President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will be the special guest of honour on Sunday April 21, 2019, as the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II marks his 20th anniversary celebrations at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
He will be joined by the Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, the Chief Justice, Justice Sophia A.B. Akuffo, to celebrate the Ashantehene since he ascended to the Golden Stool.
All surviving former Presidents of Ghana will be present at the occasion.
Other world leaders both past and present, including former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo are also expected to grace the occasion.
Activities
At a press briefing on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, Bompatahene, Ambassador Nana Effah Apenten disclosed that the President is also expected to organise a state dinner for Otumfuo on April 26, to commemorate the exact date he was enthroned.
Activities for the celebration began on Wednesday with the performance of Atano rites by Otumfuo and the Atano priest, and will end on May 12, 2019 with a golf tournament.
A football match between two teams yet to be named and the date for kickoff has been factored into the packed programme.
Key among activities for the celebration is the unveiling of Otumfuo’s statue and the sod-cutting ceremony for the second phase of the Central Market redevelopment project at Kejetia on May 2.
Also on the bill is a thanksgiving service for the Asantehene on May 6 to mark his 69th birthday.
Road closure
Otumfuo Amoamanhene, Nana Agyenim Boateng I, also announced the closure of some major roads leading to the venue and urged the public to comply with the directive.
He said security would be beefed up at the venue to maintain law and order.
“A medical contingent would also be stationed at the venue to respond to any emergency”, Nana Agyenim Boateng I, noted.
He stressed the need to keep the Kumasi metropolis free from filth urging residents to come in their numbers to mark the historic event.
About Asantehene
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is the overlord of the Asante Kingdom. Born Nana Kwaku Dua, he is the 16th occupant of the sacred golden stool.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II ascended as Asante King in April 1999 following the death of his uncle Otumfuo Opoku Ware II.
Source: Daily Mail GH