By Muyid Deen Suleman, GNA
Kumasi June 30, GNA – The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has underscored the cultural and spiritual importance of the Asante Agona Stool in the traditional governance of the Asante Kingdom and stressed the need for discipline and reverence for the stool.
He said the Agona Stool had both strategic and sacred importance and carried real responsibilities for safeguarding tradition, advising on matters of governance, and supporting the spiritual and cultural direction of the Asante kingdom.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu stated these when the newly installed paramount chief of Agona, Obiri Komfo Anokye Boakye II, swore the oath of allegiance to him at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, during the Asanteman Traditional Council’s meeting on Monday June 29, 2026.
Obiri Komfo Anokye Boakye II, succeeds Nana Frimpong Anokye Ababio, who passed away in 2022.
In the period after the death of the former occupant, many within the kingdom had continued to express the need for the stool to be filled to strengthen continuity in customary leadership and coordination of duties.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu explained that the Agona Stool was not merely a ceremonial title, but a position that “carries real responsibilities for safeguarding tradition, advising on matters of governance, and supporting the spiritual and cultural direction of the kingdom.”
To further drive home the message, the Asantehene noted that the stool demanded discipline and reverence; and must therefore, never be toyed with.
On expectations for the new Agonahene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu encouraged him to serve as a bridge between the royal leadership and the people, particularly, in areas where consultation, unity, and respect for custom were required.
The Asantehene cited occasions such as the performance of rites, the observance of palace protocols, and the collective participation in key communal events that helped maintain social cohesion in Asanteman.
He assured the newly installed Agonahene of his personal guidance and said he would continue to prepare him for the role.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu, expressed the hope that, once properly equipped for his mandate, the Asanteman would witness the observance of its first Odwira Festival in decades, a development expected to renew hope, strengthen cultural identity, and restore a cherished tradition of thanksgiving and remembrance.
Obiri Komfo Anokye Boakye II, in response, pledged his loyalty and commitment to remain steadfast in service to the occupant of the golden stool.
He indicated that, he would uphold the dignity of the Agona Stool, work to strengthen unity among chiefs and people, and ensure that, the responsibilities attached to the position were carried out with dedication, humility and respect.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Benjamin Mensah