The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on Sunday, June 23, 2024, sat in state to receive homage from his subjects and travelers who came from far and near to celebrate the king at the sacred festival.
The fifth Akwasidae of the year was marked with a brief moment of humour, with the Asantehene himself setting the stage for hilarity to the delight of his courtiers and guests gathered at the Manhyia Palace.
The incident occurred when Otumfuo’s wife, Lady Julia Osei Tutu, led the nuclear family of the royal palace to pay homage to the king.
While making his way to greet his father, the king’s son, Oheneba Kwame Kyeretwie, was approached by some courtiers who sought to help him wear his cloth appropriately, as custom demands.
As custom demands, a male person approaching the king is required to lower the side of the cloth hanging over their shoulder as a sign of courtesy.
Watching the prince already struggling, being whipped up by the courtiers, His Majesty could not help but retort with a comment: “Na ntoma yi wɔn hunu fira mo san akɔworɔ aka ho…” translated as “He is already struggling with wearing the cloth, and you want to take it off again?”
The clearly humorous attempt by the king achieved its intended purpose, as it instantly drew laughter from everyone around, including Nana Kyeretwie’s sister, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem.
Bent on utilizing the moment, the royal courtiers stuck to their task, giving the young prince a lesson on the proper way of wearing a cloth while he finally went on to greet the king.
In a related incident of culture and family history being brought to the fore, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem, on the day, presented herself to her father adorned in a kente outfit worn by her mother, HRH Lady Julia Osei Tutu, over two decades ago.
About the Akwasidae Festival
The Akwasidae Festival is a vibrant celebration held by the Ashanti people in Ghana. It occurs every six weeks on a Sunday, in accordance with the Ashanti calendar.
The festival is deeply rooted in ancestral reverence and remembrance, honouring past kings and noble feats.
It is a time when the Asantehene (the king of Ashanti), sub-kings, and subjects come together at Manhyia in Kumasi to celebrate the Golden Stool — a symbol of the kingdom’s unity and its cultural heritage.
During Akwasidae, the community engages in drumming, dancing, and singing to honor their ancestors and lesser gods, known as abosom.
It is a day of communal gathering, vibrant attire, and cultural expression that underscores the Ashanti people’s connection to their past and their ongoing cultural legacy.
Watch video below:
Yesterday, at the Akwasidae celebration, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem, the daughter of Asantehene presented herself to her father the king, by wearing a kente outfit worn by her mother HRH Lady Julia Osei Tutu over two decades ago. This is just beautiful. pic.twitter.com/rV8CE9IDoE
— The Asante Nation (@Asante_nation) June 24, 2024
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