A magnificent welcoming event awaits the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu and his wife, Lady Julia, who are currently in Europe and scheduled to arrive in Ghana this Saturday.
Plans are far advanced to welcome His Majesty at the Kumasi Airport.
Over ten divisional chiefs of the Asante Kingdom met at the Manhyia Palace on Thursday, May 11 to put together their plans which include a mini party to observe the 73rd birthday of the King- which fell on May 6, the same day as the coronation of King Charles.
The Divisional chiefs who met included Kontri and Akwamu, Adonten, Gyaase, Kyidom, Nifa, Benkum, Ankobea, Oyoko, Mamwere, Nkoso, Kyidom, and Twafo.
The plan is aimed at honouring the King who raised the flag of both the Kingdom and Ghana high when he represented them on the global stage magnificently during the coronation.
“This is to communicate our delight in our lord for all he has done for the Kingdom since his ascension,” Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI, Bantamahene and head of the Kontri clan said during the emergency meeting.
The King’s first sight at the airport will be his subjects waving miniature flags.
“We will hire buses from Metro Mass to transport people to the airport. Two of the busses will be stationed at Asafo, two at Ash-Town, two at Bantama,” Bantamahene said.
Upon his arrival at the airport, he will be led through some ceremonial routes in the city including Krofrom, Suame Roundabout, Abrepo Junction and Bantama where he will receive warm greetings from residents in the Kingdom.
The King will further be greeted by giant billboards of himself and King Charles along the routes.
Security is also featured in the plans of the traditional rulers. According to Bantamahene, there will be heavy security presence at the Airport and along the selected routes.
At the Manhyia Palace following his ride across the city, a mini party will be held to mark the monarch’s birthday.
“We will cut cake to celebrate his birthday and there will be a live band and kete band as well.”
The King together with his wife, is returning from a trip to London mainly for the coronation of King Charles III.
His presence at the event gave a sense of pride to most Ghanaians and Africans who felt represented.
“Strutting with grace and panache. Colorful and classy. The King on the day his friend Charles is coronated as King and it’s actually on his birthday. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. Nana wo nkwa so. Nya nkwa daa. Piaw!,” one tweeted last Saturday