Kofi Annan (second right) sitting on the dais with other dignitaries
THE FORECOURT of Manhyia Palace in Kumasi was a pleasant scene to behold yesterday when people from all walks of life including ex-UN Secretary General Kofi Annan joined the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to celebrate the last Akwasidae festival for the year 2012.
The colourful traditional ceremony is organized every 40 days on the Asante calendar for Asantes and people from other tribal lineage including foreign nationals, to pay homage to the occupant of the Golden Stool, the Asantehene.
Yesterday’s Akwasidae was organized in a flamboyant fashion, thereby drawing top dignitaries including Ghana’s former President John Agyekum Kufuor to the event.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Kwaku Agyeman Mensah and his deputy, Madam Animah Wilson, KMA Boss Samuel Sarpong, the clergy, paramount chiefs, business tycoons and some top foreign nationals graced the event.
As protocol demanded, the Asantehene, who was clad in Kente with gold ornaments, sat in state for the paramount chiefs and other important dignitaries to pay homage to him.
Among those that paid homage to the king included the Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwah Ampem who came to the durbar grounds in a flashy car with the wife of Otumfuo, Lady Julia.
As traditional demanded, nobody gave an address during the colourful traditional ceremony which was mostly characterized by drumming and dancing.
The firing of musketry to display power was predominant, especially when the paramount chiefs from Asanteman walked majestically to pay homage to Otumfuo who sat in state.
One after the other, dignitaries including Lady Julia, walked towards Otomfuo to greet him and also wish him well, especially in the coming year.
Most of the people that graced the event presented traditional drinks and other items to the Asantehene, after which he also presented some drinks to some selected guests.
Otumfuo, at the end of the successful programme, accompanied by the palace guards and some chiefs, walked through the durbar grounds amidst drumming of traditional tunes, to shake hands with some selected personalities.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr & Halifax Ansah-Addo, Kumasi
