Ghanaian King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, a close friend of King Charles, has been welcomed to a star-studded Royal Gala Dinner held at the Peninsula Hotel in Knightsbridge
Stars of Britain’s screen and stage have celebrated a close friend of King Charles – the Ghanaian King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II – at a glittering event in London.
The King of the Asante was welcomed to a star studded Royal Gala Dinner held at the Peninsula Hotel in Knightsbridge.
As part of the Ghanaian sovereign’s Silver Jubilee celebrations, guests including MP Diane Abbott, TV presenter June Sarpong and Channel 5 News anchor Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije, paid tribute to the man heralded with the development of his country since ascending to the Golden Stool of the Ashanti Kingdom in 1999.
At the dinner on Friday night, the Asante King thanked the guests for their warm welcome, adding: “I believe strongly that the support I’ve gotten for the 25 years will still continue and the love and affection that I’ve gotten from my people will continue. I promised them that I will continue to do good and be faithful and trustworthy.
“It is my responsibility to make sure that I am able to generate investments, to talk to people that can appreciate and understand that we have to build our country together. It is a delight to be here tonight.” He spoke of the economic state of Ghana which he is striving to improve: “Unfortunately, we have found ourselves again in a wobbly. We have to make sure that tomorrow is better for our children’s children and grandchildren.”
During his visit to the UK, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II spent time with King Charles III, his personal friend. The Asantehene was a guest at King Charles’ Sandringham House, in Norfolk, and also attended the King’s coronation last year. As part of the extended celebrations, the City of London will also host The Akwasidae Festival in his honour.
The name is derived from two Ashanti-Twi words: “Akwasi” or “Kwasi” – a name given to a male child born on a Sunday – and “Adae” – meaning a calendar or sleeping/resting place. Akwasidae therefore signifies a special Sunday set aside by the Asante people for special prayer or mass.
Kanya King, founder of the MOBO awards paid tribute to the King tonight saying: “It’s incredible because we are celebrating 25 years, you know, a massive celebration so it’s wonderful to be here with so many Ghanians, so I think it’s meaningful. So many people are inspired and wanting to be supportive and champion the culture. I would describe the atmosphere as vibrant and energetic, a wonderful collective. It’s brought the community together.”
Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Labour MP also gave her remarks on the event: “I am happy to be here, it’s always lovely to be in the presence of fellow British Ghanaians and it’s a community where we all know each other.” The prestigious dinner was organised by the Asante Investment Trust (AIT) through GUBA Enterprise and Africa Help UK.
A spokesperson for the Manhyia Palace said: “The UK is home to many Ghanaians in the diaspora, so it was only right that we come here to celebrate the Asantehene’s Silver Jubilee with them.”
Lady Dentaa Amoateng, MBE, President and CEO of GUBA Enterprise, a sponsor of the event, said: “We are deeply honoured and proud to have organised the Royal Gala Dinner in celebration of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Silver Jubilee.
“This event is a testament to the strong ties between the Ghanaian diaspora and our heritage. It is a privilege to celebrate such a monumental occasion and to honour a leader who has made significant contributions to our culture and community. GUBA Enterprise is a leading social enterprise dedicated to advancing the interests of Africans in the diaspora and on the continent through various socio-economic programs and initiatives.”
