The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, is fuming about the gross disrespect shown to him by Professor Kwaku Boafo, the Ghana High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK) and his staff. This occurred when the Asantehene arrived at the Heathrow Airport only to be met by the head of the political department.
Asantehene narrated to people who called on him that after the official received him, he sent them to his residence and never got back to them.
The delegation maintained that the High Commissioner never paid the Asantehene a visit something that goes contrary to protocol and has thus greatly surprised the King. According to them, the Otumfuo will report the matter to Accra to find out whether Accra gave the orders that he should not be accorded the necessary respect upon his arrival in London.
Another issue that also came up is that, Otumfuo feels that because he is Asantehene and the High Commissioner is Akyem that is why he was treated with disdain and disrespect. In his view, the High Commissioner does not deem it fit to pay him homage.
It is the responsibility of the head of the protocol office to arrange for the Otumfuo to be properly received and taken care off. The failure of the protocol officer who doubles as the head of the Chancery throws into question why this happened. People have started speculating that it is because she is Nana Akufo Addo’s girlfriend and very close confidant of the High Commissioner that is why she also snubbed the Asantehene.
It is also understood that Asantehene may not want to meet the High Commissioner nor his lady friend at the Chancery in person. But some members of the delegation are trying to resolve this matter before the King arrives in Accra. According to them if that is not done, the High Commissioner and his lady friend at the Chancery will be queried over their action.
However, the head of Chancery who doubles as the head of Protocol should explain to Ghanaians the failure on her part to accord the Otumfuo the same attention she accords the Okyehene whenever he visits UK. When Okyehene is visiting UK, the High Commissioner himself receives him and visits him every day until he departs, why didn’t he do same to Asantehene? Likewise the head of the Chancery, who will ensure the comfort of the Okyehene whenever he is in London but surprisingly, ignored the Asantehene. Members of the Otumfuo delegation also stated that they are informed that the High Commission is run by only the High Commissioner and the Head of Chancery. They take all decisions without consultation and have become very close for comfort. They believe that these two took a decision not to attend to the Otumfuo.
Some members of the NDC UK-Ireland told the delegation that they are not too surprise about the developments. They feel neglected by the High Commissioner and think that he does not want to have anything to do with them. They are equally worried that the High Commissioner allows the Head of Chancery to control everything at the High Commission, denying them the chance to meet prominent people who visit UK.
So far no one from the High Commission has yet visited Otumfuo even though he has been in UK for a week now. He is livid and will find it hard to forget the level of disregard. The Asante and Akyem factor is very vivid in this saga and the fear is that it can cause serious problems.
The Asante and Akyem factor is a mountain issue for the authorities in Ghana. What happened to Otumfuo will be used as an example of the Akyem hatred of the Asante royal stool. The Ghana High Commission will have to apologise to the Asantehene and to all Asantes. As I listened to some members of the delegation, I realised that the feeling of bitterness still exist. Growing up in Kumasi, I never imagine seeing this issue of rivalry openly displayed in my whole life time.
Any disrespect of Otumfuo is a disrespect of the people he represents. We shall wait for the King to arrive in Accra and we will find out what explanation is given for the action of the High Commission. If courtesy is extended to one King, it should be extended to all who come to UK.
Nana A Eshun London, UK
