Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has disclosed that, his life, from birth till date, wouldn’t have been as illustrious as it is, had it not been the help of some people who journeyed with him at certain stages.
Although he inspires many generations, many did not know that his life, growing up, was denied of royalty in order to properly nurture him for what lied ahead of him.
Narrating his life story from pre-birth as told by his mother, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem, the late, till his 74th birthday anniversary, the Asantehene acknowledged some persons who contributed towards his becoming who he is today.
At a Thanksgiving service at the St. Cyrian Anglican Church in Kumasi Monday, May 06, 2024, he named the likes of Dr. Sam Jonah, former Anglogold Ashanti boss, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, Akosua Osei Frema Opare, and a host of others, for contributing to his journey as Kwaku Duah and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
“When it comes to the Kingship, it started from the 21st of March 1999 when I left Accra for Kumasi for the burial of my elder brother. Before coming to Kumasi, it was Sam Esson Jonah and Alhaji Yussif who gave me money to come to Kumasi. He made AGC aircraft flew me from Accra to Obuasi, before journeying to Kumasi to extend my courtesies to Nana Asantehemaa. Then my elder brother’s (Otumfuo Opoku Ware II) burial proceeded the next day. It was after then that all the necessary traditions and rites followed before getting to this stage.
“President Kufuor started from our childhood till now. Oheneyere Nana Frema, the Chief of Staff, were all part. Nana Konadu [Agyeman Rawlings] is also part of those who have been with me since. Three days ago, Ga Mantse came all the way from Accra to join me celebrate my anniversary from Friday till this service and has also promised to attend the grand durbar on Sunday.
Otumfuo also thanked his wife, lady Julia Osei Tutu, for supporting him through the journey till date.
“I have been lucky to meet a good woman who is content with whatever she has and cares for everyone around me and what concerns me is her priority. By the grace of God, she is part of my journey to this stage,” he lauded.
