Britain, Asanteman and the Masonic Lodge

Did Britain Conquer Asanteman Forever? This is the preamble.

Congratulations to Otumfuo Osei-Tutu 2 on his 25th anniversary as ‘Asantehene’ (King of Asanteman). The last few weeks have seen the display of a magnificent culture of a people and the exemplary leadership skills of a great man hitherto known in private life as Barima Kwaku Dua, who was enthroned as the 16th ‘Asantehene’ in April 1999.

A spectacular series of events showcasing Asanteman, the greatness of the current occupant of its Throne, and highlighting how a single individual could inspire a group of people and the public would rather conclude in an anticlimax; A stark reminder to all of us that the modern Asante Monarchy and many others remain vassal thrones with only cultural autonomy.

Historically great African Monarchs like the King of Asante, Zulu, or Hausaland, no matter how ceremonial their status may be, should not be subjugated to the dictates of any Fraternal Order or Sorority, be they Arabian, Western, Asian, etc.

Achievements of Otumfuo Osei-Tutu 2

It is worthy to note some of the terrific achievements of Nana Osei-Tutu 2, the least of which is his wise counsel and seamless collaboration with many stakeholders including civilians and military, both in private and public sectors here in Ghana and abroad.

Otumfuo’s Education Fund, a scholarship scheme which was initiated more than 2 decades ago primarily for underprivileged Asantes and Ghanaians, is another great achievement of the venerable Asantehene.

In addition, Otumfuo Osei-Tutu 2 has managed to elevate an aspect of Ghanaian culture to the consciousness of many Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians worldwide. This rediscovery of pride in culture is on display in many Akwasidae(s) celebrated at the forecourts of Manhyia palace. In my opinion, success in this single act is one of his greatest achievements.

Anglican Church and Asante Monarchy

Generally, sororities and fraternal organizations exist primarily to serve as networking platforms for their members and in a world where relationships (Whom You Know) could take a person much farther than actual merit, any individual has the free will to join any organization for whatever benefits they seek. In fact, should any such organization exist in the animal kingdom, anybody should have the free will to join if they so wish.

Fraternal orders are commonly known as Lodges in Ghana, whether Roman Catholic like the Knights of Columbus, Odd-Fellows, Freemasons, etc., are basically networking platforms to benefit its members and pursue whatever additional goals for which they exist.

It appears that one of the conditions the British attached to the reconstitution of the Asante Confederacy by Otumfuo Agyeman-Prempeh 2 was to remodel the monarchy after the British Crown by adopting the Church of England (Anglican) as its mother church and the Masonic Grand Lodge of England as its fraternal order thus tying the Asante Monarchy to the British Crown forever.

Otumfuo Osei-Tutu 2’s 25th year on the throne would also be his 25th year of membership in Ghana’s Masonic Lodge, meaning that he inherited his membership as part and parcel of the throne upon his ascension.

Interestingly, the British forgot to include in the inheritance the plenty of gold and other more important resources looted which would aid the development of Asanteman and by extension ‘Mother Ghana,’ only recently loaning some of the looted booty to its original custodians for exhibition during the above-mentioned celebrations.

Ironically, the celebration of the great king has informed and reminded us that Asante never won back its freedom after the ‘Sagrenti War’ and only maintains cultural autonomy.

Asanteman is back to pre-Komfo Anokye and Otumfuo Osei-Tutu 1, except that homage is currently paid to the British Crown instead of Denkyira.

Fellow Ghanaians, we shall soon be celebrating the 25th anniversary of Osagyefo Amotia Ofori-Panyin 1, the Paramount Chief of Akyem Abuakwa. Perhaps we shall find out that his inheritance of the modern Abuakwa throne includes unwavering membership in the Odd-Fellows and Knights of Columbus or whatever Arabian Order attached, without the more important resources needed for economic and general development.

Ah well, ‘Mother Ghana’ herself is not sovereign neither are her children. To quote a wise Ghanaian lady who once lived, speaking in the pigin lingua; ‘Chaley We Come from Far but We Get Very Far Go.’

GYE NYAME!