JAK, JJ eat Lord's Supper at Otumfuo's birthday

Former presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Jerry John Rawlings Thursday handed Otumfuo Osei Tutu II what could be described as his greatest birthday gift, when the two joined the Asantehene to eat the Lord's Supper at the Saint Cyprians Anglican Church in Kumasi as part of his 60th birthday celebrations.

It was a sight to behold, as the two personalities, believed to be harbouring contempt for each other, put aside their supposed animosity and together with their wives, joined Otumfuo and his wife to eat the Lord's Supper.

The rapturous uproar and cheers from the seemingly elated congregation that greeted this pleasant spectacle shook the huge church to its foundation, as most of the congregants were heard chanting, "Otumfuo has done it again."

The occasion was the Asantehene's 60th birthday thanksgiving church service, attended by a high-powered government delegation led by Vice President John Dramani Mahama.

Also in attendance at this spiritual event were selected kings from Africa, Alan Kyerematen, Isaac Osei, members of the diplomatic corps, current and former ministers of state as well as people from diverse backgrounds.

Prior to this great incident, the two former presidents who hardly see eye-to-eye, especially in public, had shaken hands at the instance of the Asantehene and this was also received with ear-splitting applause from the charged gathering.

Mr. Rawlings, who was seated at the far right hand side of Otumfuo, had greeted the Asantehene and wished him well and was about to return to his seat when Otumfuo signaled to him to pause and greet Mr. Kufuor, who was about to pay homage to the Asante King.

The two former presidents and their wives, right in the presence of the Asantehene exchanged pleasantries for brief moment amid shouts from the gathering, before retiring to their seats for the well-attended church service to proceed.

Indeed, the day belonged to Kufuor and Rawlings as in the course of the service, they were called once again to the podium where the clergy prayed for them and their family members with the Asantehene looking on in admiration.

This was after similar prayers had been said for Otumfuo and his wife Lady Julia Osei Tutu, Asanteman and mother Ghana by the congregation, most of whom wore white apparel to signify victory and merry-making.

The Vice President John Dramani Mahama, was not left out in the prayer session, as he too was called to the podium where hordes of men of God laid their hands on him in prayer.

In his brief address, Vice President Mahama, on behalf of the government and people of Ghana wished Otumfuo well on his 60th birthday and prayed for wisdom, good health and long life for the Asante King.

Describing Otumfuo as charismatic, friendly, visionary and level headed, he said, Asanteman and indeed Ghana is highly blessed to have Otumfuo who has played significant roles to transform the country within the 11 years of his reign.

Mr. Mahama mentioned the Otumfuo Education Fund which has enabled many students in the country to realize their educational goals and the Asante King's roles in ensuring peace in Dagbon, as some of his legacies.

Still showering praises on Otumfuo, Mr. Mahama observed that the Asantehene's modern way of leadership skills has helped raise the image of chieftaincy as an institution in recent years.

He thus charged traditional leaders in the country, especially where litigations exist, to learn from the Asante King who is open to all manner of people irrespective of tribal, religious or political affiliations.

The occasion was characterized by the singing of melodious thanksgiving songs by the congregants, most of whom were Asante Paramount Chiefs.

Preaching the sermon, Rt. Rev. Prof. Osei Sarfo-Kantanka, Methodist Bishop of Kumasi urged leaders in the country, especially chiefs, to live worthy lifestyles that would impact positively on their people so that their legacies would remain even after their deaths.

He noted that it would be prudent for traditional leaders like Otumfuo to surround themselves with people who would always give them good counsel so that they can take right decisions to transform the lives of their people and their communities.

Describing chieftaincy as a major force in the effective development of the country Rt. Rev. Sarfo-Kantanka warned poverty and unemployment but he bemoaned that "in the midst of these hardships, the NPP and NDC are always at each other's throat as if things are okay".