Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II

Osei Tutu II (born Nana Barima Kwaku Duah; 6 May 1950) is the 16th Asantehene, enstooled on 26 April 1999.[3] By name, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is in direct succession to the 17th-century founder of the Ashanti Empire, Otumfuo Osei Tutu I.[3] He is also the Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is the Grand Patron of the Grand Lodge of Ghana and the Sword Bearer of the United Grand Lodge of England.[4][5][6][7]

Osei Tutu II
Asantehene of Asante; Kumasehene of Kumasi
King of Asante kingdom
Reign26 April 1999 – present
Enstoolment26 April 1999
PredecessorOpoku Ware II
BornNana Barima Kwaku Duah
(1950-05-06) 6 May 1950
Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana
Spouse
​
(
m. 2002)
Issue6 children
HouseOyoko Dynasty
FatherNana Kwame Boakye-Dankwa
MotherNana Afua Kobi Serwaa Ampem II
ReligionAnglicanism[2]
Alma materUniversity of Professional Studies
WebsiteManhyiaPalaceOnline.org

Biography

Early life

He was born on 6 May 1950 and named Nana Barima Kwaku Duah, the third son and youngest of the five children (three sons and two daughters) of Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, Asantehemaa (Queen-mother of the Ashanti). His father Nana Kwame Boakye-Dankwa was from Kantinkyere in Ashanti and was also the Brehyia Duke of Asante. Nana Kwame Boakye-Dankwa died on 1 January 2002, in Kumasi, Ashanti.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu was named after his paternal grandfather, Ohenenana Kwaku Duah (Nana Agari), Brahyiahene, of Kantinkyiren in the Atwima district.[8]

His siblings include Nana Ama Konadu, the 14th Asanteheemaa as well as the late Nana Konadu Yiadom III Barima Kwabena Poku, Barima Akwasi Prempeh.[8]

When he was about five years old, Otumfuo moved into the royal household of his uncle, Oheneba Mensah Bonsu, the Hiahene, enstooled in 1952, as early preparation for his future role.[8]

Osei Tutu has six children. His father had other offspring from other marriages, including Yaw Boateng, Kwaku Duah, Kwabena Agyei-Bohyen, Afua Sarpong and Ama Agyemang (Kumasi, Ashanti), Fredua Agyeman Prempeh, Nana Kwasi Agyemang Prempeh and Nana Kwasi Boachie Gyambibi (Kumasi, Ashanti).

The Asantehene Osei Tutu II's name at birth, Nana Barima Kwaku Duah, is the name of the Asante monarch paternal grandfather.

Education

He had his elementary education in Kumasi and in 1964, went on to the Sefwi Wiaso Secondary School where he obtained his 'O' Level was taught by the late Omanhene of Sefwi Wiawso, Nana Kwadwo Aduhene II who was a cousin of Otumfuo's guardian uncle, Oheneba Mensah Bonsu, Hiahene.[8] He also attended the Osei Kyeretwie Secondary School (OKESS). He studied accountancy studies at the erstwhile Institute of Professional Studies, which is today known as University of Professional Studies in Accra.[8] He then enrolled at the Polytechnic of North London (now London Metropolitan University), where he earned the Diploma in Management and Administration.[8] He was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University at a ceremony at the Barbican Centre on 11 January 2006.

Private sector career

Between 1981 and 1985, he was a senior consultant at the Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company in Toronto, Canada.

He returned to London in 1985 and became the Personnel Officer at the HPCC Stonebridge Bus Garage Project, in the London Borough of Brent. He then founded his own mortgage finance firm, Primoda Financial Services Limited, located on Kilburn High Road, North West London.[8] He returned to his native Ghana in 1989 to start a transport business, the Transpomech International (Ghana) Limited.[8]

Asantehene (1999–present)

The Asantehene is highly revered in the Asante territories (Ashanti Region and other parts of Ghana), and is often regarded as the first among equals of traditional rulers in Ghana.[9] Osei Tutu has frequently commented on the work of Ghanaian politicians.[10][11][12][13][14]

He received international media attention after some of the Ashanti crown jewels were allegedly stolen from an Oslo hotel in October 2012 when he was attending a conference in the Norwegian capital.[15][16][17]

In August 2019, he celebrated the Akwasidae with the Ghanaian community in the United Kingdom whilst on a short visit there. Dignitaries at the function included Paapa Owusu Ankomah, the Ghana High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.[18]

In February 2020, he became the first person to receive the 'Pillar of Peace Award'. This was in recognition of the effort that he put into restoring peace to the kingdom of Dagbon which spanned nearly two decades.[19]

Residence
Main article: Manhyia Palace

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II of the Empire of Asante resides at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the capital city of Ashanti region and the Empire of Asante.[20]

Role in restoring peace to the Kingdom of Dagbon

John Agyekum Kufuor instituted the Committee of Eminent Chiefs headed by Osei Tutu II to intervene the 2002 Dagbon chieftaincy crisis. The committees' mandate included facilitating negotiation and mediation talks between the Andani and Abudu royal families, and drawing a roadmap for the restoration of peace in the Kingdom of Dagbon. The committee presented their recommendation to the Government of Ghana on November 21, 2018.[21] The government implemented the recommendations that included the performance of the funerals of Mahamadu IV and Yakubu II from December 14, 2018 to January 18, 2019. These were then followed by the investiture of Bukali II as substantive regent of the Kingdom of Dagbon.[22] In December 2019, Bukali II paid a courtesy call on Otumfour Osei Tutu at the Manhyia Palace,to express his gratitude for the role the Asante king played in the peace process.[23]

20th anniversary celebration

Osei Tutu II's 20th anniversary commemoration took place on the 21st of April 2019, at the Dwabirem of the Manhyia Palace. This was at the grand durbar of the Akwasidaekese. Dignitaries like Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Michael Ashwin Satyandre Adhin the vice president of Suriname and Torgbui Sri, the Awomefia of the Anlo state were in attendance.[24] Other dignitaries included Diplomats and royals from Namibia, Kuwait, Germany, China, Morocco, Latvia, Botswana and Palestine.[25] On the 19th of April 2019,there was a sod cutting ceremony to launch the construction of a hostel at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The next day the sod was cut for some other projects like the GUSS Sports Complex, Beach Soccer Park and Hospital Car Park.[26]

Destoolment of sub chiefs

In June 2019, Osei Tutu II destooled two chiefs for various offenses against the stool. Akyamfou Kwame Akowuah was dethroned for violating the Great Oath of Asanteman. Nana Ahenkro Sei Ababio III was also deposed for disregarding directives about chieftaincy and land disputes.[27] In April 2018, the Atwimahene, Nana Antwi Agyei Brempong II was destooled by the Asantehene. He was found guilty of misuse of the Great Oath, flouting the monarch's decrees about land administration and several other misdeeds.[28] He was later pardoned and reinstated.[29] In 2009 Nana Kofi Agyei Bi III, the chief of Atwimah was destooled for fraudulent sale of land.[30] In 2015, Nana Mensah Bonsu chief of Pakyi Number One was destooled for inciting the youth to wreak havoc in the area.[31] In 2002 Osei Tutu destooled Ohenenana Kwaku Duah, the chief of Bonwire, for insubordination and a blatant disregard of customs in the installation and deposition of his sub chiefs.[32]

Commitment to environmental protection and conservation

In July 2019, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II announced his devotion to protect the water bodies of the Asante Kingdom. This would involve the planting of 2.5 million trees around Lake Bosomtwe and would cover 400 hectares. This would aid in improving the ecosystem, cushion climate change and enhance environmental awareness among the communities around the lake. The tree planting initiative is a collaboration between the Oheneba Poku Foundation and Manhyia Palace. The Forestry Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Water Resources Commission, the Ghana Tourism Authority, UNESCO, the District Assemblies of Bosome-Freho and Bosumtwe, and the Lake Bosomtwe Community Resources Management Areas (CREMA), which is an NGO are the other stakeholders.[33]

Otumfuo Lottery Game

The Asantehene has joined forces with the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and is preparing to launch the Otumfuo Lottery Game. This is a fundraising initiative to support the Otumfuo Charity Foundation.[34] In May 2019, a working committee that composed of members of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), the State Enterprise Commission (SEC) and the Asante state's governance team, presented a report to the monarch for approval.[35] The National Association of Private Lotto Operators and Agents in Ghana expressed their preparedness to embrace the game so its objective would be achieved.[36]

References
  1. Queen consort Lady Julia Osei Tutu Archived 23 March 2013 at the Wayback Machine. The Kingdom of Ashanti Monarchy.
  2. "Abp Welby welcomes Ghana's Ashanti King to Lambeth Palace". Anglican Communion News Service. 4 August 2014. Retrieved 11 December 2019. His Excellency Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, who is an Anglican, is on a private visit to the UK and requested an official visit with Archbishop Justin.
  3. Kingdom of Ashanti Kings And Queens Of Asante. Archived 30 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  4. "John Kufuor, Asantehene attend Grand Freemasons meeting in London". www.ghanaweb.com. Archived from the original on 6 November 2017. Retrieved 23 April 2019.
  5. "I am a proud freemason – Otumfuo Osei Tutu II". www.ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 23 April 2019.
  6. Apinga, David. "Otumfuo, Kufuor to grace launch of Freemasons book". www.classfmonline.com. Archived from the original on 2 April 2018. Retrieved 1 May 2019.
  7. "John Kufuor, Asantehene attend Grand Freemasons meeting in London". www.ghanaweb.com. Archived from the original on 6 November 2017. Retrieved 1 May 2019.
  8. "Meet Asantehene, his wife and children". www.ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 22 April 2019.
  9. "Asantehene celebrates 21 years on the Golden Stool". www.ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  10. "Asantehene expresses frustration over Sunshine CITI Project delay" Archived 7 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Ghana News Agency, 4 October 2012. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  11. "Asantehene appeals to all to share in the development of education" Archived 10 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine. Ghana News Agency, 26 September 2012. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  12. "Asantehene Urges President Mahama & Vice Amissah-Arthur To Remain Focused In Their Work" Archived 21 August 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Ghana News Agency, 24 October 2012. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  13. "Vice-President Amissah-Arthur pays courtesy call on Asantehene" Archived 7 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Joy Online, 6 October 2012. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  14. "Asantehene urges teachers to continue working hard" Archived 10 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine. Ghana News Agency, 24 October 2012. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
  15. "Ghana's Ashanti crown jewels stolen in Norway hotel". BBC News. 12 October 2012. Archived from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  16. "Asantehene's jewel: Norway police release CCTV footage of suspects" Archived 18 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine. P.M. News Nigeria, 13 October 2012. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  17. "Two items in Asantehene's jewel case retrieved" Archived 14 September 2016 at the Wayback Machine, GhanaWeb, 20 October 2012.
  18. "Asantehene marks Akwasidae in London". www.ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 30 August 2019.
  19. "Otumfuo Grabs Peace Award". DailyGuide Network. 8 January 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
  20. "Asantehene Calls for More Education on Forest Plantation" Archived 5 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Ghana News Agency, 4 November 2010. Retrieved 9 November 2010.
  21. "Roadmap for Dagbon peace presented to government". www.ghanaweb.com. Archived from the original on 21 November 2018. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
  22. "Savelugu Naa; Abubakari Mahama chosen as new Yaa-Naa". Citi Newsroom. 18 January 2019. Archived from the original on 21 April 2019. Retrieved 19 March 2019.
  23. 122108447901948 (12 December 2019). "Yaa-Naa calls on Asantehene". Graphic Online. Retrieved 12 December 2019.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  24. "Let's not allow political differences to undermine bond between us - Asantehene". www.graphic.com.gh. 21 April 2019. Archived from the original on 21 April 2019. Retrieved 22 April 2019.
  25. "In Pictures: Climax of majestic Otumfuo@20 anniversary". www.myjoyonline.com. Retrieved 8 June 2019.
  26. "Asantehene cuts sod for KNUST hostels, other projects". www.myjoyonline.com. Archived from the original on 29 April 2019. Retrieved 29 April 2019.
  27. "Asantehene destools second chief in a week". www.myjoyonline.com. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  28. "Otumfuo Destools Chief". DailyGuide Network. 19 April 2018. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  29. "Otumfuo pardons Atwimahene – The Chronicle". Retrieved 4 September 2019.
  30. Nana-Kyere, Sacrifice; Agyei Boateng, Francis; Kofi Hoggar, Glory; Jonathan, Paddy (26 February 2018). "A Dynamic Allocation Scheme for Resource Blocks Using ARQ Status Reports in LTE Networks". Advances in Computer Sciences. 1 (1). doi:10.31021/acs.20181105. ISSN 2517-5718.
  31. "Otumfuo Destools Pakyi Chief". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  32. "Asantehene Destools His Sub Chief". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 30 August 2019.
  33. "Asantehene to plant 2.5 million trees around Lake Bosomtwe". www.graphic.com.gh. 18 July 2019. Retrieved 22 July 2019.
  34. today (6 May 2019). "Otumfuo Lottery Game to hit K'si *To raise funds to develop Asanteman". Today Newspaper. Retrieved 5 October 2019.
  35. "Otumfuo Lottery Game Report presented to Asantehene – The Chronicle". Retrieved 5 October 2019.
  36. "Lotto receivers pledge support for Otumfuo Lottery Game". www.ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 5 October 2019.
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