Politics has sowed enmity between Asantes and Ewes – Otumfuo

Politics has sowed seeds of discord between Asantes and Ewes, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has said.

According to him, the cordial relationship among different ethnic groups in the country, continues to be threatened by politicians who thrive on dividing different ethnic groups.

Speaking at the last Akwasidae festival for the year on Sunday, 16 December 2018, the Overlord of Asanteman, who had Tobgui Sri III, the Awoemefia of the Anlo Traditional Area in the Volta Region as his special guest of honour, said his vision is to see a united Ghana, and, therefore, cautioned politicians against attempts to divide the country on tribal lines.

“Ewes and Asantes are one people and we never fought. As Asantehene, I want unity and my priority is to unite all Ghanaians. Although I’m the Asantehene, I’m affected when there are disturbances in the Volta Region or in Dagomba land. God has already made the Asantehene great, so, I’m not interested in ruling Ghana, I rather want peace and unity, that is why I invited Togbui Sri III to join me celebrate Akwasidae,” Otumfuo said.

He added: “The chieftaincy institution predated partisan politics, which has introduced lies in chieftaincy and sowing seeds of discord between ethnic groups. Ewes and Asantes have lived in harmony for centuries but politics is trying to divide us. When Togbui Sri III decided to honour my invitation, there were reports that President Akufo-Addo had influenced my meeting with him but I’ve not spoken to Akufo-Addo. In Asanteman, we inter-marry, so, let’s remain united and live in harmony. The politicians should take their politics and allow us to unite for a better Ghana because before politics all ethnic groups lived in unity”.

The people of Anlo and Asante entered into a tripartite alliance in 1865. This alliance was signed during the reign of Asantehene Kofi Karikari. The alliance culminated in the establishment of Anloga as a town in Kumasi.

For his part, Togbui Sri III said: “I want to advise my subjects here to be law-abiding and reciprocate the fatherly care and love extended to them. I want to assure the Asantehene Osei Tutu II that the Anlo kingdom, chiefs, queens and its people will continue to maintain the old alliance.”