Over the last couple of weeks, Asanteman has come under incessant and unwarranted attacks from persons who are obviously on a hate-driven agenda under the pretext of criticizing actions and inactions of Asantehene, the embodiment of and occupant of the Golden Stool, the soul of Asanteman.
For context, let me hasten to add that Kumasi, the heart of Asanteman, is the only place in Ghana where prime lands have been officially allocated to settlers as part of efforts to enhance peaceful co-existence and promote the Asante hospitality. Mention can be made of Fante New Town, Anloga, Sabon Zongo, Moshie Zongo and Alabar amongst others. I suppose this is what tribalism is!
Although the name Ohene Djan Sports Stadium was reverted to Accra Sports Stadium following several protests by youth groups, traditional and opinion leaders in the capital, a different trend was witnessed in Kumasi. We wholeheartedly accepted the change of name from Kumasi Sports Stadium to Baba Yara Sports Stadium. Need I tell you that Baba Yara is not an Asante royal? Having the biggest sports facility named after a person of northern extraction ostensibly for his sterling contribution to the game of football unequivocally tells the story of the foundational principles of Asanteman including what is woven in the adage “y3de ah)ho) na 3kyekyere )man” to wits, nations are built with the contribution of foreigners. Kumasi is home to not only Asantes but Moosis, Fantes, Wanagaras, Baasares and Igbos amongst others.
It is imperative to note that Asanteman has reinvented itself to face the prevailing challenges of the times. On April 26, 1999, when Barima Kwaku Duah, who had been groomed in Sefwi and taken through the rigours of traditional leadership ascended the Golden Stool, the challenges he faced were different from those that underpinned the Sagrenti War in 1874 during the reign of Santehene Kofi Karikari. He quickly got to work, establishing the Otumfour Educational Fund which has since benefitted several thousand of needy but brilliant students of both Asante and non-Asante descent.
In March 2002, Ya Na Yakubu Andani II, Overlord of Dagbon and forty (40) of his courtiers were murdered while thirty (36) houses were set ablaze, plunging Dagbon into chaos. Although efforts were invested by successive governments, it had to take the leadership of Otumfour Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, to secure an amicable resolution of the impasse and lasting peace for the good people of Dagbon, a development which affirmed the title ‘King Solomon’ which was accorded him in the early years of his reign given the tactful and seamless resolution of disputes otherwise considered insurmountable.
It would be recalled that former President Kufuor and former President Mahama recounted Asantehene’s instrumental efforts in securing timely facilities from the World Bank during periods that the Ghanaian economy was headed for a nosedive. For those of us who have meticulously followed Otumfour’s footprints since his coronation, his invitation to address the United Nations General Assembly on September 13, 2019, came as no surprise at all. In addition to his many contributions to the socio-economic development of Asanteman and Ghana at large, Otumfour is leading the charge for the rehabilitation of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital under the Heal Komfo Anokye Project at an estimated cost of $10,000,000. In a bid to promote unity and dispel myths that fuel tribalism and divisions across the country, Otumfour Osei Tutu II has visited Kyebi, Ga Mashie, Anlo, Akuapem, Cape Coast, Yendi, Berekum, Koforidua and Techiman.
It is an undeniable fact that Ashanti Region is one of the regions that has recorded activities of small scale and illegal mining. However, it is important to correct the erroneous impressions and attacks on Manhyia and Asanteman by shedding light on what Manhyia’s position on the subject has been, efforts made thus far and highlighting factual inaccuracies on the subject.
On October 15, 2022, at an Asanteman Council meeting called for the purpose of finding solutions to the galamsey menace attended by Hon. Simon Osei Mensah, Regional Minister, Otumfour clearly indicated that no galamsey activity could happen on a land without the tacit support of the traditional authorities of the catchment area. Subsequently, he admonished all stools under Manhyia to desist from all forms of involvement in galamsey activities. The precursor to this was the March 26, 2021, engagement with a delegation from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources led by Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor on finding lasting solutions to illegal mining. Subsequently, Otumfour has destooled over ten (10) chiefs for illegal land grabbing, deforestation and illegal mining activities with the latest being Sabronum Gyaasehene and Akyeamehene.
For the avoidance of doubt, the major river bodies that have gone viral on various social media platforms due to high levels of pollution are not in or have been polluted in the Ashanti Region. The Ofin River in the Ashanti Region is clean and it significantly feeds the Barekese Dam for water production and supply to most parts of the region. However, the story of the Ofin is not the same when it crosses to the Central Region around the Dunkwa-On-Ofin enclave.
It needs stating that the following river bodies that have recorded high levels of pollution are not in the Ashanti Region:
- River Densu – Eastern Region
- River Ankobra – Western Region
- River Tano – Bono – Western Region
- River Pra – Central Region
- River Birim – Eastern Region
- Akuapem Mampong River – Eastern Region
- River Wam – Bono Region
Why are we not calling out the traditional authorities in these jurisdictions? Your guess is as good as mine!
On the issue of the insults by one Afia Pokua and socialite Mona Gucci, it is worth noting that an apology in any chieftain court in Asanteman does not warrant automatic acceptance. In fact, just like the game of football which has three (3) possible outcomes for a team after ninety (90) minutes, that is, a win, loss or draw, it is same for an apology sent before chiefs and elders in Asanteman.
The apology would either be accepted, rejected or amended to be redone in line with customs and traditions. However, it is Asante tradition that persons going before Otumfour’s Abrempong or Santehene for the purpose of an apology and other delicate matters, do so in the company of their Abusuapanin. In Asante tradition, the one who leads an apology is one of the key determinant of whether or not the apology would be accepted.
The dexterity with which such persons handle matters could significantly impact the outcome of the engagement. A classical example in contemporary Ghanaian politics is the approaches of Ayikoi Otoo and Atta Akyea in the contempt cases against their respective clients before the Supreme Court during the 2013 Presidential Election Petition. This is not the first time an apology has been rejected in Manhyia and it probably won’t be the last.
For those who are incensed by the love of Asantes for their culture and reverence accorded Otumfour, I promise you that you are in for a long haul. Our loyalty to Sikadwa, Otumfour and Asanteman remains unflinching.
There is a line in the appellations of Otumfour that I love so much “obi nyaa sei bi a, nka )b3y3 bi” to wits, if other people had the opportunity to do what we do effortlessly, they would have done same. We are Asanteman. History will remember our forebears who built what we have today with sweat and blood.
If you’re an Asante, heed to Otumfour’s clarion call, ma w’Asantesem ho nhia wo!
George Sarpong,
Plt 49 Blk B
Afrancho – Afigya Kwabre South
Ashanti Region
