A rare photograph of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II seated beside the late Otumfuo Akyeamehene, Baffour Osei Akoto, has offered a glimpse into the relationship between the Asante monarch and one of the traditional leaders who served alongside him.

The photograph captures the two men together in a moment that reflects the connection between traditional authority, counsel and the preservation of Asante customs.

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Baffour Osei Akoto served as the Otumfuo Akyeamehene, a traditional role associated with communicating the words of the Asantehene and representing the king in matters of tradition and statecraft.

The Akyeamehene occupies an important position within the Asante traditional system, where oral history, protocol and the accurate communication of the king’s words are central to the institution of the Golden Stool.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II ascended the Golden Stool on April 26, 1999, becoming the 16th Asantehene.

Born Barima Kwaku Dua on May 6, 1950, he is the youngest of five children of Nana Afua Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, the late Asantehemaa.

He received his early secondary education at Sefwi Wiawso Secondary School in the Western Region before returning to Kumasi in 1969 to attend Osei Kyeretwie Secondary School.

In 1971, he moved to Accra to study accountancy at the Institute of Professional Studies, now the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).

He later travelled to the United Kingdom to continue his accountancy studies at Kilburn Polytechnic before studying human resource development and public administration at the University of North London.

His upbringing included guidance from his uncle, Oheneba Mensah Bonsu, who was enstooled as Hiahene in 1952 and ensured that the young royal received instruction in Asante traditions and statecraft.

JKB/EB

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