Asantehene off to Scotland to address St. Andrews Africa Summit

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II left Kumasi on Sunday to address the St. Andrews Africa Summit (SAASUM).

The King will speak at the St. Andrews University on September 16, 2023, where he will provide insight into the Kingdom of Asante and how the diverse peoples of Ghana fit into local and national government.

Departure formalities
A number of chiefs in Kumasi were at the Kumasi International Airport to see off the Asantehene.
Dressed in a sparkling suit, he alighted from his car and went round to shake hands with the chiefs led by the Bantamahene, Baffour Asare Owusu Amankwatia before walking to board the waiting aircraft that flew him to Scotland.

St. Andrews Africa Summit
The St. Andrews Africa Summit is a student led initiative that promotes a versatile discussion about Africa, Africans and African affairs.

With the primary objective to provide a platform that stimulates a critical dialogue about the common discourses concerning Africa by bringing together the professional, student and the academic, the summit will provide participants with an all-encompassing understanding of the trends currently shaping African affairs.

The Asantehene’s participation in the summit, has widely been advertised in Scotland. “Students will be able to witness a live press-conference and obtain the rare opportunity to network with an array of professionals— from the King himself, to other varying politicians, University administrators, journalists, business owners, and more,’ one media message read.

Global appreciation
Otumfuo’s invitation to the summit further underlines the global community’s appreciation of his achievements since he ascended the Golden Stool 24 years ago. He has been acknowledged as an extraordinary arbiter especially in chieftaincy and political issues which threatened the peace of Ghana .

Peace initiatives
A central focus of the King’s reign has been his peace initiatives, which earned him the award of Pillar of Peace.
He led the committee of eminent chiefs to bring peace to Dagbon after a biting chieftaincy dispute which lasted over 15 years .

Currently, he has initiated peace talks between the feuding factions in the Bawku chieftaincy dispute.
His Majesty is further acknowledged for ensuring peaceful elections, culminating in seamless transitions in governments, especially when power changed hands between the two dominant political parties in Ghana.

Awards/recognition
In recognition of his tremendous efforts in bringing peace and stability to Asanteman and Ghana in general, the E ON 3 Group, organizers of the African Premier Leadership Awards, conferred the “Pillar of Peace” Award on His Majesty in 2019.

And in 2021, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) approved the minting and issuance of the Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Coin in recognition of the invaluable achievements of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, most especially, how he led the Dagbon peace process.

Illegal mining
His Majesty has also demonstrated immense commitment to the eradication of illegal gold mining popularly known as galamsey in his Kingdom. This year has been declared action year by the King, in his quest to protect lands and water bodies in Asanteman from the activities of illegal gold miners.