Presidency to honour Otumfuo with a state dinner

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is expected to host a state dinner in honour of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as the king of Asante marks the 20th anniversary on his accession to the throne in Kumasi, this March.

The event is expected to come off in Kumasi and forms part of a series of activities lined-up for the 20th Anniversary celebrations which start on Wednesday, March 27 with some traditional rites and performances.

At a press briefing at the Manhyia Palace, the Asantehene’s Chief of Staff Mr. Kofi Badu noted that upon adoption of the programme presented to Asanteman Council, a delegation was sent to Jubilee House to officially inform the president and also invite him to be Guest of Honour for the forthcoming programme.

The former Heads of State have also been invited to be part of the celebration, while the various arms of government, including Parliament, have also been duly invited.

Beginning on Wednesday, March 27, the Asantehene will perform the ‘Atano Rites’ followed by other performances by ‘Atano Priests’ of the region. This will herald the start of 20th Anniversary Celebrations in Kumasi.

Also, part of the celebrations will be ‘Akwasidae Kesee’ at Dwabrem in the Manhyia Palace, which will be the main highlight of the two-decade reign of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

Other activities which will be held from March to the end of the 20th Anniversary Celebrations on Sunday, May 12 include: Asanteman Queen Mothers’ Day, a day set aside to recognise the role of queen mothers; Video & Photo Exhibition on twenty years of Otumfuo’s Reign; and KNUST Technology and Innovation Week.

There will also be a Chancellor’s Day in honour of the Chancellor of KNUST, who is the Asantehene; Unveilling of Otumfuo’s Statue at the redeveloped Kejetia Market; and sod-cutting for Central Market Redevelopment Project – Phase-Two; Anniversary Football Match; World-Meet-in-Ghana Investors Forum and Executive Dinner Ball, and a host of other activities.