Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has advised politicians to be humble and truthful in their quest for power to lead the country.

He said since power emanates from the people, they must refrain from acts likely to create confusion, and instead campaign for their votes.

The Asantehene was speaking at a special thanksgiving church service at the Saint Cyprian’s Anglican Cathedral in Kumasi on Sunday to mark his 62nd birthday and 13th year anniversary celebration of his ascension to the Golden Stool.

Among the number of hundreds of people from all walks of life who attended the ceremony were, the former President, John Agyekum Kufuor and his wife, Mrs Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, Dr Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah, Ashanti Regional Minister, former ministers of state, parliamentarians, chief executives, heads of department, security agencies and chiefs.

The Asantehene decorated in a rich kente cloth and gold ornaments, with his wife Julia by him, said people who wanted to win power through violence would fail.

He said there was the need for politicians in the country to protect the people and ensure peace and tranquility before, during and after the December general elections.

He asked the church to pray for him so that God gives him the power, wisdom and good health to promote and support the welfare and development of the people.

He gave thanks to God for all that he had been able to do in serving the people and hoped God would continue to give him the courage and strength to continue with the work in honest and justifiable manner.

The Rt. Rev. Dr Daniel Yinkah-Sarfo, Anglican Bishop of Kumasi prayed for the Asantehene, his family, Asante Monarchy, the nation and a peaceful election this year.

He asked that God leads, guides and directs him with the support from the chiefs in his effort to deliver justice.

The Bishop said the church would always seek God’s blessings for him in ensuring peace and progress of the country.

The Rt. Rev. Dr Cyril Kobina Ben Smith, Sufragan Bishop of the Anglican Diocese-Kumasi, in a sermon advised Christians to pray for the leaders of the country.

He said as Christians, they should always be closer to God and pray to him for the spirit and power to lead upright lifestyles.**