Following his success in recovering artifacts stolen from Kumasi some 150 years ago, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has announced that he has revived the Asanteman spirit and essence. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II spearheaded the restoration of seven golden artifacts to the Manhyia Palace after they had been seized from Kumasi in 1874. Previous attempts by his predecessors, including Otumfuo Agyemang Prempeh II, had been fruitless. Unveiling the artifacts and commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Sagrenti War of 1874, which coincided with 25 years of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s reign, a grand durbar of chiefs was convened at the Manhyia Palace.
When he spoke during the durbar, Otumfuo emphasized the unity and power of the Ashanti Kingdom, calling it unbreakable. “Asante is very much alive. The Golden Stool is still standing despite white people razing the city 150 years ago. As many weapons came to Kumasi, the Golden Stool stayed put. As long as the Golden Stool is around, Asanteman will stay untouchable. “Nananom sacrificed their blood to protect the soul of Asanteman,” he declared. So he sent a stern warning to those plotting the kingdom’s demise. Attempting to defeat Asante will be an overwhelming task for you. No one can continue their plots against the kingdom. In this love, we dwell… Politicians need to be aware that power is fleeting. Master the art of love. “Remember, if you depend on your power, your time will end soon,” Otumfuo warned.
A watershed moment has passed for the Asante Kingdom with the return of the important artifacts, which Professor Kwasi Ampene of Tufts University in Massachusetts arranged. Professor Ampene spoke on the artifacts’ spiritual importance, praising their place in Asante tradition and culture and highlighting their spiritual relevance to the kingdom. The Asante Kingdom’s rich legacy is symbolized by the artifacts, which are made of pure gold and include things like Asipim chairs, Sika Amena necklaces, armbands, and anklets.
The British Museum is anticipated to return more antiquities later this year, and an official unveiling is scheduled for May 12, 2024, during the Akwasidae Festival festivities. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was instrumental in arranging for the repatriation of these artifacts, and Professor Ampene and project advisor Ivor Agyemang Duah both praised his leadership and vision for the return. When the restoration of the Manhyia Palace Museum is finished, the artifacts will be available to the public, so everyone can enjoy and honor Asanteman’s cultural legacy.
