New Asantehene rides home to cheers from thousands

The rites leading to the coronation of Otumfuo Osei Tutu 11 as Asantehene, were performed at Pampaso, one of the ancient traditional wards within the metropolis of Kumasi. At 10.30 a.m., the Asantehene was driven to Asomfo Street, about one kilometre from Pampaso, where the ceremonial rites were to take place.

He was then carried in a palanquin to Pampaso,amidst drumming and singing of praises. Otumfuo Osei Tutu acknowledged the cheers by meticulous waving of the right hand. People thronged the area and lined the street; some stood at balconies to applaud and catch a glimpse of their new king.

The king, in a beautiful cloth called "adinkra fufuo" (white cloth with traditional motif), followed by the royal guards reached Pampaso and entered the stool house at 1050 hours.

The crowd stood outside as part of the enstoolment rites was performed inside the stool house. Otumfuo Osei Tutu came out of the house some few minutes to 12 noon after the traditional rites had been performed. He came back from the stool house walking, and in the same cloth, to the cheers and admiration of the motley crowd.

From Pampaso, the Asantehene left for the Kumasi Sports Stadium for the final part of the coronation.

Pampaso has since the installation of King Opoku Ware the first in 1732 been the site for very important and special rites which need to be performed for and by an Asantehene-elect towards the completion of his installation.

A powered government delegation, led by Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia, chairman of the Council of State, were among the first to greet the new King on behalf of the government and people of Ghana. Alhaji Bawumia said since the nomination of Otumfuo Osei Tutu to "the high office", he has endeared himself to the people of Ashanti and Ghana by his "noble humility and high sense of respect" for the rich traditions and culture of Asanteman.

Alhaji Bawumia said the government and people of Ghana look forward to his long, productive and prosperous reign as Asantehene in Ghana's development in the new millennium. "May the good Lord bless and protect you abundantly", the message added.

The government delegation included Mr Kofi Totobi Quakyi, Minister of State in charge of security, Mr Mike Gizo, Minister of Tourism, Dr. Christine Amoako-Nuamah, Minister of Lands and Forestry, Mr Kojo Yankah, Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Daniel Ohene Agyekum, Greater Accra Regional Minister, Commander P.M.G. Griffiths, Deputy Minister of Communications, Mrs. Cecilia Johnson, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, and Nana Adjei Ampofo the second, Omanhene of Goaso and member of the Council of State. Earlier, the delegation greeted Nana Afua Kobi Serwaa Ampem the second, Asantehemaa who arrived at the stadium with her retinue at 1.10 pm.

The chiefs and their retinue started arriving at the stadium as early as 10 a.m. after the ceremony at Pampaso. Almost all countries with missions in Ghana were represented at the coronation. Prominent among them were the British High Commissioner and the Dutch Ambassador who sent greetings from their monarchies. A special delegation from Cote d?Ivoire led by Nana Koukou Osei Tuotuo Anougbe III was represented.

Political leaders including Mr John Agyekum Kufuor of the New Patriotic Party and Dr. Edward Mahama of the People?s National Convention also witnessed the ceremony which was beamed live on Ghana Television.