Commonwealth receives Otumfuo commemorative gold coin

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has applauded the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for making peacebuilding a central focus of his illustrious reign.

“His peace initiative is well documented, and as a Commonwealth, we associate with the initiative,” she stated.

Botchwey made the remarks when the Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Coin was presented to her at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London on Thursday, October 23, 2025. She commended the Asantehene for his outstanding contributions to peace and development in Asanteman and Ghana at large.

In her address, the Secretary-General emphasised that all 56 member states of the Commonwealth are guided by its charter, which promotes democracy, good governance, human rights, and the rule of law.

“Otumfuo is on the right path, and we wholeheartedly associate ourselves with what he is doing. We gratefully accept this gift of the gold coin,” she added.

A delegation led by Alex Dadey, Executive Chairman of KGL Group, presented the commemorative gold coin to the Secretary-General.

Other members of the delegation included Richard Adjei Mensah Ofori-Atta, Executive Chairman of E ON 3 Group, Kwami Sefa Kayi, broadcast journalist and media consultant to E ON 3 Group; and Daniel Weitmann, Founder of Golden Suisse.

Presenting the coin, Dadey said, “We have come here on behalf of Otumfuo to present one of the commemorative gold coins to you and also to invite you to next year’s peace concert event.”

The 24-karat gold coin symbolises peace and honours Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his enduring efforts toward peace and development in Ghana.

The project is envisioned as a lifelong initiative that celebrates the legacy of the 16th Asantehene while projecting Ghana’s rich cultural heritage to the world.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General also accepted an invitation to serve as a special guest at the upcoming ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ Peace Concert, scheduled to take place in Kumasi next year as part of celebrations marking the Asantehene’s 27th coronation anniversary.

The two-day global event will bring together world leaders, Ghanaians, the African diaspora and members of the international community to celebrate Otumfuo’s role as a Pillar of Peace. Attendees will also have the opportunity to own a piece of the Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Coin, gold bar or gold medal.

On December 29, 2019, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was honoured with the prestigious title “Pillar of Peace” at the inaugural African Premier Leadership Awards in Kumasi.

The recognition was in acknowledgment of his pivotal role in resolving the decades-long Dagbon chieftaincy conflict.

The Asantehene led the Committee of Eminent Chiefs in mediating the dispute for over 17 years, holding more than 1,000 sittings at the Manhyia Palace, which ultimately resulted in the enskinment of Ya-Na Abukari II.

Beyond Dagbon, His Majesty has resolved hundreds of chieftaincy disputes within his kingdom, promoting peace and stability. He has also played a key role in mediating political conflicts, including election disputes and transitions of power.

Notably, ahead of the 2012 general elections, the Asantehene convened all presidential candidates in Kumasi to sign a peace accord known as the Kumasi Declaration. In 2016, when political tensions rose, he again facilitated quiet diplomacy that ensured a peaceful transition of government.

In recognition of these remarkable contributions, the Bank of Ghana authorised E ON 3 Group, a business and investment company, to mint the 24-karat commemorative gold coin in his honour.

The coin was officially launched on December 12, 2021, in Kumasi.

Notable Recipients of the Gold Coin

Special presentations of the Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Coin have been made to distinguished individuals and institutions whose values align with the Asantehene’s dedication to peace and leadership.

These include:

John Dramani Mahama, former President of Ghana

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former President of Ghana

John Agyekum Kufuor, former President of Ghana

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President of Ghana

Justice Anin Yeboah, former Chief Justice of Ghana

Dr Ernest Addison, former Governor, Bank of Ghana

Sir Sam Jonah, Executive Chairman, Jonah Capital

The City of Memphis, USA, represented by Charles Ewing, Chairman of the Memphis in May Festival, and James L. Holt, President & CEO of the festival