Kumasi gives Otumfuo rousing welcome

Kumasi, Dec. 19, GNA - Thousands of Kumasi residents rushed to the streets to give Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene a rousing welcome on his return from England, where the Metropolitan University of London conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Philosophy on him. Before the arrival of the Asantehene's convoy people, some of whom were waving miniature flags of Asanteman, had lined the principal streets of the Metropolis.

A welcoming party met him at Ayigya from where the convoy passed through Oforikrom; Amakom; Asikafo Ama Nntem; R.T. Briscoe; COCOBOD Jubilee House; Kejetia; Bantama; Suame Roundabout and Dichemso to the Manhyia Palace.

A large crowd had gathered at the forecourt of the Manhyia Palace to welcome Otumfuo Osei Tutu back home.

The Asantehene was entertained by cultural troupes of the various ethnic groups in the Ashanti Region with songs, drumming and dancing.

After exchanging pleasantries with Paramount Chiefs of Asanteman, the Clergy, both Christian and Muslim, and top Government Officials in Ashanti, he went to 'Nkongwa Fie So' to formally announce his safe return to the Golden Stool and to take back the 'Poduo', which he is enjoined traditionally to leave in the custody of the Golden Stool anytime he had to travel outside Asanteman for a long time.

The conferment of the honorary doctorate degree by the Metropolitan University in London is in recognition of the immense contribution of Otumfuo Osei Tutu to the accelerated socio-economic development of Asanteman and Ghana as a whole since he ascended the Golden Stool in April 1999.

This brings to seven the number of honorary doctorate degrees so far conferred on the Asantehene by various universities throughout the world.