A draft programme of activities for the celebration of the third anniversary of the enstoolment of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has been released by Yankah and Associates and the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, Legon. According to the programme, the activities would begin from 26 April and end on 6 May 2002.
Addressing a press conference in Kumasi, on Friday, in connection with the celebration, Mr Ivor Agyemang-Duah of Yankah and Associates, said it would involve a photo exhibition of the enstoolment of the Asantehene, settlement of disputes, his sitting with Asanteman Council and honouring by international and local institution.
Film shows that would show the Golden Stool, settlement of cases at Manhyia, his trips abroad and strips from television stations in the country as well as cultural performances, lectures, sales of films on Asantehene, calendar, portraits, posters and souvenirs.
Mr Agyemang-Duah said on Sunday, 5 May, there would be a church service, an awards night and a reception on 6 May to commemorate the Asantehene's birthday. He noted that within the short period that the Asantehene ascended the Golden Stool, Otumfuo Osei Tutu had distinguished himself as a progressive, forward-looking, development-oriented leader.
He said the Otumfuo had resolved long-standing chieftaincy and land disputes, set up an education fund to assist needy children and community schools, established an investment company to help create jobs and attract investments into Asanteman. The Otumfuo had further shown great concern for the HIV/AIDS epidemic and set up a foundation to assist in its eradication.
Mr Agyemang-Duah said Otumfuo Osei Tutu had contributed significantly to the transformation of the image of traditional leaders in Africa by his initiatives over the past few years.
He said the Asantehene had been recognised both locally and internationally, leading to his being honoured by the universities of Glasgow, Scotland, Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne in the USA and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi. It was, therefore, appropriate and fitting that the third anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu be marked to provide a documentary of his reign.
