DRAMA UNFOLDED at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Wednesday when Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, defied tradition, refusing to hand over to his linguist, a cross of ‘Jesus Christ’ presented to him.

Nakoa Nazareth Ansah Jamson, President of the Prophets of Spiritual Churches Council, had presented the cross and other Christian items including the Holy Bible, to Otumfuo.

Since traditionally Otumfuo is not allowed to hold gifts at public gatherings, the Asantehene’s linguist swiftly stretched his hands to receive the cross from Otumfuo; but uncharacteristically, the Ashanti Monarch refused to hand it over.

Instead, Otumfuo held firmly to the cross of Jesus Christ, putting it on his lap in a manner that perhaps suggested that he would not allow anyone to come between him and his saviour.

Utterly stunned by Otumfuo’s actions, elders at the palace and high powered dignitaries present at the Awukudae festival were instantly thrown into a state of uncontrollably laughter.

The spiritual items were geared towards motivating and helping the Asantehene to pray to his Maker on daily basis to enable him become physically and spiritually strong to carry on his exemplary works.

The Manhyia Palace was turned into a house of prayer after the dramatic scene, as Nakoa Nazareth and his members prayed fervently for God’s protection, wisdom and abundant grace on Otumfuo.

Later in a succinct speech, Nakoa Nazareth debunked assertions that spiritual churches were not truly Christian, insisting that he and his members were genuine Christians who had and continue to preach the Word of God in truth.

He recounted the contributions of spiritual churches towards the effective development of the country which dated back to the 14th century, promising his outfit’s preparedness to continue with the works.

Prophets of Spiritual Churches Council, Nakoa Nazareth disclosed, was formed in Accra but with membership from across the country to help check its members from leading unholy lifestyles that demeaned the Christian religion.

The entire membership of the council were in Kumasi, the Ashanti regional capital, to launch the group’s constitution. Nakoa Nazareth then asked the Asantehene to bring the spiritual event to an end.

From I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi