Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has encouraged the youth in his domain to harness their strength and redirect it towards endeavors that contribute to the advancement and progress of Asanteman by abstaining from drug abuse.
He emphasized the importance of following in the footsteps of Asantes’ ancestors, who courageously fought to ensure the continuity and prosperity of Asante.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasized that by emulating the noble actions of their forebears, the current generation can uphold the rich legacy of Asanteman and secure a brighter future for themselves and future generations.
“Stop drugs and use your strength for a better course. That was not how Asanteman was built. Our predecessors did it and we can do it too. Strive to retain Asanteman just as Nananom did. Young men and women must emulate our predecessors,” he said.
Otumfuo made this clarion call during the Kuntunkuni Durbar held at the Manhyia Palace on February 8, 2024.
The durbar was organized to mark the 150th anniversary of the Sagrenti War of 1874, a significant event that resulted in the destruction of Kumasi and the plundering of treasures from the Palace of Asantehene Kofi Karikari.
During the event, the Fowler Museum formally presented Otumfuo with seven artifacts that had been taken from the Palace to the United States of America (USA) and later returned. Notably among these items was a royal stool belonging to Asantehene Kofi Karikari, the 10th Asantehene.
In his submission, the Asantehene noted that no machinations could ever destroy the Ashanti Kingdom while the Golden Stool, which is the soul of the land, remains.
“Asante is alive. 150 years ago, the whites destroyed this city but the Golden Stool remained. All kinds of guns came here, but Golden Stool remained untouched. So far as the Golden Stool remains, no one can touch Asanteman. It is the soul of Asanteman and Nananom used their blood to protect it.