The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, says nobody has ever tried to influence him with money to sway a decision in their favor during his 25-year rule.
According to him, since ascending to the golden stool, he has adjudicated every issue brought before him at the palace based on his firm convictions and neutrality.
The Asantehene pointed out that the golden stool itself was wealth, and its spiritual integrity made it impossible for anyone to dare to entice or influence his decision-making for personal gain. He therefore pledged to continue providing exemplary leadership filled with integrity, firmness, and sincerity as the occupant of the golden stool.
Addressing participants at a thanksgiving service to mark his 74th birthday anniversary at Saint Cyprian’s Anglican Church in Kumasi, he said his firm convictions, royalty, firmness, humility, and fear of God had led him to where he is today, not by his wisdom alone.
The occasion formed part of the activities marking the 25th anniversary of his ascension as the 16th occupant of the golden stool. Recounting his upbringing, he said it was a normal childhood in any local setup, never anticipating he would one day occupy such an important position in the Asante kingdom.
The Asantehene recounted how his uncle, Sir Osei Agyemang Prempeh I, denied him entry into Prempeh College, later forcing him to attend Sefwi-Wiawso Secondary School instead.
He attributed many manifestations in his life to obedience to his uncle, which has brought transformation to him and the Asante Kingdom.
He is strongly convinced that respect and obedience can lead to positive outcomes in personal lives.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu thanked Ghanaians, especially the people of Asanteman, for their trust and continued support during his reign, promising that with the help of God, many other positive developments would follow in the years ahead.
Right Reverend Dr. George Kotei Neequaye, Anglican Bishop of Tema Diocese, who preached the sermon, encouraged Ghanaian chiefs to emulate the leadership qualities of Otumfuo Osei Tutu and position the chieftaincy institution firmly to play its role in national development.
He prayed for continued divine guidance for the king to accomplish all his desires for the people he leads and for Ghana as a whole.
Among those present at the Thanksgiving were former President Kuffuor, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, former First Lady, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Minister for Energy, and Mr. Alan Kwadwo Kyeremateng, Leader of the Movement for Change. Others included Mr. Samuel Payne, Kumasi Mayor, Mr. Simon Osei-Mensah, Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, former Minister for Agriculture, and many others.
