Asanteman holds durbar to climax 10 years of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II

Kumasi, April 26, GNA - Asanteman is today holding a durbar of chiefs and people at Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi to climax activities marking the 10th anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's ascending of the Golden Stool.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) George Mensah, Ashanti Regional Commander of Operation, told GNA that 500 personnel have been deployed for the occasion. He said security details have been deployed to the Kumasi Airport, hotels hosting dignitaries; the entire Kumasi Metropolis and commissioned highway patrols especially along the major roads leading to Kumasi.

At the Baba Yara Stadium, venue for the durbar, ACP Mensah said the Police; Military, Prisons and Ghana National Fire Service personnel have been deployed. When the GNA visited the Stadium at 0715 hours a number chiefs and queens had arrived and the Military was strictly ensuring that only the stipulated number of people entered the main arena. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II 10 years ago swore the customary oath to the chiefs of the Kumasi Traditional Area at "Dwaberem" at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu, who was then 49 years old, succeeded Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, who died on February 25 1999. He held the "Mponponsuo", the state sword, in his right hand, espoused the greatness, achievements and conquests of his ancestors and pledged to blaze their trail. "If I fail to continue the exploits of my ancestors and fail in my duty I contravene the Great Oath of Asante", he declared. The enthusiastic crowd that had gathered there immediately mobbed Otumfuo Osei Tutu. Bare-chested-youth carried him on their shoulders, while women besmeared him with powder amidst singing of praises, drumming and dancing.

The ecstatic crowd broke the security cordon to cast a glimpse at the new Asantehene. The Divisional Chiefs of Kumasi swore the oath of allegiance to Otumfuo Osei Tutu in turns. Earlier Baffuor Awuah V, Bantamahene and Acting President of the Kumasi Traditional Council, on behalf of the 'Kontire Division' called on Otumfuo Osei Tutu to cooperate with his subjects and not to lord it over them. He expressed the hope that under the administration of Otumfuo Osei Tutu, Asanteman and Ghana would see much progress saying that he should be patient; tolerant; tactful and maintain an open administration.