Otumfuo Scheduled to Deliver Lecture on Ashanti Culture in the UK

Ghana’s Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is scheduled to deliver a public lecture on Ashanti Culture at the British Museum in London, United Kingdom (UK) in July 2024.

The event, a collaboration in international cultures, highlights mutual technical and business development and signifies Otumfuo’s first international speaking engagement of the year. The lecture will provide insights into Ashanti Culture and Heritage – Past and Present.

The lecture will be introduced by Kwame Anthony Appiah, President of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, renowned Anglo-Ghanaian philosopher from New York University, and the Laurance S. Rockefeller Emeritus University Professor of Philosophy at Princeton University.

This event coincides with the year-long celebration of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s 25th anniversary since his ascension to the Golden Stool, symbolizing the significance of Ashanti tradition and history on the global stage.

As part of the silver jubilee celebrations, various activities and programs are planned throughout the year, including symposiums, religious feasts, cultural events, and musical concerts, showcasing the rich heritage and contributions of Asanteman.

Here are some key dates for the jubilee celebrations:

– February 6, 2024: A symposium at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to observe the 150 years of the famous Sagrenti War. Launch of the book “History of Asante” by Otumfuo Sir Agyeman Prempeh II.
– February 8, 2024: Kuntunkuni Dwabo or Black Durbar at Dwabrem in the Manhyia Palace. Presentation of stolen artefacts returned from the Fowler Museum.
– March 30, 2024: Clean-up exercise and decongestion exercise in traditional areas of Asanteman and Kumasi.
– April 21, 2024: Religious feast for all fetish priests in Asanteman at the Bogyawe grounds in the Manhyia Palace.
– April 25, 2024: Fireworks activities and musical jam at selected parts of Kumasi.
– April 26, 2024: Non-denominational thanksgiving service and dinner to mark exactly 25 years of Otumfuo’s leadership at the Dwabrem grounds.
– May 6, 2024: 75th Birthday of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. Mini Durbar and thanksgiving ceremony at the Cyprian Church.
– May 10, 2024: Mega musical concert in Kumasi.
– May 12, 2024: Grand Silver Jubilee Durbar (Akwasidae-Kese) at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
– November 24, 2024: Lecture and symposium to mark the 100th anniversary of the return of Prempeh I from Seychelles Island.