The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has reaffirmed the resilience of the Asante kingdom, stating that no efforts to sideline or denigrate it will prevail.
At a durbar on Thursday (8 February) at Manhyia Palace to welcome the start of the return of looted Asante artefacts to Asanteman, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasised the enduring strength of the kingdom despite its historical setbacks.
The event, known as “Kuntukuni Thursday”, was marked by Asante chiefs turning out dressed in black cloth, in memory of the carnage wreaked by British troops during the Third Anglo-Asante War, popularly known as the Sagrenti War.
This conflict saw the British army, under Major General Garnet Wolseley, launch an unprovoked assault on Asanteman, devastating its capital, Kumasi, and looting precious gold and ornaments. Despite the loss of over 4,000 Asante soldiers, including prominent chiefs, the kingdom persevered.
In a speech to guests at the durbar, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasised the significance of Asanteman’s long-standing independence, pre-dating the formation of Ghana.
He highlighted Asanteman’s unparalleled contribution to Ghanaian politics and society, urging unity and a commitment to defend the kingdom, as exemplified by their forebears.
The return of seven artefacts from the Fowler Museum at the University of California symbolises a step towards Asanteman reclaiming its cultural heritage. In addition, efforts are under way to repatriate 32 artefacts housed at present in the collections of the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum, both in London.
In his speech, the Asantehene cautioned against substance abuse among the youth and emphasised the importance of preserving Asanteman’s legacy for future generations.
Reporting by Jonathan Ofori, Manhyia Palace, Kumasi
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