfuo Osei Tutu welcomed the ambassador, and said the Manhyia Palace was looking forward to building on the existing relationship between the two institutions.
He explained the role and place of the chieftaincy institution within the context of Ghana’s constitutional structure, saying the chiefs served as catalysts for development.
Otumfuo said as a traditional ruler, his preoccupation was to promote peace and harmony and the welfare of the people.
He expressed concern about the political turmoil in neighbouring countries, including Burkina Faso, and their ramifications on the Ghanaian society, particularly the influx of refugees.
The Asantehene urged the US government to support Ghana to build its security system by giving the requisite technical and material aid as Ghana sought to build a peaceful and stable society.
With the instances of terrorist attacks in some West African countries, the Asantehene said it was appropriate that the nation became very vigilant and tightened its borders.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, says he has initiated steps to help resolve the prolonged conflict in Bawku in the Upper East Region.
The Asantehene says Bawku, as a border town, could become an entry point for extremists from Burkina Faso, which has become unstable in recent times.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who spoke during a visit by the US Ambassador to Ghana at the Manhyia Palace, says there are engagements with the National Security Minister and traditional authorities in the North to help resolve the conflict.
“I have had meetings with the National Security Minister to see how best I can be of help. I will speak to the Paramount Chief of the Mamprugu people and the Bawku Na ba to find a way to resolve this. I feel that what is happening in Burkina Faso is porous, and if we are not careful, the porosity of the border will come back to Ghana. We do not have the ability to check what is happening. That is why I’m asking the National Security Minister to give proper intelligence training to control the borders with all the terrorist attacks threats.”
President Nana Akufo-Addo has appealed to the Overlord of the Mamprugu traditional area, and President of the North East Regional House of Chiefs, Naa Bohagu Mahami Sheriga to help restore lasting peace in Bawku.
He said the persistent violence and killings in the Bawku traditional area are unacceptable and must end.
The President was speaking in Nalerigu as part of his tour of the North East Region.
“Mahama was very instrumental among the three eminent chiefs in bringing us to have peace in Dagbon and I know he is also going to be instrumental in making sure that we get peace in Bawku”.
Recent tensions in Bawku have led to several persons being wounded, with some losing their lives.
The recent tensions can be traced to December 27, 2021, when there was gunfire in parts of the town after attempts to perform the final funeral rites of a Chief who died about 41 years ago.
The violence resulted in a curfew being placed on the entire township, a ban on smock-wearing, and a ban on the use of motorbikes.
Though calm has been restored in Bawku, various stakeholders are appealing to factions in the conflicts to resort to non-violent ways of resolving their differences.
The government engaged the National Peace Council to find a lasting solution to the disturbances that have characterized Bawku
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has also urged the feuding factions in the Bawku chieftaincy dispute to ceasefire and dialogue.
The United States (US) Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, has urged the government of Ghana to put in more effort in the fight against the menace of illegal small-scale mining (‘galamsey’) in the country.
According to her, Ghana was not making any significant strides in the fight against the menace because only the illegal miners (‘galamseyers’) are arrested while the powerful forces behind them are not touched.
Virginia Palmer, who made these remarks when she paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, added that if the government fails to take urgent steps to stop ‘galamsey’, the country will be in some serious crisis soon.
“We had a congressional delegation from our House of Representatives, Natural Resources Committee, that was here two weeks ago. And they were looking into water pollution, the impact on fisheries from illegal mining.
“This (galamsey) is something, I think Ghanaians must be aggressive in fighting and enforcing regulations that you do have.
“The galamseyers themselves are people who need to make a living. I think the galamseyers are not active in doing it but the powers behind them are the ones truly responsible for the evils. Indeed, they are wreaking real environmental havoc on your rivers which is having an impact on your cocoa crops. All of these things are going to have really negative consequences on the economy of Ghana,” she said.
On his part, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, questioned why Ghana as a country has failed to stop the menace of ‘galamsey’ even after the President Akufo-Addo, has put his political career on the line to stop it.
Asantehene also questioned why the security apparatus in these ‘galamsey’ areas and the taskforce set up by the government have failed to stop the menace.
He intimated that small-scale mining was something that had been done for serveral years but never to the detriment of the environment.
“It (‘galamsey’) has gotten to a point where people are now using equipment and all that. They do not care about the environment.
“But the question is who is in control of the security around the area. From the district level to the highest level. We are all talking about ‘galamsey’. The government set up this military cum police to stop galamsey. Why have we not been able to stop it? Why?” he asked.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has described as alarming, the current rate of deforestation in the country, estimated at 10 million hectares per year.
He said available statistics indicated that Ghana had one of the highest deforestation rates in Africa and the world, at two per cent per annum, on the average losing 135,000 hectares of forest per year as of 2020.
The development, he said, called for a concerted effort by stakeholders to address the situation, stressing that the managers of the country’s natural resources should up their game and help restore Ghana’s forest cover.
Otumfuo made the call in a speech read on his behalf by the Asakyirehene, Nana Mensah Bonsu, during the 40th anniversary celebration of the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources (FRNR), College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
Event
The event was held at the Great Hall last Saturday, October 1, 2022.
A number of dignitaries and stakeholders in the natural resources and environment industry, including the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, graced the occasion.
One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of a proposed 300-seater computer laboratory being executed by the alumni of the faculty in support of their 40th anniversary celebration.
Mr Abu Jinapor and the Asakyirehene jointly cut the tape to unveil the proposed project.
Challenge, support
Otumfuo, who doubles as the Chancellor of the KNUST, observed that with many rural and peri-urban residents relying on forest products, the forest and natural resources had come under attack for people’s survival.
“With the dependency of rural and peri-urban dwellers on forest products, the challenge of over-exploitation and the spread of agriculture has become one of the factors causing the depletion of our natural resources,” he indicated.
He, therefore, rallied support for eco-system-based programmes intended to enhance the ecology, such as the ones by groups, including FORM Ghana and Miroforestry, to see to the planting of over 15 million trees each year.
“This is critical in reclaiming our lost forest cover,” he remarked, and urged the government to provide the enabling environment for the initiatives to be sustained.
He acknowledged the tremendous progresses made by the FRNR for training over 6,000 graduates and postgraduate natural resources managers – who continued to play various roles in forestry, wildlife, fisheries and water management globally.
Collective responsibility
Mr Abu Jinapor, speaking on the theme: “40 Years of Training Natural Resources Managers: A New Age for A New Focus,” said the theme was absolutely apt and timely.
He said as an educational and research institution, the faculty must take a lead role in educating the general population and local communities on the roles and responsibilities in the management of these natural resources.
He admitted that the government had a greater responsibility for their sustainable management through the promotion of relevant policies and laws.
“But the ultimate responsibility lies on the shoulders of all citizens, residents of Ghana and visitors alike. This is a collective responsibility.
“This new age with its challenges presents us with the opportunity to take stock, re-strategise and adopt new or additional measures for the efficient, effective and sustainable management of our natural resources,” Mr Abu Jinapor emphasised.
Green Ghana Day
The minister also commended the KNUST for being part of history by planting 2,000 trees in commemoration of the Green Ghana Day initiated by the government.
“Let’s continue to support the initiative to restore the lost forest cover of our country and come to grips with the climate crises,” the minister appealed.
Chiefs not to be blamed
Meanwhile, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at a different forum, has said that chiefs cannot be accused of allowing illegal mining to thrive when licences are issued without recourse to traditional authorities.
He also questioned the failure of the security agencies to successfully fight illegal mining in the country.
Welcoming the US Ambassador, Virginia E. Palmer, to Manhyia, the Asantehene acknowledged the economic drivers for illegal mining operations, but said that should not supersede the environmental devastation.
He blamed leadership of Ghana for failing to tackle galamsey.
“In Ghana, chiefs don’t issue permits and licences for mining. Those are issued from Accra and it is done without consulting the chiefs.
“The law says the state holds the land in trust for the people and so determines those things. How can a chief supervise when he has no control over the licence and who should mine and how it should be done?
“At the district level, we have the political administration – the district chief executive and the security council. Are they all saying that they are unaware of the activities of these galamseyers?” Otumfuo questioned.
The Asantehene emphasised that if the political leaders could not stop illegal miners from operating, then they were not up to the task of leading.
“If they are unable to detect and stop the operation of these galamseyers then they are unworthy to be there, it is as simple as that,” he stressed.
Forest cover
According to the National Forest Plantation Development Programme, approximately less than one per cent of forest cover remained outside of the forest reserves, much of which was in small, scattered patches, swamps and sacred grooves.
Over the years, some measures have been instituted to improve the nation’s environment, including the creation of some 120,000 hectares of forest planting in 2007 by the Forestry Commission.
This, however, fall short of the general commitment needed on the part of the citizenry in tackling the current high rate of deforestation in the country, some environmentalists have argued.
“However, who is in charge of the neighborhood’s security? up to the highest level, starting at the district level.
Everyone here is discussing galamsey. Why have we been unable to stop it if the government set up the military and police to do it?
If you create a system that you say you will stop it to the extent that the president says “I will put my presidency on the line, and yet it is going on. Then to me, something is wrong somewhere. So we need to know why this is happening, polluting our waters”, he said.
Otumfuo also questioned the District and Municipal Security Councils over their failure to fight the menace.
“At the district level, we have the political administration, District Chief Executive, and the Security Council. Are they all saying that they are unaware of the activities of these galamseyers? If they are unable to detect and stop the operation of these galamseyers then they are unworthy to be there, it is as simple as that.”
He argues that because permits are granted without consulting traditional authority, chiefs cannot be held accountable for the threat’s reappearance.
“At the district level, we have the District Chief Executive, the Security Council, and the political administration.
Are they all claiming that they are not aware of what these galamseyers are doing?
It’s that simple, the Asante king said: “If they are unable to identify and stop the activity of these galamseyers, then they are unworthy to be there.
He further questioned the failure of local authorities and security agencies to end the menace which has seen many forests and water bodies destroyed.
The Asante monarch made these remarks when the new US Ambassador to Ghana Virginia E. Palmer, paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
Early last month the leader and founder of the United Progressive Party, Akwasi Addai ‘Odike’ incured the wrath of the Manhyia Palace after he questioned the role of chiefs in the fight against illegal mining.
Odike, who was speaking on Kumasi-based Oyerepa FM also charged the youth in mining areas to demonstrate against such chiefs.
But his comments did not sit well with the Kumasi Traditional Council (KTC) which summoned managers of the station over the development.
The radio station seized operations for nealy 78 hours but was back on air after the issue was resolved at the Manhyia Palace.
The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has said traditional leaders cannot be blamed for the resurgence of illegal mining in Ghana, especially when they are not consulted when mining licences are issued.
“At the district level, we have the political administration – the district chief executive and the security council. Are they all saying that they are unaware of the activities of these galamseyers?” Otumfuo asked when the new U.S. ambassador to Ghana Virginia Palmer paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
“If they are unable to detect and stop the operation of these galamseyers then they are unworthy to be there, it is as simple as that,” he added.
During her first trip to the Ashanti Region, U.S. ambassador Palmer met with the Asantehene, other traditional leaders, civil society, and U.S. government alumni in Kumasi. The trip reiterated the United States’s commitment to economic development, inclusive prosperity, and accountable governance in Ghana.
“I’m thrilled to visit Kumasi, the historic capital of the Ashanti Region. I was honoured to meet the Asantehene. Kumasi and its people are an important priority for the United States and I’m glad to have met so many Kumasifuo. I will be back soon,” said Palmer.
Their discussions centered on the continuous U.S investment in Ghana’s human capital based on strong bilateral ties rooted in historyand common democratic values. The Ambassador also paid a call on the leadership of the National House of Chiefs to discuss the vital role of traditional leaders in development, prosperity, and peace.
She also met with the Ashanti regional minister Simon Osei-Mensah, focusing on the U.S government’s support for peacebuilding and governance, as well as promoting opportunity and development through inclusive investments in people.
At a media roundtable with Kumasi journalists, ambassador Palmer reiterated to journalists the United States’s commitment to safeguarding press freedoms while promoting professional development for journalists.
Meeting with the local entrepreneurs during her visit to the Kumasi Hive, Palmer underscored the importance of entrepreneurship in developing Ghana’s economy.
“Promoting inclusion and economic growth, trade, and investment is one of the top priorities of the U.S. government, and enhancing the skills of entrepreneurs across various sectors can boost sustainable economic growth,” said Palmer.
Earlier this year, with the support of the U.S. Embassy, the Kumasi Hive trained more than 300 local Senior High School students with entrepreneurship skills, including design thinking, marketing, and a pitch competition.
Ambassador Palmer concluded her trip with Kumasi-based alumni of U.S. Government exchange programmes, including alumni of the Fulbright Program and Mandela Washington Fellowship.
Seven consecutive decades of royal leadership came to an end on September 8, 2022, when Queen Elizabeth II passed on.
The British Royal family through the Commonwealth group of nations maintained very close ties with its former colonies – be it at the political-diplomatic and the traditional leadership levels.
The Ashanti Kingdom, one of Ghana’s most powerful kingdoms, is reputed to have cordial ties with the British Royal Family.
Top royals on both sides have visited each other at different times in recent history. In 2000, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II paid his first and only visit to Buckingham Palace where he was hosted by the late Queen and her husband.
GhanaWeb digs into the archives for details of how the meeting went
Otumfuo arrived in London with a 20-man delegation of chiefs, linguists, and Manhyia palace officials.
They were in the United Kingdom for a three-week visit which was at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Among the first engagements was a meeting with the Queen. Special Guest Osei Tutu II was received in a private audience at Buckingham Palace after which the two will have tea together.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu also met with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, at the Lambeth Palace – the official residence of the leader of the global Anglican faith.
Arrival at Heathrow Airport
The Asantehene, received full diplomatic courtesies at the London Heathrow airport by a delegation led by Mr J.E.K. Aggrey-Orleans, the then High Commissioner in Britain and Mr. Michael Forster, of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
He was received at the Ghana High Commission in London amid fanfare by overseas associations of Ashantis.
Also present was Mr Paul Boateng, the then Minister of Home Affairs. Boateng, whose father is a Ghanaian, described Otumfuo’s visit as “representing peace and tranquillity at a period when Africa is passing through difficult times” adding that “the visit represents the very best that Africa could offer.”
Other engagements:
A Ghana News Agency, GNA, report at the time noted that he held business meetings with heads of British companies including Guinness, Taylor Woodrow, Standard Chartered and Barclays Banks.
Otumfuo also visited Cambridge to observe their special education policy at work, a dinner dance at which funds were raised for the Education Fund, and a meeting of Ghanaians resident in London.
The then 50-year-old Otumfuo had become an occupant of the Golden Stool a year prior. The trip was his first outside Ghana and was seen as charting a new relationship between two people who at the beginning of the 20 century were antagonists.
The British who had colonised Ghana fought several wars with the Asantes who opposed their rule. The last war was the Yaa Asantewaa war in 1900 which the British won and exiled Yaa Asantewaa the Queen-mother of Ejisu who had taken up arms against them to prevent their annexing of the Golden Stool, the symbol of Asante unity and strength.
Otumfuo arrived in London with a 20-man delegation of chiefs, linguists, and Manhyia palace officials.
They were in the United Kingdom for a three-week visit which was at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Among the first engagements was a meeting with the Queen. Special Guest Osei Tutu II was received in a private audience at Buckingham Palace after which the two will have tea together.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu also met with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, at the Lambeth Palace – the official residence of the leader of the global Anglican faith.
Arrival at Heathrow Airport
The Asantehene, received full diplomatic courtesies at the London Heathrow airport by a delegation led by Mr J.E.K. Aggrey-Orleans, the then High Commissioner in Britain and Mr. Michael Forster, of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
He was received at the Ghana High Commission in London amid fanfare by overseas associations of Ashantis.
Also present was Mr Paul Boateng, the then Minister of Home Affairs. Boateng, whose father is a Ghanaian, described Otumfuo’s visit as “representing peace and tranquillity at a period when Africa is passing through difficult times” adding that “the visit represents the very best that Africa could offer.”
Other engagements:
A Ghana News Agency, GNA, report at the time noted that he held business meetings with heads of British companies including Guinness, Taylor Woodrow, Standard Chartered and Barclays Banks.
Otumfuo also visited Cambridge to observe their special education policy at work, a dinner dance at which funds were raised for the Education Fund, and a meeting of Ghanaians resident in London.
The then 50-year-old Otumfuo had become an occupant of the Golden Stool a year prior. The trip was his first outside Ghana and was seen as charting a new relationship between two people who at the beginning of the 20 century were antagonists.
The British who had colonised Ghana fought several wars with the Asantes who opposed their rule. The last war was the Yaa Asantewaa war in 1900 which the British won and exiled Yaa Asantewaa the Queen-mother of Ejisu who had taken up arms against them to prevent their annexing of the Golden Stool, the symbol of Asante unity and strength.
Members of the FA Cup Organising Committee paid a courtesy call on His Royal Highness Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on Friday, June 17, 2022.
The delegation which was led by Committee Chairman Hon. Wilson Arthur were at the Manhyia Palace to officially inform the Asantehene about the upcoming MTN FA Cup Grand finale which is scheduled for the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
The visit was also to seek the blessings of the King ahead of the match between Accra Hearts of Oak SC vs Bechem United FC.
Next, the FA Cup Committee paid a courtesy calls on the Ashanti Regional Minister Hon. Simon Osei Mensah and the Chief Executive Officer of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly Hon. Samuel Pyne.
The Committee is set to announce a line up of activities in the build up to final match on June 26.
#Colbert pic.twitter.com/6l8xrAGRZm— The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) March 9, 2023
