By Muyid Deen Suleman
Kumasi Nov. 22, GNA – Mr Wavel Ramkalawan, President of the Republic of Seychelles and the Prime Minister of the Estiwatini, Mr Rusell Dlamini, will grace the centenary anniversary of the return of Nana Agyeman Prempeh I, fom exile in the Seychelles Island.
A durbar, which would be held at Dwabrem at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Saturday November 23, would be preceded by a symposium to honour Nana Agyeman Prempeh I, who was captured by the British colonialist and exiled together with other prominent chiefs and queen mothers of Asanteman, to the Seychelles Islands in 1896.
He spent 27 years in exile and in 1924, he was permitted to return to Kumasi, but the Asante kingdom had then been made part of the British Gold Coast colony.
Mr Lawrence Prempeh, Deputy Chief of Staff at the Manhyia palace told the media at a press conference in Kumasi ahead of the celebrations that, other dignitaries, including the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Ministers of State, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, traditional and religious leaders as well as tourists from around the world, would participate in the anniversary celebrations.
The centenary anniversary is part of the activities marking the 25th anniversary of the installation of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as the 16th occupant of the golden stool.
Mr Prempeh said no political party would be allowed to display any paraphernalia at the durbar, saying the event was purely traditional, which sought to bring people from all social classes to witness the life and history of Prempeh I.
He said certain roads leading to the Manhyia Palace would be closed to traffic on Saturday, and only vehicles displaying designated stickers would be permitted entry.
Nana Agyeman Prempeh I, the 13th Asantehene (King) of the Asante Empire, was exiled to the Seychelles Islands in 1896 and spent 27 years there.
Prempeh I symbolizes Asante resistance, cultural pride, and resilience during the era of colonial rule.
He continued to uphold Asante customs and traditions until his passing in 1931.
GNA