During his 74th birthday thanksgiving service in Kumasi as part of the festivities marking his 25th anniversary celebrations, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, reaffirmed the oath he took 25 years ago before the Asanteman Council in church.
Expressing gratitude in church, Otumfuo praised God for safeguarding his life and his family since his enstoolment as the overlord of the revered Ashanti Kingdom a quarter-century ago.
“In the last 25 years, I have gone through a lot in the country. A lot has been said about me, but I was not worried about anything they said because my focus has always been on speaking the truth to promote fairness in the country. I have always been thankful to God for bestowing wisdom on me for fair judgment in any case that came before me for a peaceful resolution.
“It has always been my prayer before God that I may not discriminate against any individual across the country. I pray for God’s wisdom that comes with integrity and fairness to promote national peace and co-existence in all my dealings with people in the interest of Asanteman and Ghana.
“At where the Lord has placed me, the golden stool takes care of me, so I don’t need your money before I can make a reasonable, fair judgment before handling issues under my control to promote peace and unity. No known individual in my 25-year reign as the Asantehene can dare say I have taken money from them before passing judgment in their favor on any dispute brought before me. No one in the world can say that against me; you can’t dare come before me to bribe me for that. I’m saying all this to the glory of God,” he said.
“I’m saying all this to seek more years and blessings from God to lead me to do more for Asanteman and Ghana in general in the years ahead of me. All that I’m praying for is wisdom, a sense of bravery, and the spirit of what I can do for God,” he added.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II urged Ghanaians to unite in safeguarding the nation’s peace and unity for its progress.
“I will do my part through God, who strengthens me. It therefore behooves you to unite to play your part as well. I would like to use this opportunity to thank each one of you here who came to support me in this Thanksgiving service. Your presence here demonstrates your love and commitment to me.
“I’m reiterating the Asante oath that I took 25 years ago, and I continue to be honest, truthful, and just to you all at all times. I thank you all,” he said.
The service was attended by dignitaries including Ga Mantse King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Asante Mamponhene, Asante Juaben Manhene Dasebere Otuo Serebour (who also serves as the Council of State Chairman), Alan Kyerematen, leader and founder of Movement for Change, Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei-Mensah, and former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, among others.