Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has asked chiefs in his kingdom to make a candid assessment of his stewardship as he marks 20 years on the Golden Stool.
He told an Asanteman Council meeting good feedback will serve as a guide for the future.
On April 26, 1999, Barima Kwaku Duah, then 49 years old, was enstooled the 16th Asantehene under the stool name Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. He was seen as the return of Otumfuo Osei Tutu I, founder of modern Asante State.
His coronation saw the establishment of Otumfuo Educational Fund to support, especially, the less privileged which was one of his early initiatives..
Together with other internationally funded projects, channelled through the Asantehene, it has changed the lives of many people in rural Ghana.
The recent end to a 17-year-old Dagbon chieftaincy dispute in Dagbon, culminating in the enskinment of a new Ya-Na, is certainly one of Otumfuo’s achievements.
He led the Committee of Three Eminent Chiefs to fashion out a roadmap for peace. But now, Otumfuo believes it is time for his paramount chiefs, with whom he has been working to assess him.
“We will have to be truthful to ourselves, so I will know how to improve upon things moving forwards. After 20 years, have we been able to secure anything from government for our people? Are we able to secure jobs for the youth?”, he said.
“After this, we will be able to know what to do moving forward. Government is supposed to ensure development, they are taking tax but we have a part to play”, Asantehene added.
The anniversary celebrations will be held between March 27 and April 27 and will climax with a durbar, once more, to showcase Asante’s rich culture.
On such a day of glamour, Otumfuo wants his chiefs to dress flamboyantly, showcasing the rich Asante culture.
As part of activities, traditional Asante foods will be cooked and served at the Manhyia Palace.
Though a detailed programme is yet to be released, Otumfuo Akyeamehene, Nana Nsuase Poku, gave a hint of some aspects.
“Proper sanitation should be prioritised especially ahead of the anniversary. Chiefs must lead frequent cleaning exercises even after the anniversary”.
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