Hot!
Asantehene marks Akwasidae in Maryland …a scene of great picturesqueness and grandeur
His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene last Sunday celebrated Akwasidae with some of his chiefs and elders, together with many US-based Ghanaians, particularly members of the Asanteman Association in the US, at his residence in Maryland, United States of America (USA).
Speaking at a ceremony of great picturesqueness and grandeur, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II stressed the need for Ghanaians in the diaspora to trace their roots by exhibiting and living in accordance with the dictates of their traditions and cultural beliefs.
Clad in a beautiful blue and white decorated and designed kente cloth, the revered King expressed his profound gratitude to all the invitees for joining him to celebrate the Akwasidae in grand style.
“I am happy to see my people in such a great mood today of dancing the traditional Adowa, and this demonstrates the fact that you haven’t forgotten your history, and most importantly, our well-celebrated tradition and culture, ” Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said.
The occupant of the Golden Stool advised his subjects who live in the diaspora, particularly those in the USA to be law abiding in whatever they did at their various places of work and residence, adding that “you should not do anything negative to drag the name of Ghana and Asanteman into the mud.”
He entreated all Ghanaians in the diaspora to uphold the great traditions and endowed cultural beliefs of their respective origins.
He advised the elderly and all parents to counsel their wards to embrace the most respected Ghanaian culture and traditions while they still live abroad.
The Akwasidae is celebrated by chiefs and people in Ashanti as well as Asantes in the diaspora. The festival is celebrated on a Sunday, once every six weeks.
Her Excellency, Mrs Martha Pobee, former Ghana’s Ambassador to the UN, His Excellency, Mr. Kobee Komoson, former US Ambassador to Ghana, Aisha Braveboy, State Attorney for Prince George’s County, Maryland, and Ghana’s Ambassador to the USA, Her Excellency, Hajia Alima Mahama, were there to grace the occasion.
Oheneba Boachie Agyei Woahene II, Nana Osei Kwadwo (Mamesenhene), Nana Otimpie Aben (Otumfuo’s Saasamohene), Nana Yaw Atta Kyeremanteng (Bebrehene), Nana Gyedu Kumaning Amakye (Barehene), Nana Yaa Asantewaa (Paramount Queenmother of Ejisu Traditional Area), Nana Ama Afrakoma, Queenmother of Agogo Traditional Area and some dignitaries from the royal family were there in their numbers to showcase the tradition and culture of Asanteman.
Earlier, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II had urged the members of Asanteman Association of New York to live in peace and unity, respect one another, and work for the progress and interest of the association.
He noted that there was no Asantefuohene (chief) in New York and called on the association to hold elections within three months to elect a new chief, queenmother and other officers of the Asanteman Association, and work in harmony to bring peace.
From Prince Osei Bonsu, Maryland, USA
Ghana’s parliament has marked the 2nd edition of May Day 2026 under the theme “ Welcome Home”.
It was special day meant to celebrate the invaluable support of the workforce, recognizing the commitment, resilience, and contributions of workers to institutional growth and national development.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Speaker, the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, described the theme as very apt, appropriate, and timely, noting that Parliament is more than a workplace, it is a shared home.
He emphasized that we cannot speak about work without speaking about people, reminding everyone that the true measure of our work is the well-being of our people.
He urged that our traditional clothing become an integral part of our everyday clothing, and that our local languages must become integral to our daily lives, interwoven into education and practiced at home.
Referencing Standing Order 63, which captures the use of local language as optional in deliberations, he encouraged a renewed commitment to identity, saying it is significant that we “come home” and present who we are so future generations can inherit a story they can fully tell.
The Clerk, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his remarks commended officers for their dedication and devotion to duty, calling on them to go the extra mile and leave legacies.
Echoing the reminder that an unexamined life is not worth living, he described the event as an invitation to reconnect with our roots through cultural revival.
The Deputy Clerk, C&FMS, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, urged all not to forget their roots, the people behind the stories of ministries, industries, and the strides made both in-house and beyond.
What began last year has now become a meaningful tradition, showcasing Ghanaian heritage, fostering unity, and encouraging innovation under the principle of diversity for unity and diversity for progress, she added.
The gathering brought together leadership, public officials, and staff across all levels, along with the media, standing as a unifying platform that honored service, celebrated culture, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to national development.
Hot!
Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
