Asantehene Commemorative Stamps Launched

The Asantehene 25th International Commemorative Stamp was launched at the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Jubilee Hall at the Manhyia palace on May 4, 2024.

This was made known during the launch of the stamps at the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Jubilee Hall at the Manhyia Palace on May 4, 2024.

An initiative of Ghana Post to celebrate the Asantehene on his 25 years reign, it also marked the first ever crypto stamp to be launched in Africa. In all, five different stamps were unveiled .

Personalities
A gathering of dignitaries which included the King himself, his wife, Lady Julia Osei Tutu, traditional authorities in the Asante Kingdom, the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Minister for Communication and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu Ekuful, a Former Chief Justice, Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah, and representatives of Universal Postal Union attended the ceremony.

History
Walking the gathering through the birth of the stamps, the Managing Director of Ghana Post, Bice Osei Kuffour said the silver jubilee of Otumfuo caught the attention of Ghana Post last year when the stamp advisory board of the company came up with the idea that the company should honour the King with a stamp . “That was endorsed by the board of the company and since then, we worked tirelessly in making the dream possible,” he added.
Mr Kuffour said the stamp reflects the globally legendary status of the great King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

Enduring legacy
The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful said, “We are celebrating the enduring legacy of a visionary leader whose impact on our nation has been nothing short of remarkable.”

The minister said Ghana Post has over the years recognised the impact previous Asantehenes had on the country adding that, it did so for Otumfuo Agyeman Prempeh II and Otumfuo Opoku Ware II. She said the commemorative stamp is a reflection of “our national pride and identity.”

“It serves as a reminder of the inextricable link between our traditional values and aspirations, reminding us that our rich cultural heritage is the foundation upon which our nation’s future is built,” she added.

Indelible mark
She indicated that the commemorative stamp is more than a postage instrument. “It is a tangible representation of the indelible mark Otumfuo has left in the fabric of our beloved country .His 25 years reign has been a testament to our unwavering commitment to preserving our cultural heritage, promoting education, uplifting the socio-economic well being of the people and I dare say that no pivotal decision has been taken by our leaders within these 25 years without his input given graciously and wisely behind the scenes,” she stated.

Design concept
The Chairman of the Otumfuo Silver Jubilee Planning Committee, Nana Otuo Siriboe II, said the design concept of the stamps resonates with Otumfuo achievements both locally and globally. He said the wide range of stamp types from the conventional standards stamp to the modern crypto stamp symbolise the great image of the King.