By: Emmanuel Amoah
On Thursday, the Oguaamanhen, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, warmly received the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at his Emintsimadze Palace in Cape Coast. Their meeting, marked by embraces and quiet exchanges, was a moment of cultural significance.
The streets of Cape Coast were alive with color and energy as the Asantehene’s arrival was celebrated. The roads, adorned with miniature flags bearing the Asante Palace’s yellow, green, and black colors, were lined with crowds eager to witness this grand cultural exchange.
Before attending a ceremony at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), where Otumfuo was to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree, the Asantehene made a courtesy visit to Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II. The sight of the Asantehene’s elaborate procession, winding down Royal Street toward Emintsimadze Palace, added to the day’s splendor.
Traditional prayers were offered to formally welcome Otumfuo and his entourage. At the heart of the ceremony, the Oguaa Chief Linguist, Okyeame Christian, poured libation, invoking blessings on both the Ashanti Kingdom and the Fanteland. The Oguaa Traditional Council emphasized the importance of preserving the long-standing and harmonious relationship between the two ethnic groups.
The presence of chiefs and queen mothers, radiating pride and dressed in exquisite traditional attire, further underscored the significance of the day. Their joyful smiles affirmed the honor of bestowing the Asantehene with an honorary doctorate.
Excitement grew as Otumfuo’s procession reached the New Examination Centre, where many had their first close encounter with him. His recognition for his immense contributions to national development, peace, and leadership was celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Otumfuo’s visit to Cape Coast is part of his role as the guest of honor at the 60th anniversary of the Oguaa Fetu Afahye, a celebration set to be the most spectacular in the festival’s history. The occasion also coincides with the 25th anniversary of Osabarimba Kwesi Atta’s enstoolment, adding further significance to the festivities.
Throughout the celebration, the audience was captivated by the vibrant showcase of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage. Each ethnic group’s distinct traditions, from dance to music, was displayed in a brilliant tapestry of color and sound.
At UCC, a grand procession of dancers, drummers, and trumpeters accompanied the Asantehene, leaving an unforgettable mark on the day’s events. For many, the Asantehene’s visit to UCC—the first since his enstoolment as Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in 1999—was a testament to the university’s academic excellence. This visit, aligned with UCC’s recent ranking as Ghana’s top university by the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, further cemented its prestigious reputation.
