The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, was born on May 6, 1950. His name at birth was Barima Kwaku Duah, having been named after his paternal grandfather, Ohenenana Kwaku Duah (Nana Agari), Brahyiahene, who hailed from Kantinkyiren in the Atwima District in the Ashanti Region.
Otumfuo is the third son and the fifth child of his mother, the late Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, Asantehemaa, who was blessed with three sons and two daughters.
His two elder brothers, Barima Kwabena Poku and Barima Akwasi Prempeh and his younger sister Nana Ama Serwaa predeceased him, leaving him with his surviving elder sister, Nana Ama Konadu (currently the 14th Asanteheemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III)
Otumfuo’s father was Ohenenana Kwame Boakye Dankwa, who also hailed from the village of Kantinkyiren in the Atwima District in the Ashanti Region. Ohenenana Boakye Dankwa succeeded his father, Nana Kwaku Duah Agari, as Brahyiahene.
At age five, Otumfuo was placed under the guardianship of his uncle, Oheneba Mensah Bonsu, who had been enstooled as Hiahene in 1952. This was to secure his proper upbringing and to school him in royal conduct.
Activities to mark the 20th anniversary of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II since his ascension to the throne are expected to be launched officially today.
There has been feverish preparation at the Manhyia Palace – the official seat of the Asantehene – and DAILY GUIDE’s checks show that the official launch will be done amid pomp and pageantry.
There will be a durbar to be attended by paramount chiefs in Asanteman, divisional chiefs and other traditional leaders apart from the many dignitaries across the country who are expected to grace the occasion. The Otumfuo is expected to sit in state to supervise the launch himself.
At the launch, members of the planning committee for the anniversary will be made known to the public for the first time.
