By Isaac Arkoh
Cape Coast, Sept 5, GNA – The Oguaamanhen, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, on Thursday warmly welcomed Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, to his Emintsimadze Palace amidst embraces and whispers.
It was a spectacle to behold as his retinue touched down in Cape Coast to pay a courtesy call on Osabarimba before proceeding to the Cape Coast University (UCC) where an Honorary Doctorate Degree was to be conferred on him.
The beautifully decorated streets with miniature flags of yellow, green and black of the Asante Palace, were bustling with a multitude of onlookers, who marvelled at the grandeur of Ghana’s diverse cultures.
Excitement filled the air as his elaborate procession made its way down Royal Street to the Emintsimadze Palace.
Traditional prayers were offered at the Oguaamanhen’s Palace to welcome his Eminence and his entourage.
Surrounded by the ceremonial staff of Oguaa, the Chief Linguist, Okyeame Christian, poured libation, invoking the blessings upon the two entities: Fantiland and the Ashanti Kingdom.
The Oguaa Traditional Council prayed for a sustainable and enhanced relationship that had endured between the two ethnic groups for centuries.
The display of radiant smiles from elegantly adorned chiefs and queen mothers affirmed the legitimacy of conferring an Honorary Doctorate Degree on the Asantehene.
Upon reaching the New Examination Centre, excitements filled the air as many for the first time had a close encounter with him.
His recognition for extraordinary contributions to nation-building, peace, and development is paramount.
Otumfuo is in Cape Coast to join the chiefs and people of Oguaa as a guest of honour to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Oguaa Fetu Afahye envisioned to be the most magnificent celebration so far.
The festival coincides with the 25th anniversary of the enstoolment of Osabarimba Kwesi Atta.
The vibrant exhibition of diverse Ghanaian traditional cultures, each distinctive to its respective ethnic group, enthralled the audience.
With a splendid array of dancers, minstrels’ drummers and trumpeters, the Asantehene and his entourage orchestrated an unforgettable spectacle at the UCC, affectionately known as the “University of Competitive Choice.”
For braggers, the maiden visit of the Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology to UCC, since his ascension to the Golden Stool in April 1999, affirmed UCC’s enviable academic feat.
They believed it was consistent with UCC’s ranking as the preeminent university in Ghana, as evidenced by the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Despite a marginal descent in ranking from 4th to 7th in Africa in the 2024 rankings, UCC remains the foremost university in Ghana and West Africa.
UCC commended the Asantehene for his unwavering dedication to fostering unity, education, healthcare and entrepreneurship, recognising the positive impact of his endeavours on a myriad of individuals.
His embodiment of benevolence, concord, and democratic ideals has been instrumental in cultivating peace during Ghana’s elections since 2012.
Notably, the Asantehene played a pivotal role in mediating the Dagbon chieftaincy conflict as part of the Mediation Committee.
His composed demeanour and proficiency in resolving complex disputes have been pivotal in adjudicating over 500 land and chieftaincy disputes nationwide.
GNA