The Great King marks 26 years since the enthronement of reign

Today marks 26 years since the enthronement of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as the Asantehene.

Widely regarded as a pillar of peace and economic development, the 16th Asantehene succeeded the late Otumfuo Opoku Ware II and adopted the name Osei Tutu II in honour of the founder of the Asante Kingdom, ‘Opemsuo’ Osei Tutu.

Ghana’s leading newspaper, Daily Graphic, in its April 27, 1999 edition brilliantly captured his swearing-in event. The front-page headline read, “New Asantehene Swears Oath…. He is Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.”

The story detailed how the then Barima Kwaku Duah, 49, holding the ‘Mponponsuo’ sword in his right hand and the kuntunkuni (black cloth) draped around his waist, swore the Great Oath (Ntamkesie) before a large assembly of chiefs and people at Dwabrem in Manhyia, pledging to rule with truth, honesty and fairness.

While the 26th anniversary is not being celebrated on a grand scale, it nevertheless offers Otumfuo and his people an opportunity to reflect on the achievements during his reign.

Keeping faith to oath

Raised with meticulous care in preparation for leadership, the Asantehene has faithfully upheld his pledge, demonstrating truth, honesty and fairness in every aspect of his rule.

He has been a true champion of peace, education, health and economic development, among other things.

Foundation

The establishment of the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation shortly after his enthronement has been a significant milestone in his progressive reign.

The Foundation seeks to improve the lives of Ghanaians by implementing the ideals, values and vision of its patron, the Asantehene. It focuses on Water & Sanitation, Health, Culture & Heritage, Education and Entrepreneurship.

To date, the Foundation has supported the education of hundreds of thousands of Asantes and non-Asantes at both secondary and tertiary levels.

Currently, the Foundation is building a 700-bed girls’ hostel for Sefwi Wiawso Senior High School, the King’s alma mater.

In 2013, Otumfuo secured a scholarship package for Ghanaian students to study at the University of Memphis, USA.

Under this agreement, qualified Ghanaian students travel to Memphis to pursue their undergraduate, master’s and PhD degrees, with up to 70 per cent of the scholarships reserved for those studying courses in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Pillar of Peace

For 26 years, Otumfuo has dedicated his energy and resources to resolving conflicts, notably the challenging Dagbon chieftaincy dispute.

As a result of his peace initiatives, he was awarded the prestigious ‘Pillar of Peace’ award at the Africa Premier Leadership Awards (APLA) in 2020.

A year later, the Bank of Ghana authorised the E ON 3 Group, a Ghanaian-based investment and business solutions company, to mint and issue a 24-carat commemorative gold coin to celebrate Otumfuo, recognising his peace initiatives, particularly his leadership of the three-member Committee of Eminent Chiefs that restored peace to Dagbon after years of conflict.

His Majesty is currently engaged in efforts to address the Bawku crisis, with the entire nation looking to him to help restore peace in the troubled area.

Economic contributions

Otumfuo’s contributions to the country’s economic development have been significant as noted by both President John Dramani Mahama and former President John Agyekum Kufuor.

During the presentation of the commemorative gold coin to Mr Mahama in 2022, he highlighted that the Asantehene played a crucial role in securing an Extended Credit Facility from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2016 to bolster the economy.

Mr Mahama explained how the implementation of the single spine salary policy from President Mills’ administration had led to financial burdens due to rising wages and salaries.

To gain credibility with international investors, it became necessary to have the IMF support the government’s home-grown fiscal programme.

One day during a visit to Kumasi, Mr Mahama said he asked Otumfuo whether he could engage with James D. Wolfensohn, the then President of the World Bank, to facilitate discussions with the IMF and the Asantehene readily accepted the request.

As a result, Otumfuo flew to Washington to discuss the programme with Mr Wolfensohn, and together they went and spoke with the IMF Director, Christine Lagarde, ultimately aiding the government’s efforts to secure the Extended Credit Facility in no time.

“That was the programme which turned the economy around.

Under it, in 2016, almost for the first time in our history, we did not overspend the budget,” Mr Mahama stated.

Mr Kufuor also highlighted the Asantehene’s crucial role in Ghana’s exit from the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, particularly at a time when the IMF was hesitant to offer support.

Clearly, Otumfuo’s leadership has been instrumental in fostering unity, progress and pride in Asante identity.

His influence has further elevated the Asante monarchy on the global stage, with engagements involving world leaders and institutions further reinforcing Ashanti’s rich heritage.