Kumasi, April 3, GNA - The Manhyia Palace on

Sunday went gay as the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II,

celebrated the Akwasidae, a secret day on the Asante calendar,

with a colourful durbar in Kumasi. The Asantehene clad in a beautiful kente cloth and also

adorned in gold ornaments, arrived at the forecourt of the Palace

at about 1330 hours amidst the blowing of traditional horns and

"kete" and 93fontomfrom" tunes. Among the dignitaries, who graced the occasion, were

Diplomats, Members of Parliament (MPs), Traditional rulers,

Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives and people

from all walks of life. As Otumfuo Osei Tutu sat in state a retinue of

traditional rulers and other special guests, who were in their

traditional dressing, took turns to greet and pay homage to him

whiles others also presented gifts and drinks. Mr Collins Adusei, Registrar of the Kumasi Traditional

Council, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the occasion

was very symbolic in the history of the Ashanti Kingdom and

urged the youth to be abreast of its significance. He said it promotes unity, social harmony and sense

of belongingness amongst the people.