The leadership of Kumasi Youth Association (KuYA) wants political parties, especially the two major parties(NPP, NDC) to withdraw from every plan of welcoming the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu in their party colours as the King arrives in Kumasi tomorrow after his Historic UN engagement.
A Statement issued by the Youth Association said it intercepted a directive from some political parties in Ghana of their intention to meet Opemsuo Otumfuo Osei TuTu II in their party colors and symbols on the said day at the Kumasi Airport.
But has served notice that:”Firstly, Otumfuo and the Manhyia Palace does not engage in partisan politics, and would, therefore, like to be met with Asanteman colors and symbols not people in their party colors. His presence at the podium of UN represented the Asante Kingdom, Ghana and Africa in general, and should be welcomed as such. This historic day shun all political activities and deem it to be a purely cultural display day.
It added:” this directive would be an unhealthy manner of welcoming the King. Considering the political heat in Ghana currently, the meeting of these political parties on a special occasion like this with party colors is highly discouraged. KuYA backed by Nananom want to state emphatically that this directive is not welcomed and should be put to a halt.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is expected to arrive in Kumasi on Tuesday 24th September,2019, at 3pm from the USA after his Historic UN address on high-level Forum on the culture of Peace with the theme”20th Anniversary Of culture of peace: Empowering and Transforming Humanity.
Mahama’s overtures to Otumfuo
Otumfuo’s address unduly created tension among the two leading political parties after the former Chief of Staff denial of Otumfuo’s alleged role aftermath the 2016 election.
Former President John Mahama has indicated he’ll make all efforts to end the “disturbing” public discourse generated as a result of Otumfuo’s speech at the UN.
Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, had stated during his speech that his respected Manhyia Palace intervened to persuade the losing candidate in the 2016 general elections to accept defeat.
However, former Chief of Staff Mr Julius Debrah, released a statement and clarified former president willingly accepted defeat and congratulated then-candidate Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, which triggered controversies among the two leading parties.
Mr Mahama has explained that the recent reports and public discourse seek to mar the long-standing relationship he has with the Asantehene.
