Golden Stool To Be On Display At Otumfuo’s Silver Jubilee Grand Durbar

Kumasi is ready for the Akwasidaekese grand durbar to climax the silver jubilee of the coronation of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on Sunday, May 12.

Key among the activities will be display of the Golden Stool, the sacred symbol of the Asante Kingdom.
The Golden Stool, which is kept under the strictest security, is taken outside only on special occasions.

Procession
At a news briefing organised by the Otumfuo Silver Jubilee Planning Committee on Thursday, May 9, the chairman of the committee, Juabenhene Nana Otuo Siriboe II, said, “The procession with which Otumfuo will come to the Manhyia Palace where the grand durbar will take place will be a huge one. Its length would span from the Manhyia Palace to the Airport. The procession will cart some of the treasures of the Kingdom out to show the world. Among them would be the Golden Stool. The Golden Stool will not always be kept out of the public view and so we will bring it out for the world to catch a glimpse.”

He said, Otumfuo’s procession will arrive at Dwabrem between 12 noon and 1 pm. Nananom are however expected to be seated at 11 am.

Dignitaries
Nana Otuo Siriboe said the durbar is expected to attract thousands of people from Ghana and abroad. Among the foreign dignitaries will be the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Keith Rowley; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, who will represent the King Mohammed VI of Morocco; and representative of President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire.

From Ghana, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and their spouses; Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey; and a representative of Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, will attend.

No political activities
The Juabenhene reiterated that there should be no branded political outfits at the event. Also, gunfire and fireworks are restricted within the precincts and around the Manhyia Palace.