The State of Ghana and the Ashanti Kingdom strengthened their ties yesterday on a grand stage when the Mantse of Ghana, Nii Takkie Teiko Tsuru II, hosted the Ashantihene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in a lavish royal ceremony, a gathering that reflected the diversity of Ghanaian society.
This was the second royal visit by an Ashanti king since Otumfuo Sir Osei Agyeman Prempeh II visited Ga State on July 25, 1946. But a repeat of a royal exchange between the two kingdoms after some 78 years virtually threw the area around Ga Mantse Palace into paralysis as traditional rulers accompanied religious leaders, business elites, politicians and other citizens.
The approximately three-hour long durbar featured the cultural identities of both kingdoms and strengthened the bond between the Ga and Ashanti people. The Ashantihene arrived in Accra accompanied by a large entourage including paramount chiefs and royal guards, showcasing Ashanti indigenous culture to the capital city in the first historic visit by a King since he ascended to the throne 25 years ago.
Performance
The few speeches concluded with a performance of traditional drumming, dancing, musket firing, choral music and a lively performance of the kupulu ritual dance by white-robed women from the Ghana Dance Ensemble.
It culminated with a rare and special performance of the Obonu Royal Dance, performed in full regalia by the Paramount Chief of Ngleshie Amanhro, Nii Kwasiye Gbolor IV, to welcome the Ashantehene people.
scene
Cheering crowds lined the streets outside Ga Mantse Palace, with groups waving Ga and Ashanti flags. The Durbar Square began to come alive by 12:30 pm as Ga chieftains began to arrive in procession amid musket fire.
Before the arrival of Ga Mantse, Paramount Chief of Sempe, Nii Adote Otintle II, paramount chiefs and queens of Ga state, elders, traditional priests, priestesses and asafo (warriors), all gathered in full dress, waiting for the ceremony to begin.
Maidens dressed in white and carrying gourds with white feathers also appeared in a procession. At about 12:47pm, King Tsurutaka and his attendants began arriving at the palace.
He was followed by Gbese Mantse and Adonten of Ga State, and Nii Ai Bonte II. At about 1:30pm, the Ashantehene arrived in a black Rolls Royce dressed in kente attire and was escorted to the Durbar Square by an entourage of chiefs and dignitaries from the Ga and Ashante kingdoms, who performed traditional drumming and dancing.
The Ashantihene and his entourage, which included the paramount chief, district chiefs, queens and latrines of the Ashanti Kingdom, walked up to the stage where Ga Mantse sat and the two exchanged a symbolic handshake, drawing rapturous cheers from the crowd.
Senior Official
Among those in attendance were Ministers of State for the Interior, Henry Quartey, Minister of Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso Boakye, Minister of Greater Accra Region, Daniel Nii Kwartey Titus Glover, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Trade Zone Authority, Michael Okwei Jnr, Member of the State Council, Stanley Nii Ajili Blankson, former Black Stars Captain, Stephen Appiah and Chief Executive Officer of AMA, Elizabeth Sackey, among others.
Other guests included former members and members of the diplomatic corps including Dr Lawrence Tetteh, founder of World Miracle Outreach, and Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ms Grace Janet Mason.
Thanks to Otumfuo
King Takki Teiko Tulu, speaking at the durbar, expressed his gratitude to the Ashantihene for the noble visit and gesture on behalf of the Ga chiefs.The King called on all Ga people to shun tendencies that could foster division among them and ultimately retard progress and development, and to unite in pursuing their common destiny.
Ahead of the general elections, he advised politicians to ensure that Ghana ultimately emerges victorious.He said the historic hosting of the Ashantihene by Ghanaians in Accra would further cement relations between the two kingdoms.
He prayed for peace in Ghana. Fr Otumfuo Osei Tutu similarly expressed gratitude for the warm welcome from the state of Ghana and said he was impressed by the large turnout.
Highlighting the bond between the two kingdoms, Mr Ashantihene said he was not visiting the Ga-Mantse Palace but rather recalling an earlier visit by his uncle, Nana Agyemang Prempeh, who said the relationship between the Ashanti Kingdom and Ga State was one of true friendship and his visit was to cement that tradition.
He said Ga and Ashanti Kingdoms must work together to ensure the development of not only both kingdoms but Ghana as a whole. He thanked Ga Mantse for paying tribute to him at the 25th anniversary of his accession to power.
“Any time you call on me I promise you I will support you,” the Ashanti King said. He urged the people of Ga to rally behind Ga-Mantse to succeed. Otumfuo Osei Tutu donated 500,000 cedis to an education fund for talented but poor children in Ga state.
collaboration
The Greater Accra Regional Minister said: “Chieftainship is not about war to conquer territory. It is about friendship, cooperation and how to develop our people.”
“Whether it be in the areas of education, industry, trade, commerce, physical infrastructure development and digitalisation,” he said, praising the Ashantihene for his exemplary leadership, saying he had brought about peace and unity during his rule in the Ashanti Kingdom.
He said he hoped the visit would strengthen ties between GaDangme Region and the Ashanti Kingdom, highlighting the experience and leadership of the Ashantihene and looking forward to greater cooperation and friendship from his insights.