The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has pledged GH₵500,000 to the Ga Education Fund to support brilliant but needy children in the Ga State.
“I want to donate an amount of GH₵500,000 to the Ga Education Fund to help in the education of less-privileged Ga children,” he said.
Additionally, he donated GH₵50,000 and assorted drinks to the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, as a gesture of gratitude for “the love” shown during his 25th anniversary on the throne.
The Asantehene made this announcement at a grand durbar held in his honour by the Ga State, led by the Ga Mantse.
This event followed the Ga Mantse’s recent participation in the 25th-anniversary celebration of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s ascension to the throne, as well as his 74th birthday celebration.
This visit by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II marks the first by an Asantehene to the Ga State in 78 years, following a similar visit by Otumfuo Osei Agyeman Prempeh II in 1946.
The visit aimed to promote peace and unity between the two kingdoms and, by extension, among all Ghanaians.
The event held at the forecourt of the Ga Mantse was a blend of Ga and Asante culture, witnessed by dignitaries from diverse backgrounds, amidst the display of rich tradition and the firing of musketry.
It was attended by chiefs, queens, clergy, ministers of state, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), Members of Parliament and people from all walks of life.
This reciprocal visit underscored the relationship between the two traditional leaders.
Addressing the durbar, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that education is essential to a nation’s development and must be accorded the necessary support and attention.
He added that in the absence of war, peace, harmony, unity, and prosperity reign, emphasizing the need for the Ga State and Ashantis to remain united to drive development.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II highlighted that the modern role of chieftaincy should focus on development rather than territorial conquests.
“The fight now should be for development in the interest of the future generation,” he stated.
“All chiefs must come together in unity to ensure that our country Ghana is developed.
“Ashantis in ancient times fought for lands, but in this contemporary time, there is no war.
“There’s unity, peace, and collaboration ensuring that the next generation will inherit prosperity.
“Otumfuo and Ga Mantse do not collect taxes from their people. Our focus is to establish healthy relationships, encourage peace and unity among our people to forge ahead for prosperity,” he stressed.
The Asantehene expressed his gratitude to the Ga State for their warm reception and called for unity among the Ga and Ashanti peoples, as well as among all chiefs in the country.
“The people of Ga and Ashanti must unite to develop our peoples. All Ga chiefs must unite behind Nii Teiko Tsuru II.
“Unity and development must be our focus in the interest of our children,” he emphasized.
He also expressed his appreciation to Nii Teiko Tsuru II for the support shown during his 25th-anniversary celebrations.
“You spent more than a week with me in Kumasi when I celebrated my 25th anniversary of ascension to the Ashanti throne.
“I appreciate your presence during my 25th anniversary celebration. You showed love. This is a reciprocal gesture.
“This visit is also to say thank you for what you did for me. You showed me love and I have come to add to that love and make sure it continues to live.”
The Asantehene called on all chiefs in the Ga State to support Nii Teiko Tsuru II in his efforts to develop the region and pledged his ongoing support for the Ga Mantse.
He emphasized that his visit was part of efforts to unite the Ga and Asante people and to dispel the perceived rivalry between the two tribes.
“The people of Ga and Ashanti must unite to develop our communities. All Ga chiefs must rally behind Nii Teiko Tsuru II. Unity and development must be our focus for the sake of our children.
“I pray for guidance from the gods. My doors are open. Anytime you need advice on any subject, I am always available,” he assured.
Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II lauded Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for the education fund project.
He thanked Otumfuo for his visit, adding that it would help improve the unity that exists between them.
The Ga Mantse used the occasion to urge a healthy campaign among the political parties as Ghana prepares to vote in the presidential and parliamentary elections on December 7.
He emphasized that Ghanaians must know that peace is the only option for the country and it cannot be compromised.
He also called on the public to maintain peace and harmony before, during, and after the upcoming elections.
