Kumasi: Former and the late Libyan leader, Muammar Al-Gaddafi, visited Kumasi on June 29, 2007, where he met the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace. Gaddafi arrived in Kumasi around midnight after traveling from C´te d'Ivoire through the then Brong Ahafo Region. His visit was marked by a gathering of Kumasi residents who, despite the cold weather, lined the streets hoping to catch a glimpse of the Libyan leader. However, not all were successful in seeing him, and some left disappointed after hours of waiting.
According to Ghana Web, Gaddafi's visit to Kumasi included an important engagement with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, highlighting the strong ties between the two leaders. Their relationship had been previously established when Otumfuo visited Libya in 2006 for a goodwill and cultural visit at Gaddafi's invitation. This visit coincided with the 37th anniversary of Libya's Revolution, during which Otumfuo praised Ghana-Libya relations and noted Libya's confidence in Ghana's political stability, governance, human rights, and economic growth.
During his 2007 trip, Gaddafi also visited the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to commission a hostel project. His meeting with Otumfuo at Manhyia Palace became one of the notable moments of his visit to Ghana. The relationship between Gaddafi and Otumfuo continued to flourish after this significant encounter.
The historical visit underscored the importance of diplomatic ties and cultural exchange between Ghana and Libya, as well as the personal connections forged by leaders in advancing bilateral relations.