The Asante Kingdom is taking significant steps to honor the legacy of its revered former king, Sir Agyemang Prempeh I, by converting his former rest house near the Kumasi International Airport into a museum.
This initiative, championed by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the current Asantehene, aims to preserve the memory of the late monarch’s selfless sacrifice for the survival of the Asante Kingdom during colonial rule.
Speaking about the project, Otumfuo revealed his determination to immortalize Prempeh I’s contributions. “There is a British house at the airport where Nana used to take some rest when he was on leave. You decided to put my name on it {the airport}, but I opposed it to preserve the contribution of Nana to Asanteman,” the Asantehene stated.
The museum will feature Sir Prempeh I’s original furniture and artifacts, ensuring that his story remains an enduring part of Asante heritage. “I have told the Minister I will be working on the house to prepare it as a museum. All his furniture in there will be kept to save his memory,” Otumfuo added.
Sir Agyemang Prempeh I’s heroism is etched in history for his voluntary exile in 1900 to prevent another devastating war with British colonial forces. His defiance of colonial rule led to his deportation, first to Elmina Castle, then to Sierra Leone, and eventually to Seychelles, where he spent nearly 25 years in exile.
His sacrifice safeguarded Asanteman from further conflict, following the destruction of the 1874 Sagrenti War.
Asanteman has dedicated three days to celebrate the bravery and legacy of Prempeh I, underscoring the significance of his selflessness in the preservation of the Asante Kingdom.
The museum, once completed, will serve as a lasting tribute to the late king, offering future generations a deeper understanding of his sacrifices and contributions to Asante history.
This initiative adds to the growing number of cultural and historical preservation projects under Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s reign, further cementing the Asantehene’s commitment to safeguarding the kingdom’s rich heritage.
Source: www.kumasimail.com/ IJB
