The Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II (King of the Ga Tribe) hosted the Asantehene – King of the Asante (Ashanti) Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at his Palace in Accra on Sunday upon the two-day visit of the Asantehene to the country’s capital.
Asantehene who visited the land specifically to participate in the 2024 SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, June 8, 2024, as the Guest of Honour was hosted on Sunday, June 9, 2024, by the overlord of the Ga State.
It was the second of such royal visits by an Asante king since Otumfuo Sir Osei Agyeman Prempeh II paid a visit to the Ga State on July 25, 1946. But in a re-enactment of the royal engagement between the two kingdoms, almost 78 years on, the traditional lords pulled along religious leaders, corporate elite, politicians and other citizens as they brought the neighborhood of the Ga Mantse Palace to a virtual standstill. And the about three-hour durbar, characterized by the cultural identities of the two kingdoms, was to deepen the bond between the people of Ga and Ashanti. The Asantehene arrived in Accra with a sizeable entourage of paramount chiefs and royal guards among others, transporting the Ashanti native culture to the national capital in the king’s historic visit since he ascended the throne 25 years ago.
The event which saw Clergymen, Muslim leaders, and prominent personalities in the country attending and paying homage witnessed undiluted and unadulterated displays of cultures from both sides.
Otumfuo was treated to a special dance reserved for auspicious occasions such as yesterday’s, performed by the Chief of Ngleshie Amanfro Divisional Area, Nii Kwashie Gborlor IV. In a welcome address the Paramount Chief of Sempe Traditional Area, Nii Adote Otintor II, stated that Asante and Ga have treaded peace lines for decades and witnessed their ties being strengthened over the years.
The Ga State and the Ashanti Kingdom seized the rare opportunity to firm up relations on one big stage over the weekend in a glorious royal durbar as the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, hosted the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at a gathering that reflected the diversity of the Ghanaian society.
“The relationship between the Ga and the Asante has been very cordial for some decades now. However, under the reign of Nii Tackie Teiku Tsuru, Ga Mantse and Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, that brotherly friendship has been established.”
About the Ga Mantse and Asantehene
Ga Mantse is the title of the Ghanaian king of the Ga Traditional Area in the southern part of Ghana, where the Ga-Adangbe people dwell with Accra as the capital city. The Ga-Dangbe, Ga-Daŋbɛ, Ga-Dangme, or GaDangme are an ethnic group in Ghana, Togo and Benin.
The Asantehene is the title for the monarch of the historical Ashanti Empire as well as the ceremonial ruler of the Ashanti people today. The Ashanti royal house traces its line to the Oyoko (an Abusua, or “clan”) Abohyen Dynasty of Nana Twum and the Bretuo Dynasty of Osei Tutu Opemsoo, who formed the Empire of Ashanti in 1701 and was crowned Asantehene (King of all Asante). Osei Tutu held the throne until his death in battle in 1717, and was the sixth king in Ashanti royal history.
The Asantehene is the ruler of the Ashanti people. The Asantehene is traditionally enthroned on a golden stool known as the Sika ‘dwa, and the office is sometimes referred to by this name. The Asantehene is also the titular ruler of Kumasi, which served as the capital of the Ashanti Empire and today, the Ashanti Region. The Ashanti Empire comprised parts of present-day southern Ghana and portions of present-day eastern Côte d’Ivoire between the 17th and 20th centuries.
In his remarks at the event, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Honourable Titus Glover, counted the Ga state blessed with the visit by Otumfuo.
“We are witnessing the visit and the Presence of His Highness King Osei Tutu II. The Ga State is so blessed. We are humbled and it’s our privilege to welcome Otumfuo to Ga.”
Admiring the leadership qualities of Otumfuo, the Minister said the globally acclaimed Monarch has proven to be an embodiment of peace and a symbol of unity, exhibiting qualitative leadership over Asanteman.
“We as Gas are so proud of him for what he has exhibited to make chieftaincy so beautiful, excellent and it’s our prayer that the culture and values of the Ga Damgbe people will also be cherished…We want to tap his rich experience to boost the friendship between the Ga State and Asanteman.” He stated that chieftaincy has passed wars of conquest and urged traditional authorities to build friendship, and collaboration and focus on the development of people in the areas of education, industry, trade and commerce, physical infrastructural development, and digitization.
“I’m No Visitor Here”
“I am no visitor here. 78 years ago, my uncle came here. He united with his brother, the Ga Mantse. At the time, I lived with the Ga Mantse at Kokomlemle …When I started coming here, I was not yet the Asantehene. It was during the era of Nii Amugi. At the time, I used to pay him private visits at his residence in Alajo like a brother stated the Asantehene.
“When I ascended the throne, our relationship did not end. I continued paying him private visits. Today Nii Ga is reigning and here I am on a visit. The love and unity my uncle showed to Ga is what I seek to strengthen for harmony.”
His Majesty the Asantehene in his speech pointed out the visit of his uncle, Prempeh II to the Ga State some years ago and his personal relations with past Ga leaders including Nii Amugi to support a statement that the Ga land was also his home. As traditional authorities of the current dispensation, His Majesty indicated that focus must be shifted to uniting for development.
“In the olden days, Asante waged war and won lands to ourselves but it’s a different story today. Unity and development are what we seek. The war we wage is driven towards good moral upbringings and a better future for our children. Our responsibility is to make the lives of our people better.”
On that note, he announced that if an education fund does not exist, he is providing a seed funding of GHC500,000 to establish one. However, if a fund already exists, the amount will be a donation towards it. He also used the occasion to thank the Ga Mantse for attending his silver Jubilee celebration and implored the entire Ga Traditional Council to lend their support and loyalty to the overlord. Otumfuo further expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and the gratifying reception which he said came on short notice.
Source: www.yen.com.gh , www.graphiconline.com , www.wikipedia.com
