All Eyes on Manhyia as Akwasidae Preparations Take Shape

The rich culture and traditions of Asanteman come alive today, March 2, 2025, as the Manhyia Palace hosts the second Akwasidae Festival of the year, a significant event on the Asante calendar.

The festival, deeply rooted in the customs of Asanteman, is a time for the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to sit in state and receive homage from his subjects, dignitaries, and visitors from across the world.

Today’s Akwasidae follows the grandeur of the first Akwasidae of 2025, which took place on January 19 at the Dwabrem grounds of the Manhyia Palace.

That occasion was marked by a spectacular display of Asante heritage, featuring musketry, the powerful rhythms of the royal fontomfrom drums, and the vibrant presence of Asante traditional leaders adorned in regal kente apparel.

The previous festival saw a host of paramount and sub-chiefs in attendance, including Tepamanhene Nana Adusei Atwenewah Ampem, Yamfohene Nana Ansah Adu Baa, Sampamanhene Nana Samgba Gyafla II, and Nkoranzamanhene Nana Kwame Baffoe IV.

Also present were distinguished personalities such as President John Dramani Mahama, unsuccessful presidential candidate Alan Kyerematen, former Energy Minister Kyerematen Agyarko, Member of Parliament for Asawase, Hon Muntaka Mubarak, Vice Chancellor of KNUST, Prof Rita Akosua Dickson, and NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia.

Dressed in a magnificent kente cloth and adorned with resplendent gold ornaments, the Asantehene was carried in a palanquin to the durbar grounds, where he received homage from his chiefs and well-wishers.

The festival was also significant as it coincided with an ancient Asante tradition known as “Afenhyiasom,” which, according to Otumfuo’s linguist Kyeame Nsuase Poku, demands the presence of all traditional authorities in Asanteman to pay homage to the King and seek his blessings for the new year.

As today’s Akwasidae unfolds, it promises to be another magnificent occasion filled with cultural splendour and royal pageantry, with dignitaries, traditional leaders, and subjects gathering to witness the vibrant display of Asante customs and traditions while reaffirming the unity and strength of the Asante Kingdom.

Story by Adwoa S. Danso