Royal family celebrates late Asantehene's 40th
day tomorrow
Kumasi, April 7 (1999), GNA - The royal family and
the Gyaase Division of the Kumasi Traditional
Council (KTC) comprising the Gyaase, Mawere, Ankobea
and Nkosuo would celebrate the 40th day celebration
of the death of Otumfuo Opoku Ware II the late
Asantehene, tomorrow, Thursday, 8th April at Manhyia
Palace in Kumasi.
By Akan tradition and belief, the soul of any person
after his death leaves for the ancestral world after
40 days and would never been seen on earth.
After tomorrow, the ban on drumming and funeral
celebration within Asanteman instituted after the
death of the late Asantehene would be lifted.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the newly-installed but yet to
be enstooled Asantehene can now sit in court as a
ruler but will not be expected to hold an opinion of
his own, as he is presumed not to be conversant with
the affairs of the State.
The few days after the installation are devoted to
stock-taking of the drinks; sheep; monies and other
presentations made to the bereaved family and
Asanteman during the burial ceremony.
Following his installation and enstoolment, the new
King would then begin to study the palace
structures, organisation and the history of the
Kingdom including court etiquette, royal manner of
speech and majestic walking.
On the first Thursday after his installation, which
also falls, tomorrow, the Asantehemaa, Nana Afua
Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, takes the new King to the
stool house where he sees for the first time, the
Golden Stool and the black stools.
Thereafter, he is allowed to offer libation and
sacrifices, this is the only occasion that the
Asantehemaa is granted permission to enter the male
stool house, she sees the stools in the female stool
house every "Akwasidae" and "Awukudae", the 40-day
calendar of Akans.
The Deboasehene and Abenasehene are the experts in
the King's household, its organisation and what
takes place there.
With teaching aid models of the palace, the new
Monarch learns the whole complex tapestry of Asante
custom and regal life such as how to control his
speech, his thoughts, his walking when to smile and
when to look serious and gloomy.
The new King is taught courtesy and Asante values,
culture and the great part that state drums play in
it. Everything in Asante life depends on drums -"atumpan,
kete, fontomfrom, and donno in combination with the
dawuro".
The drums are used to summon people to council
meetings and to war; they also played at the
celebration of religious festivals and for
entertainment.
He is taught to recognise each drum by its sound; to
know what the combinations of the drum and sound
mean. He is also taught how to dance to the tune and
rhythm of all Asante drums.
The models of teaching aids are called "nkraba" and
the system of using them as visual and teaching aids
for the schooling is called "nkrahene".
The schooling is done in such a way that it does not
interfere with the normal engagements of the King;
it takes place in the evenings.
The mornings and afternoons are devoted to routine
duties such as giving out money and offering
libation and sacrifices. While the schooling is
going on preparations for the enstoolment ceremony
are also in progress, thereafter, the final rites of
the departed Monarch are discussed.
Asantehene Rites: Asanteman observes 40th day
rites for late Asantehene
Kumasi, April 9 (1999), GNA - Asanteman on Thursday
observed the 40th day rites of Otumfuo Opoku Ware
II, the Late Asantehene.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene-elect sat in state
at the Manhyia Palace to receive homage from
sympathisers from all walks of life.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu, in "Koben"(red cloth); his right
shoulder smeared with red ochre and wearing "denkyemkye",
a hat made of crocodile skin, rode in a palanquin
from the Palace to the funeral grounds.
Accompanied by state sword bearers, Otumfuo Osei
Tutu was taken through some streets around the
Palace and Ashanti New Town before returning to the
funeral grounds at 1400 hours.
There was traditional drumming, singing of dirges
and appellations and cheers from the crowd.
Mr Kojo Yankah, Ashanti Regional Minister; Deputy
Regional Minister, Mrs Joana Appiah-Dwomoh; Dr
Christina Amoako-Nuama, Minister of Lands and
Forestry; and Commander Pius M. G. Griffiths (Rtd),
Deputy Minister of Communications, were among those
who paid homage.
Others were District Chief Executives and the
Ashanti Regional Chairman of the National Democratic
Congress (NDC), Mr Philip E.K. Antwi.
The rest were Parliamentarians from the Ashanti
Region; Paramount and Divisional Chiefs as well as
representatives of some organisations and
institutions.
All were either in koben or Kuntunkuni (black)
cloth.
With the firing of muskets at the background, the
milling crowd of mourners surged forward to catch a
glimpse of the Asantehene-elect, who sat in state
for the first time since his installation last
Monday as Kumasihene.
Nana Afua Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, Asantehemaa, and her
retinue as well as Paramount and Divisional Chiefs,
had to move at a snail's pace to the funeral grounds
because of the large crowd, which the few Policemen
on duty found difficult to control.
Some members of the royal family, including the
children and grandchildren of past occupants of the
Golden Stool, were in their koben, their right
shoulders and necks smeared with red ochre.
They wore garlands made of esuan (a climbing stem)
and chewed kola to signify the loss of a great
monarch and the people's sense of sorrow and grief.
Asantehene Installation: Otumfuo to be
installed on Monada
Kumasi, April 9 (1999), GNA - Otumfuo Osei Tutu II,
the Asantehene-elect would be enstooled as the 16th
occupant of the Golden Stool and the 19th Asantehene
on Monday, April 26.
A statement issued in Kumasi today and signed by Mr
Isaac Dadzie-Mensah, Registrar of the Ashanti Region
House of Chiefs, said the new Asantehene would swear
the oath of office and thereafter all the paramount
chiefs in Asanteman would also swear the oath of
allegiance to him.
A 24-member Enstoolment Planning Committee under the
chairmanship of Nana Otuo Serebour II, Juabenhene,
has been appointed to ensure the smooth and
successful enstoolment, the statement said.
Rituals for the enstoolment are performed in the
early afternoon at Pampaso, a historical ward near
the Kumasi Prisons.
This ceremony is called "Nkowasotena" (sitting on a
chair) and is quickly followed by firing of muskets
at the Manhyia Palace.
On the day of the enstoolment, the Asantehene-elect,
pays a customary visit to the Queen of Pampaso. He
sends gifts to the Queen.
The gifts include a ram; flask of rum; full piece of
calico; bag of salt; Kente cloth and silk
cummerbund.
The Linguist, who occupies the Kankam and Nantwi
Stool, takes the gifts to Pampaso.
All the items except the cummerbund are taken to the
Wadie-Adwumakesehene, custodian of the "Busumuru",
the most sacred State sword.
As soon as the Linguist returns from Pampaso, all
items of the Asantehene's regalia except the Golden
Stool and the black stool are taken in procession to
Pampaso.
There they are arranged and guarded by the
Gyaasehene, Ankobeahene and Mawerehene, while the
Paramount Chiefs and the Chiefs of Kumasi gather
there.
Before the Asantehene-elect goes to Pampaso he is
borne on the shoulders of Asantehene's palanquin
carriers to Asantehemaa, to take leave of her and
receive her blessings. She does not take part in the
Pampaso ceremony.
Upon receiving the Asantehemaa's blessing, he
proceeds to Pampaso borne in a palanquin, this time
carried by only two strong persons instead of the
normal four persons.
He would be wearing a white Adinkra (cloth with
traditional motifs), a plain pair of sandals and
protected from the sun by a small umbrella called "Akropon-kyiniwa".
On arrival at Pampaso, the Asantehene-elect does not
greet nor talk to anyone but goes straight to the
Chief of Pampaso, who would be waiting for him at
Pampafie (Pampa house).
Before he enters the Pampafie he leans three times
against a spear in front of the house with his back.
The Asantehene-elect then enters the stool room to
remove a piece of mutton on a stool, which had been
there since the morning and then pours libation with
palm wine.
The Pampasohemaa is called and on arrival. She
refuses to enter the stool room.
She gives in after much persuasion at a price - a
thanksgiving fee (Aseda).
In the room, the Pampasohemaa would have the
Asantehene-elect tied to her back with the help of
the silk cummerbund, which had been presented to
her.
The Akyeamehene on behalf of the Asante-Mamponghene,
who is the Acting Asantehene, in the presence of the
Saamanhene begs for the release of her ward to
become Asantehene.
She refuses at first but eventually she consents to
release him and lets him down from her back. She
then quickly changes into the calico to signify
victory and happiness.
The Asantehene-elect is taken to another room, where
a secret password is passed on to him.
The Akyeamehene (chief of the Asantehene's
linguists) and the Nseneehene inform Mamponghene and
the chiefs assembled that the Asantehene-elect has
been handed-over.
Meanwhile, one state sword after the other is sent
to the Wadie-Adwumakasehene summoning him to Pampaso.
He pretends unwillingness to honour the call until
the arrival of the "Busumuru" sword. He gives
excuses such as not being well; about to take his
bath; have a meal or enjoying his siesta;
eventually, he consents to turn up and collects his
thanksgiving fee.
Leading the procession of all the state swords
headed by the Busumuru sword and clad in the kente
cloth, which had been presented to him, the
Wadie-Adwumakasehene arrives at Pampaso.
Without greeting anyone he enters Pampafie, there he
removes the sheath of the Busumuru sword and passes
it on to the Asantehene-elect.
Some of the important stool regalia are handed over
to the Asantehene-elect on the day of his
enstoolment.
They include Boman state umbrella, which was
originally made by King Osei Bonsu (1799-1824). So
named because the King is eulogised as "He who
brings his enemies (other states) to their knees".
The next is the "Dwete Kuduo" (silver treasure
casket) in which are kept the Asantehene's odd
requirements such as gold dust, which he would
require to make purchases or give away as gifts on
leaving the Palace.
Whenever, he sits in state it is placed to his
right. It is believed to be one of the earliest
booties, which Opemsoo Osei Tutu snatched from his
defeated enemies.
It is believed that it sometimes feels heavy in the
morning and when that happened was regarded as an
augury for a wind fall in the course of the day.
The Wadie-Adwumakasehene places on the head of the
Asantehene-elect the "Denkyemkye" (hat made of
crocodile skin), which was made by King Osei Tutu
when he was recalled from Akwamu to succeed his
uncle, Obiri Yeboah as Asantehene.
Thus adorned with the Denkyemkye, the Asantehene-elect
comes out of the stool room and standing before the
'Piese' spear and surrounded by the players of the
Asantehene's Aprede drums, whose music was the
favourite of Opemsoo Osei Tutu, he takes the oath of
office and dances to the tune of the drums.
After this, holding in his right and left hands the
Busumuru sword and the "Apemasanata" (a shield),
respectively, he rejoins the assembled chiefs and
people and dances to "Fontomfrom" music.
The Wadie-Adwumakasehene changes from his kente
cloth into calico that had been given to him
earlier, the Asantehene-elect also returns to the
room and changes into his military garment, the "Batakarikese".
The Akyeamehene is sent to inform the Mamponghene
that the Pampaso ceremony is over and the people
should meet the Asantehene-elect at Pramakeseso or
Bampanase.
The messengers bearing the "Bosompra" State, sword
goes to Asantehemaa with the same message.
Meanwhile his palanquin for the procession would be
ready to take him away.
The Asantehene-elect in his palanquin arrives at
Bampenase to show that he would be capable of
commanding the Asante forces on the battlefield.
Kokofuhene; Nsutahene; Gyaasehene; Ankobeahene and
the Mawerehene would have by then taken the Golden
Stool to Bampenase.
On alighting from his palanquin, the Asantehene-elect
walks to the Asantehemaa, the Oyoko Amanhene led by
the Juabenhene, Kronti and Akwamu Chiefs; right wing
chiefs headed by the Mamponghene, Adonten Chiefs,
Kyidom and Gyaase Chiefs and the Akyeame
(linguists).
When he gets to each of these groups the Asantehene-elect
fires his musket and the group fires back, he then
exchanges greetings by shaking of hands with the
respective group heads.
After the firing ceremony, the Asantehene-elect
retires to the Palace and all the chiefs follow suit
to get ready for the enstoolment ceremony, which
takes place at midnight.
At midnight all the chiefs except Mamponghene
arrives at Bampenase in simple attire. They come
with small groups of people, with their small
umbrellas. Admission is restricted.
The Asantehene-elect, however, is richly dressed in
white adinkra, which he later lowers to the waist
and goes to the ceremony wearing the "Mpaboakese"
(the big sandals) originally worn by Opemsoo Osei
Tutu (it is regarded as the head of the Asantehene's
sandals).
He also wears the denkyemkye; an iron neck wear, the
"Awoso"; gold necklace of bells, the "Afodoo";
military kit,(Ntoa) and carries with him the
Busumuru and Mponponsuo state swords.
He completes his dressing in the presence of the
Juabenhene at Bampenase.
The Chief Stool Carrier and his colleagues bring the
Golden Stool to Pramakeseso. It is placed on Banwoma
(a broad piece of hide of an elephant's ear) at the
centre of the area.
Guarding the stool with their "santuo", guns would
be the Juabenehene and the Nsutahene. The
Asantehemaa, the Kokofuhemaa and the female members
of the royal family stand at some distance to watch
the procession.
The chief stool carrier gives a signal to the
Gyaasehene to inform the Asantehene-elect about the
ceremony to "outdoor" the Golden Stool.
The Asantehene-elect sends the Mponponsuohene,
another state sword keeper, to inform the
Mamponghene that he and all the participants are
ready for the enstoolment ceremony.
The Mamponghene accompanied by his Chief Linguist
immediately leaves his position and takes his place
with the right wing Amanhene as the Adontenhene of
Asante.
The Asantehene-elect is placed on the Golden Stool
and proclaimed as Asantehene.
For this Mamponghene supported by the right wing
Amanhene, hold the right arm of the
Asantehene-elect. The Essumegyahene supported by the
left wing Amanhene hold the left arm.
The Kyidomhene with the support of the Kyidom
chiefs, the Kronti and Akwamu chiefs and the Gyaase,
Ankobea and Manwere Chiefs hold his waist, right
foot and left foot in that order and place him three
times on the Golden Stool.
The Ahemaa of Asante and Kokofu and the women around
shout praises and thanksgiving.
The enstooled Asantehene rides in a palanquin to the
"Mmeda" room at the Palace to rest while jubilation
and merrymaking continue.
In the morning of the following day, the Jamasihene,
custodian of the Asantehene's treasure casket
(kuduo); accompanied by custodians of other kuduo in
Asanteman come to anoint the Asantehene for, which
they are paid a fee.
With the anointing ceremony over, the Asantehemaa,
the Amanhene, custodian of the casket and other
chiefs come to pay homage and bless the Asantehene.
A thanksgiving present in money together with two
flasks of rum and four sheep are sent to the
Mamponghene and similar presents are made to the
other Amanhene and chiefs.
With the Asantehene's permission they all depart to
their various towns after the Asantehene has
announced the date for the great funeral (ayikese,)
in honour of the departed Asantehene.
Intermittent purification rites follow the
enstoolment ceremony.
Programme for Enstoolment: Otumfuo Osei Tutu to
be enstooled on Monday
Kumasi, April 22, GNA - Otumfuo Osei Tutu II would
be enstooled as the new Asantehene and the 16th
occupant of the Golden Stool on Monday, April 26.
The ceremony would involve the performance of a
number of rites, including the wearing of the
"Batakarikesie"(war attire); riding in a palanquin
and firing of muskets by the new King to prove his
ability to command and lead the Asante nation.
Nana Otuo Serebour II, Juabenhene and chairman of
the 21-member Enstoolment Planning Committee,
announced this at a meeting of the Kumasi
Traditional Council (KTC) and the Asanteman Council
in Kumasi on Thursday.
He said the ceremony would be held at the Kumasi
Sports Stadium instead of Dwaberem, Manhyia Palace,
due to the large number of people expected.
The programme begins in the afternoon of Sunday,
April 25, when the Asantehene-elect would sit in
state at Pramakesieso at the precinct of Manhyia
Palace to receive chiefs and dignitaries.
Between 1100 hours and 1300 hours on Monday, April
26, other rites would be performed at Pampaso, near
the Kumasi Fort, which would be witnessed only by
the various divisional heads of the KTC and
paramount chiefs of Mampong; Adansi; Offinso; Ejisu;
Kumawu; Oyoko; Nsuta and Juaben.
Nana Serebour said each of the heads would be
accompanied by a retinue of not more than five
people and would be clad in black mourning cloth
(Kuntunkuni).
According to Nana Serebour, in the evening, the
Asantehene-elect, now in possession of all his
regalia, with the exception of the Golden stool, and
wearing the Batakarikese, would ride in a palanquin
from Pampaso to the stadium, where all the paramount
chiefs and the dignitaries would be seated.
The Asantehene-elect would not sit in state at the
stadium, but would fire a musket three times for the
Oyoko clan, the Nifa (right wing) and Benkum (left
wing) chiefs.
He would then exchange greetings with the
dignitaries before he leaves to rest for the actual
enstoolment in the night.
Nana Serebour said at midnight of the same day,
Mamponghene, supported by all the paramount chiefs,
would hold the Asantehene-elect, lift him up and
place him on the Golden Stool three times signifying
his formal enstoolment.
After this Gyaase, Manwere, Ankobea and Nkosuo
Divisions of KTC would then escort the Asantehene to
a room called "Mereda"(I am sleeping) in the Manhyia
Palace.
The Juabenhene said at 1000 hours on Tuesday, the
Asantehene would sit in state for the Paramount and
Divisional Chiefs to swear the oath of allegiance to
him.
Distinguished citizens of Asanteman would be
permitted to pay homage to the Asantehene, amid
traditional drumming and dancing.
All would be clad in white cloth to signify the end
of the Asantehene's enstoolment and it would be a
day of merrymaking.
Born on May six, 1951, Barima Kwaku Dua Bonsu, the
last of the six children of Madam Efua Kobi, now
Nana Efua Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, Asantehemaa; ascends
the Golden stool as Otumfuo Osei Tutu II with a
clear focus to foster the economic and social
development of Asanteman.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu is expected to heal the wounds of
the past and build bridges towards greater unity and
harmony within the whole country, Nana Serebour
said.
Asantehene expectations: Asantes expect new
Asantehene to be truthful
Kumasi, April 25 (1999), GNA - Asantes expect
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who ascends the Golden Stool
on Monday to be truthful, progressive and to stay
out of partisan politics, A Ghana News Agency survey
in Kumasi has revealed.
The survey showed that the people, who expect him to
streamline the succession to the various stools so
as to put a stop to the numerous chieftaincy
disputes, have generally accepted Otumfuo Osei Tutu.
Those surveyed were of the view that Kingmakers
collect money from people, who are not qualified,
and make them chiefs.
This they said has led to the situation where some
chiefs could not go to the towns, where they are
supposed be chiefs.
Mr Kwasi Dwomoh, 66, Farmer at Sikanti Akoraa, near
Wassa Akropong and a trader in Kumasi, said Otumfuo
needed wisdom and courage to pursue the truth at all
times.
"If truth prevails the numerous chieftaincy
disputes, which retard progress would be abated. It
serves no useful purpose to collect money from
people, who 'are not qualified', to make them chiefs
who cannot go to their towns," he said.
Otumfuo should stay out of partisan politics he
asserted, and recounted how he had to run away to
the Cote d'Ivoire during the First Republic because
Manhyia Palace through Barfuo Akoto fraternised with
the United Party.
Otumfuo should encourage backyard gardening as a
means of improving the environment and get Chiefs in
Ashanti to assist the government to check the
activities of chain saw operators.
Madam Elizabeth Adu, National Women's President of
the Ghana Association of the Physically Disabled,
wants Otumfuo Osei Tutu to improve the sanitation in
Kumasi.
He could do this by liaising with the Kumasi
Metropolitan Assembly and using his influence to get
organisations to donate litter bins that should be
placed at vantage points in the city.
Otumfuo should listen and try to solve the problems
of all sections of the society especially of the
minority groups such as the physically disabled and
those in children's home.
Nana Ama Serwah Benehene, 49, a Public Servant, said
Otumfuo should stay out of politics and seek the
welfare of the people.
He should be fair to everybody, "we know that he has
friends but now he is for all of us. He must let his
friends know and appreciate his new status", she
said.
Madam Abena Anane, 52, Cloth Seller, wants Otumfuo
to look at child labour and teenage pregnancy. She
said allowing children to trade exposes them to
money too early in life, thus making it difficult
for them to concentrate on their studies Asante
girls should be encouraged to go to school. Otumfuo
could cause gon-gong to be beaten in villages urging
parents to send their children to school.
Any person, who impregnates a schoolgirl, should be
severely punished instead of just allowing them to
marry her, as is the case in rural Ashanti, Madam
Anane said.
Mr Yaw Kobiah, 28, Barber, wants Otumfuo to use his
connections to get investors into Ashanti to create
employment for the youth.
He should get friendly organisations to run workshop
for the self-employed to improve their skills.
Mr Kobiah said Otumfuo should bring sanity into the
sale of building plots. He alleged that some chiefs
in Ashanti sell the same plot of land to two people,
thus leading to litigation.
Otumfuo should prevent chiefs from indulging in
partisan politics adding that where chiefs are known
to be in partisan politics some of the subjects do
not respect them.
He should get the government to improve upon the
road network in Kumasi and satellite villages, "the
road to Daban is so bad, even though, it is part of
Kumasi", Mr Kobiah said.
Mr Andrews Asiedu, a Master Tailor, wants Otumfuo to
bring about general improvement and progress.
He should turn his attention to finding solution to
the unemployment problem of the youth and improve
the sanitation in Kumasi.
Mr Kojo Adjei, 32 Goldsmith, expects Otumfuo to get
chiefs to link up with government to improve the
roads in Ashanti. He should also find ways of
getting jobs for the numerous unemployed youth.
Feverish preparation at Kumasi stadium for
coronation of Asantehene
Kumasi, April 25 (1999), GNA - Feverish preparations
have been going on to get the Kumasi Sports Stadium
ready for the coronation of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as
Asantehene on Monday.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency at the Stadium in
Kumasi, Mr Opoku Anto, Public Works Department (PWD)
District Engineer, said today's (Sunday’s) premier
league match between Asante Kotoko and Real Tamale
United (RTU) has put an extra strain on them.
He said to be able to beat the deadline they were
getting the form-work of the dais and platforms
ready so that they could put the finishing touches
on Monday morning.
Sign posts indicating where the various paramount
chiefs would sit are all in place.
Mr Eric Nkansah Dwamena, Stadium Manager, said the
60,000-capacity stadium has enough facilities to
hold the expected crowd (after renovation for Ghana
2008 African Cup of the Nations the capacity has
been reduced 40,000).
He said moveable toilet facilities would be placed
at vantage points for the convenience of spectators.
Mr Dwamena said arrangements have been made to get
the Stadium cleaned after the league match.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu receives visitors
Kumasi, April 25 (1999), GNA - The Asantehene-elect,
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on Sunday sat in state at
Kwakorem, a patio at the Manhyia Palace, wearing a
simple green adinkra cloth, to receive chiefs and
visitors attending the concluding rites leading to
his coronation.
Among the chiefs, who paid homage were Nsutahene,
Nana Adu-Agyei Bonsafo II; Juansahene, Nana Agyemang
Teatua; Bantamahene, Baffour Awuah V, and Tafohene,
Nana Ponkor Baffour II.
The others were: Amakomhene, Nana Akosa Yiadom;
Asemhene, Nana Baffour Kyei; Anantahene, Baffour
Appiah Dankwa III; and Hwidiemhene, Nana Anarfi
Korkorto.
The Gyaase, Ankobea, Manwere and Nkosuo Division
were also there. The Asantehemaa, Nana Afua Kobi
Serwaa Ampem, was represented by Nana Por, Kumasi
Dompoasehemaa.
On Monday, April 26, Otumfuo Osei Tutu would be
enstooled at midnight at Pramankesieso, where he
would be "put" on the Golden Stool after the
necessary rites have been performed at Pampaso and
the Kumasi Sports Stadium.
Asantehene Atmosphere: Normal commercial
activities in Kumasi
Kumasi, April 26 (1999), GNA - Normal commercial
activities went on side by side the coronation of
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene in Kumasi on
Monday.
The population was divided into traditionalists, who
wore black cloths to either Pampaso, one of the
traditional wards of Kumasi to view some of the
rituals or the Baba Yara Sports Stadium where the
coronation was taking place and those in other
colours, who went about their normal activities.
Traffic flow was very slow especially around Asafo;
Amakom; Ahensan; and the Fanti New Town as people
trooped to the Stadium.
The black cloth dominated around those areas while
the Central Business Districts of Kejetia, Adum and
Nsuase had more of those in other colours.
Mr Adjei Boafo, Trader at Adum, said he opened his
store for normal business because he did not
anticipate any looting as it was rumoured during the
burial of Otumfuo Opoku Ware II.
Mr Osei Mensah, a trader from Sunyani, said he was
in Kumasi to buy merchandise for his store and was
not aware of the coronation of the Asantehene.
Mr Kwame Mensah of Amoaful, a Courtier, said he
followed his chief to Kumasi to witness the
coronation "because such an event happens once in a
life time".
Asantehene Coronation: Rites for coronation of
Asantehene begins
Kumasi, April 26 (1999), GNA - The rites leading to
the coronation of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as Asantehene
have started in earnest at Pampaso, one of the
ancient traditional wards within the Metropolis of
Kumasi.
At 10:30 hours, the Asantehene was driven to Asomfo
Street, about one kilometre from Pampaso, where the
ceremonial rites were to take place.
He was then carried in a palanquin to Pampaso,
amidst drumming and singing of praises.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu acknowledged the cheers by
meticulous waving of the right hand. People thronged
the area and lined the streets; some stood at
balconies to applaud and catch a glimpse of their
new King.
The King, in a beautiful cloth called "adinkra
fufuo" (white cloth with traditional motif),
followed by the royal guards reached Pampaso and
entered the Stool House at 10:50 hours.
The crowd stood outside as part of the enstoolment
rites was performed inside the House.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu came out of the House some few
minutes to 12 noon after the traditional rites had
been performed.
He came back walking, and in the same cloth, to
cheers and admiration of the motley crowd.
From Pampaso, the Asantehene left for the Kumasi
Sports Stadium for the final part of the coronation.
Pampaso has since the installation of King Opoku
Ware in 1732 been the site for very important and
special rites, which needed to be performed for and
by an Asantehene-elect towards the completion of his
installation.
Adontenhene of Ashanti congratulates new
Asantehene
Kumasi, April 26 (1999), GNA - Nana Agyeman
Nkwantabisa III, Adontenhene of Asante, today sent a
congratulatory message to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on
the occasion of his installation as the new
Asantehene.
In a statement issued in Kumasi, Nana Nkwantabisa
wished Otumfuo Osei Tutu well in all his endeavours
and expressed the hope that his reign as the 16th
occupant of the Golden Stool would be guided by
"historical brotherly cooperation which existed
between the five Divisions of the Asante nation".
Government congratulates Asantehene
Kumasi, April 26 (1999), GNA - Alhaji Mumuni
Bawumia, Chairman of the Council of State, today led
a Government Delegation to the enstoolment of
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as Asantehene at the Baba Yara
Sports Stadium.
On behalf of President J.J. Rawlings, the government
and people of Ghana, Alhaji Bawumia extended warm
congratulations to Otumfuo Osei Tutu on his
ascending the Golden Stool.
He said since the nomination of Otumfuo Osei Tutu to
"the high office", he has endeared himself to the
people of Ashanti and Ghana by his "noble humility
and high sense of respect" for the rich traditions
and culture of Asanteman.
Alhaji Bawumia said the Government and people of
Ghana looked forward to his long, productive and
prosperous reign as Asantehene in Ghana's
development in the new millennium.
"May the good Lord bless and protect you
abundantly", the message said.
The Delegation included Mr Kofi Totobi Quakyi,
Minister of State in charge of Security; Mr Mike
Gizo, Minister of Tourism; Dr Christine
Amoako-Nuamah, Minister of Lands and Forestry; Mr
Kojo Yankah, Ashanti Regional Minister; Mr Daniel
Ohene Agyekum, Greater Accra Regional Minister;
Commander P.M.G. Griffiths, Deputy Minister of
Communications; Mrs Cecilia Johnson, Deputy Minister
of Local Government and Rural Development, and Nana
Adjei Ampofo II, Omanhene of Goaso and Member of the
Council of State.
Earlier, the delegation greeted Nana Afua Kobi
Serwaa Ampem II, Asantehemaa, who arrived at the
Stadium with her retinue at 13:10 hours.
The chiefs and their retinue started arriving at the
Stadium as early as 10:00 hours after the ceremony
at Pampaso.
Enstoolment Asantehene 2 Kumasi Otumfuo Osei Tutu
arrived at the packed stadium at 16:00 hours and the
milling crowd rose to its feet, cheering wildly,
waving white handkerchiefs, singing appellations and
dancing to traditional music.
The Asantehene, dressed in "batakarikese", a
talisman-studded war-dress in which the early Asante
Kings went to battle, and riding in a palanquin with
a bunch of leaves sticking out of his mouth,
acknowledged the cheers and waved back with all
majesty.
Blowing of "mmenson", while the courtiers, with
blackened faces and led by Baffour Dumfeh Gyeabour
III, Asantehene's Nsumankwaahene (chief priest),
clattered executioners' swords and chanted war
songs.
The courtiers were followed by the Gyaase Division,
which escorted the Asantehene's retinue with the
entire Stool paraphernalia, amidst the throbbing of
"fontonfrom" and atumpan (types of drums) and
musketry at the background, all in a splendid and
grand display of the rich Asante cultural heritage.
Following at the rear were the royal guards, who
epitomised the Asante military formation, as they
paraded locally made guns with which Asante fought
its wars of conquest and expansion.
When the Asantehene got to the dais where the
government delegation and dignitaries sat, he
stopped for about 10 minutes and allowed the leader
of the delegation, Ministers of State, officers of
the security agencies, and Nana Akwasi Agyeman,
Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, who also
contested for the nomination to ascend the Golden
Stool, to greet him.
He continued to greet the chiefs, including Nana
Osei Bonsu II, Mamponghene and "Nwisiaahene", who
had been seated for long hours, awaiting the
Asantehene's arrival.
The Asantehene then continued to greet the assembled
Amanhene (Paramount Chiefs) of Asanteman.
He then fired three shots from a musket, one each
for - for the Right-Wing Chiefs; the Oyoko Clan and
the Left-Wing Chiefs - before he left the Stadium in
a palanquin amid cheers from the milling crowd.
The convoy of the government delegation had a hectic
time leaving the Stadium, as most of the
dignitaries, who had sat waiting for long periods,
decided to leave even before the Asantehene had left
the Stadium.
Among the dignitaries was a nine-member delegation
of chiefs from Cote d'Ivoire, led by Nana Koukou
Osei Toutou Amougble III, Chief of Baule-Sakassou.
The British High Commissioner in Ghana, Mr Ian
Mackley; French Ambassador, Mr Ferrand Didier;
United States Ambassador, Miss Katherin Robinson and
Barima Azumah Nelson, Former World Boxing Council
(WBC) Super Featherweight Champion.
He arrived at the stadium in his limousine.
Members of the Diplomatic Corps; the Clergy; the Bar
and the Bench were there to congratulate the new
Asantehene.
The ceremony continues tonight, when the Asantehene,
would see and sit on the Golden Stool for the first
time, and later swear the oath of allegiance to the
Paramount Chiefs, who would in turn swear the same
oath of allegiance to him.
At about 1100 hours on Tuesday, April 27, the
Asantehene, who would be clad in a rich white cloth,
would sit in state to receive homage and present
gifts to the chiefs and other dignitaries.
