Portrait of Otumfuo Opoku Ware as a Young Man

Official Biography of the late Asantehene.

In commemoration of the death of the Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, the 15th occupant of the Golden Stool of Asante, Anansesem Publications is republishing the late King's official biography written by the distinguished scholar, Professor Ivor Wilks with the full co-operation of Otumfuo

The book, titled Portrait of Otumfuo Opoku Ware II as a young man, traces the late King's life from his birth in November 1919 to his enstoolment as Asantehene in 1970. The first edition of the book was launched at the Manhyia Palace, Kumasi by Otumfuo Opoku Ware II himself on July 27 1995, exactly 25 years to the day he swore the oath of office as Asantehene.

'A Portrait of OTUMFUO OPOKU WARE II as a young man' is a personal account of the life of the Asantehene before he assumed office in 1970. It has evolved out of a long and intimate friendship between Otumfuo and the author, covering many hours of formal interviews and friendly chats, which together with access to family records and historians has formed the basis for this book.

The character of the Otumfuo, a detailed family pedigree, his school days, how he acquired his Christian names - Matthew and Jacob, of the prophecy made of his reign, the simple altar boy, the great affection shown him by Nana Prempeh I (on his return from Seychelles), to be continued by Otumfuo Sir Osei Agyeman Prempeh II are vividly portrayed. The book ends at the time of his becoming King.