How is King Ashanti doing in two decades?

The streets of Kumasi – the regional capital Ashanti are not paved with gold. But the boots of the people are full of pride.

Ashanti is culturally endowed.
It can be argued that the Ashanti kingdom or region is / was considered the bastion of rich culture, norms and morals in Africa. Take a tour of Manhyia to Kajetia and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Asante Kotokohene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has been for 20 years on the golden stool (Sika Dwa Kofi).

The King and Asanteman celebrated this anniversary with great fanfare.

And I sit here meditating on something that might be considered by some as insignificant. But significant or insignificant, I think it must be said or asked.

Have you ever wondered how Otumfuor's childhood friends thought of him now?

For example, seeing him today, dressed majestically, carried in palanquin, surrounded by supreme leaders and division heads: See dignitaries coming from far and near – flocking to the interior and on the outside the serenant of praise and best wishes

The question is:

• Do these friends have good memories of Kwaku Dua (his private name) years ago?
• How many of them played in the sand with him during the days of elementary school?
• How many of them have probably teased, called his name, intimidated him or probably ignored him?

And how many of them probably had the idea that the young king would one day badume the monarchical throne.

I want to emphasize that not all royal borns could be a king or a leader. Otumfuor, certainly, exudes power and influence. He is blessed with wisdom and wealth. He is majestic and adorable. However, he had a very humble beginning.

The occupant of the golden stool is one day sitting on a wooden chair of secondary high school Sefwi-Wiawso. You thought he was going to some of the rich Kumasi schools, like Prempeh, Opoku Ware. Or the likes of Mfantsipim, Adisadel and St. Augustine at (Cape Coast) or Achimota College, Presbyterian Boys High School in Accra.

Nana Kwaku Dua was probably teased and spanked a hundred times.

Yes, his mother would not spare him the rod if he behaved badly.

And who said that the royal family did not have the rhythm?
He cried like his peers, even though he walked majestically, spoke majestically and did majestic things. It was said that he liked the soup "Abunuabunu" from home, home-made by his mother, who often controlled his hunger.

Akufo Addo praises Otumfuor
The Ghanaian President, Akufo-Addo, a long-time friend of Asantehene, describes him as a "pillar of peace" and "development" of the country.

At the dawn of the twentieth anniversary of Asantehene, which coincided with the celebration of the "Akwasidaekese" festival at Manhya Palace, Mr. Akufo Addo emphasized that this trip had been an extraordinary journey for the king, with his footprints engraved firmly on many aspects of Asanteman's life, and Ghana in general. The results he noted "are obvious to all".

The festival "Akwasideikese" is celebrated every five years.

He also said this about him:
"Contribute to ensuring access to education through the Otumfuo Education Fund, participate in the fight against the spread of HIV and AIDS, revitalize the chieftaincy institution and , recently, chair the Committee of Eminent Leaders, help bring peace, finally, to Dagbon and the installation of a new Yaa-Na, here are some of his many accomplishments and achievements as a & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; Asantehene

On behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, Mr. Akufo Addo said: "I join all the supporters in warmly congratulating Otumfuo Osei Tutu Ababio on the 20th anniversary of his ascent to the large golden stool.

"From his lawyer days to those of Leader of the Opposition, he has been a source of sound and consistent advice. That has not changed since I became President of the Republic, "said the president.

I pray to God to continue to bless him with wisdom, good health, long life and prosperity, as well as another 20 years on the throne, and I hope that our friendship will continue to remain strong, "he added.

Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia and his wife, Second Lady Samira Bawumia, First Lady Rebecca Akufo Addo, Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Ocquaye and his wife, former President John Mahama, as well as many dignitaries.

In addition, more than 40 international dignitaries, including former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, are expected to participate in the event.

Other Otumfuor Devs
Otumfuo would have played a key role in carrying out the government's development projects in Kumasi, including the Kejetia Market Redevelopment Project, the Kumasi City Shopping Center, and is currently launching the construction of Kumasi Airport to There are offices and top-notch companies. .

Education
Born about 69 years ago, Otumfuo Osei Tutu attended Sefwi-Wiaso High School for the ordinary GCE level, and then at Osei Kyerekyere High School for his advanced level certificate before going to the university. Institute of Professional Studies (IPS) then, to study accounting.

He then went to the UK for further study. He also worked as a professional accountant and worked in other companies before being hired by Asantehene on April 26, 1999.

Oyoko Piesie was inducted into the gold stool as 16th Asantehene on April 26, 1999. And the kingdom was founded more than three hundred years ago.

Meanwhile, the third anniversary celebrations will end on May 12, 2019 with a golf competition at the Royal Golf Club in Kumasi.