On Sunday, November 19, 2023, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, made a majestic entrance at the St. Peter’s Basilica in Kumasi, riding in his distinguished 88-year-old Rolls Royce. The purpose of this grand entrance was the Thanksgiving Service held in honour of the late former First Lady, Theresa Aba Kufuor.
This vintage Rolls Royce carries immense ceremonial importance for the Asante Kings and was originally purchased in the 1940s by the then Asantehene, Otumfuo Prempeh II.
The unique vehicle, known as 20/25, is adorned with the traditional colours of Asanteman—Yellow, Black, and Green.
The historic Rolls Royce made its debut in 1935 at a durbar in Kumasi, commemorating the reunification of the Asante Confederacy during the reign of Otumfuo Sir Osei Agyeman Prempeh II. Safo Kantanka, an Asante historian, highlights that Prempeh II was the first to utilize the vehicle during this significant event.
After Prempeh II’s passing in 1970, Opoku Ware II succeeded him and continued to use the Rolls Royce for an impressive 29 years. In 1999, Osei Tutu II became the third Asantehene to inherit and utilise this historic vehicle.
