Accra:A rare photograph has emerged of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II seated beside the late Otumfuo Akyeamehene, Baffour Osei Akoto. This image offers insight into the relationship between the Asante monarch and one of his esteemed traditional leaders.
According to Ghana Web, the photograph captures a moment that highlights the connection between traditional authority and the preservation of Asante customs. Baffour Osei Akoto held the role of Otumfuo Akyeamehene, which involves communicating the words of the Asantehene and representing the king in matters of tradition and statecraft. This position is vital within the Asante traditional system, where oral history and protocol are central to the institution of the Golden Stool.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II became the 16th Asantehene on April 26, 1999. Born Barima Kwaku Dua on May 6, 1950, he is the youngest of five children of Nana Afua Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, the late Asantehemaa. His education began at Sefwi Wiawso Secondary School, continuing at Osei Kyeretwie Secondary School in Kumasi, and later at the Institute of Professional Studies in Accra, now known as the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
He furthered his studies in the United Kingdom at Kilburn Polytechnic in accountancy and pursued human resource development and public administration at the University of North London. His upbringing was deeply rooted in Asante traditions, guided by his uncle, Oheneba Mensah Bonsu, who became Hiahene in 1952 and played a pivotal role in his education on Asante statecraft.