EXPLAINER: Why rituals were performed on Pra River for Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II

The just-ended Oguaa Fetu Afahye brought together numerous traditional rulers and clans in a truly unique way.

With Otumfuo in attendance and a wealth of rich cultural displays, the festival was marked by several historic moments.

A notable historic moment was the traditional rites and rituals performed for the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, before his departure to Oguaa.

On September 6, 2024, a viral video captured the Adanse Dompoasehene, Nana Kwabena Bonsu II, performing rituals at the banks of the River Pra in Adanse Praso to allow the Asantehene to cross to the Central Region to participate in the Oguaa Fetu Afahye in Cape Coast.

According to him, the purpose of the libation was to ask for the protection of the river god for Otumfuo on his journey as he crossed the southern boundary of Asante territory.

Many have wondered about the rationale behind this event, but history provides a clear explanation.

History of River Pra & Otumfuo Osei Tutu I

It is believed that Asantehene Osei Tutu I, the founder of the Ashanti Empire, died in 1717. He was killed in battle by the Denkyira during the war between the Ashanti and the Denkyira kingdom. His death was an important moment in Ashanti history because he had played a major role in unifying the Ashanti states into a mighty empire.

By tradition, River Pra was the site of the unhappy death of Asantehene Osei Tutu I. According to tradition, he fell, shot, while crossing the Pra River when in battle against the Denkyira. His death on the river was symbolic, as the Pra often represented a boundary between the Ashanti and their rivals; thus, it stands out in Ashanti history as a significant geographic and cultural marker.

Meanwhile, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has returned to the Manhyia Palace following his four-day visit to Oguaa.

Adanse Dompoasehene, Nana Kwabena Ponkor performs a traditional ritual at River Pra in the Adanse Praso to allow the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu to cross to the coast.

The Adanse Praso ends the boundaries of the Asante territory to the South or the coast.

Piawwwwwwwwwww!!!!… pic.twitter.com/cPxOSILpzi

— The Asante Nation (@Asante_nation) September 5, 2024