I’m ready to sacrifice life for Asanteman - Kumawuhene

Reminiscent of the bravery of the legendary Tweneboah Koduah, Barima Sarfo Tweneboah Koduah has vowed to sacrifice his life for the growth of Asanteman if the need arises.

The 47-year-old medical director last Monday swore the oath of allegiance to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, with the Mpomponsuo sword to seal his installation as the 24th Kumawuhene to ascend the Kodua and Okyere Stool of Kumawu at the Manhyia Palace.

Barima Tweneboah Koduah swore on his life, amidst cheers, that he would serve his people and Asanteman to the best of his ability, even if it meant sacrificing his life.

Before this solemn vow was made, members of the Asanteman Council, presided over by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, had unanimously recognized the role of Kumawu in Asante nation building and subsequently endorsed the nomination and installation of Barima Tweneboah Koduah, known in private life as Dr. Emmanuel Yaw Kantanka Sarfo-Asante.

Members of the Council took turns to advise the new Kumawuhene to be respectful, courageous, honest and truthful, and unite the people in rebuilding Kumawuman for the general development of Asanteman.

Seventeen stool elders, including the Gyaasehene, Sarmanhene, Twafokanhene, Besorohene (Apesimaka), Nifahene, Sanaahene and Akyeame, had also sworn the oath of allegiance to the Golden Stool and pledged to diligently support the new Kumawuhene, to serve Asanteman.

The Asantehene advised the new chief to consider their (Otumfuo and Barima Tweneboah Koduah) role as Asante nation builders, as directed by their mentor Okomfo Anokye and prove their worth to build a stronger Asanteman.

The Ashanti King cautioned the Kumawuhene against being money conscious and reminded him that he stood to gain if he played his role as Kumawuhene well, and serve his people and Asanteman diligently. Otumfuo also asked the chiefs and elders to guide the new chief to succeed in his new role as a leader.

The Asantehene, however, used the occasion to caution the Omanhene of Kwamang, Barima Ntori Nimpa not to underestimate his powers as Asantehene to make and unmake, which admonition was premised on his (Otumfuo’s) conviction that the Kwamanghene had masterminded the insubordination of the Nana Peprah Kodua II and Nana Akwasi Baffoe, Krontihene and Akwamuhene respectively of Kumawu, and other rebels not to partake in the installation ceremony of the new chief of Kumawu, contrary to the October 28 Manhyia decision by Kingmakers and Stool elders.

Having violated the conditions set at the said Manhyia meeting, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II had no option than to destool the Akwamuhene who failed to partake in the installation ceremony. As a result, the family of the Akwamuhene has been directed to ensure his replacement as soon as possible.

Otumfuo further directed that families of all other stool elders, including Kumawu Nsumankwaahene and Bodweasehene, who failed to swear allegiance to the Kumawuhene should be replaced immediately.

The Asantehene indicated that it was evident that the Krontihene was ill advised to feign sickness, and the fact that sickness was the only condition that barred him from executing his role in his capacity, then he could be spared on condition that he would swear the oath of allegiance to the new chief on recovery.

Meanwhile, the Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu has cautioned kingmakers against assuming arbitrary powers and rights in the selection of chiefs.

He said kingmakers should be educated on their role as heads of Fekuo (Divisions) and should not assume any powers over the installation of chiefs.

He was lamenting on the unfortunate roles and mischief by some kingmakers of Kumawu in an attempt to torpedo the successful installation of a new chief of Kumawu, which delayed the processes even when the Asantehene and Asanteman had accepted and endorsed the queen mother’s nominee last February.