Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has arrived in Kumasi, on Thursday, September 3, 2026, after a series of high-level engagements in the United States of America that brought together Asante tradition, African excellence, investment, education and the Ghanaian diaspora.
Otumfuo’s aircraft touched down at the Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi at about noon on Thursday, September 3, 2026, following his nearly two-week working visit to the United States.
He was received with a ceremonial guard of honour mounted by personnel from the Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana National Fire Service, and Ghana Police Service.
Accompanied by the Guard Commander, Otumfuo inspected the guard before proceeding to meet traditional leaders, government officials, students and other well-wishers who had gathered at the airport to welcome him home.
After exchanging handshakes and greetings with some members of the gathering, the Asantehene left the airport for a ceremonial procession through some principal streets of Kumasi towards the Manhyia Palace.
The homecoming followed an extensive programme in the United States under the Millennium Excellence Week America 2026, which brought together activities in Washington, D.C., Arlington, National Harbor and Bowie, Maryland.
The programme was organised under the patronage of Otumfuo and marked the first time the Millennium Excellence Foundation took its flagship celebration to the United States.
Otumfuo departed Kumasi on August 23 for the U.S. visit, which was built around a programme combining cultural diplomacy, education, business, and the celebration of African excellence.
One of the early highlights was the Otumfuo Golf Invitational Tournament at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia.
The event brought together Africa-focused investors, business leaders, diplomats, and members of the diaspora, providing an informal platform for networking ahead of the week’s major business engagements.
On August 25, the Asantehene delivered a Royal Guest Lecture at Howard University in Washington, D.C., marking his first speaking engagement at the historic university.
His lecture, titled “Governance, Cultural Preservation, Traditional Leadership and the Enduring Connections Between Ghana and the Global African Diaspora,” focused on the relevance of traditional leadership, the preservation of African culture and the need to deepen ties between Ghana and Africans in the diaspora.
Addressing students, faculty, and invited guests, Otumfuo appealed for stronger connections between Ghana and the global African diaspora through education, scholarship, investment, cultural preservation, service, and enterprise.
The visit also featured the Africa Business and Investment Summit at MGM National Harbor in Maryland from August 27 to 28. The summit brought together government representatives, business leaders, investors and other stakeholders to explore opportunities for investment and partnerships in Africa.
The Millennium Excellence Awards Gala followed at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., on August 29. The event, held for the first time in the United States, recognised individuals whose contributions have had an impact on Africa and the global African community.
A major cultural highlight of the U.S. visit was the celebration of Akwasidae Kesie, held on Sunday, August 30, at Bowie State University in Maryland.
The celebration brought an important Asante royal tradition to the United States, allowing members of the Ghanaian and wider African diaspora to participate in a cultural ceremony traditionally associated with the Asantehene and the Golden Stool.
By Benjamin Aidoo
