‘My wife is an extraordinary pillar’ – Otumfuo sings the praises of Lady Julia

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, testifies to the adage that behind every successful man, there is a strong and wise woman. In an interview, he explained in detail how his queen, Lady Julia, has been the cornerstone of his success as a monarch.

During the celebration of his 20 years on the Golden Stool, the Asantehene, in an exclusive interview with Graphic Online, explained the sacrifices and responsibilities the queen had to assume to ensure his success.

According to him, the heavy responsibility bestowed on him as occupant of the Golden Stool makes it impossible for him to spend time with his wife and children, yet Lady Julia continues to be supportive. In the words of the Asantehene, Lady Julia has been an extraordinary pillar to him.

“My wife is an extraordinary pillar. Being Asantehene is demanding, and you need to have a wife who understands you,” the Asantehene said.

He added that, “The only day that I have some time to attend to my family is Saturday, but even then, people sometimes come to my residence for various reasons.”

Lady Julia performs ceremonial duties as the wife of the Asantehene and heads many projects spearheaded by the Manhyia Palace. Here are some institutions and policies led by Lady Julia:

Serwaa Ampem Foundation

Lady Julia heads the Serwaa Ampem Foundation, a non-governmental organization named after the late mother of Otumfuo, the late Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II. Of specific importance in the activities of the Serwaa Ampem Foundation are children infected with HIV/AIDS and family planning. The Serwaa Ampem Foundation is a part of the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Charity Foundation (OOCTF), where Lady Julia chairs the Board of Trustees.

The establishment of the Otumfuo Mobile Dental Project and the Serwaa Ampem Orphanage of Wheels

Under her leadership, the Serwaa Ampem Foundation has implemented the Otumfuo Mobile Dental Project and the Serwaa Ampem Orphanage of Wheels. These initiatives ensure that vehicles are made available to convey health professionals from towns to villages to offer dental services to the people and orphans at no cost. According to a recent report by the OOCTF, the initiative has benefited over 150,000 children and other young people.

Advocacy for disease prevention programs

Lady Julia has been at the forefront of healthcare promotion, especially in disease prevention programs, notably in HIV, tuberculosis, immunization, and malaria. She has collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank, and the Ghana Health Service to pioneer work in the implementation of Mother-to-Child Prevention of HIV through a series of sensitization workshops for 560 traditional leaders and subsequent organization of community durbars in the Ashanti and the former Brong Ahafo Regions.

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