See the 6 Newly Created Adinkra Symbols Embodying Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Leadership

Six new Adinkra symbols reflecting the rulership of the 16th Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, have been created by Aliska Business Advisory and Research.

Of the six, only one is named, the King was told at the Manhyia Palace on June 18, 2025, during the fifth Awukudae Festival.

Three officials from the institution identified as Lauren Asiedu, Kumi Agyemang and Kwame Agyemang officially made the presentation to the King.

According to Mr. Agyemang, the development of these symbols was preceded by extensive research spanning three and a half years, focusing on the Asantehene’s contributions. They highlight the preservation and promotion of the Asante Arts, Culture, Tradition and Heritage, he said.

“Otumfuo nsa” to wit, “the hand of Otumfuo”, is the only named symbol among the six. According to him, it represents His Majesty’s gentle yet firm grasp of the Asante Kingdom’s cultural heritage.

He said the remaining symbols will be named with the guidance of the Manhyia Palace.

“Through our research, it came up that it’s advisable we get new authentic words to represent these new designs to set a tone that in the event when there are new words in academia, medicine, and arts, the council can come up with new words to match it.”

That notwithstanding he outlined their significance.

The second symbol features two parallel hands, one pointing upwards and the other downwards. This, he explained, reflects His Majesty’s embrace and alliance with different cultures from the North and southern Ghana.

Another was presented which symbolised the intelligence of the King from which governments from Ghana and beyond tap for results.

The fourth symbol highlights the role His Majesty plays in providing counsel on the utilization of the country’s natural resources.

The fifth is a staff which represents the Asantehene’s impact on sustainable national development. It has the crest of Manhyia and the Golden Stool, he said.

The final symbol highlights the King’s significant contributions to advancing research and education.

Otumfuo welcomed the inventions while recalling how his symbolic hand gesture during his enstoolment was an enigma for many traditional authorities but had been accurately interpreted by the institution.

“Twenty-six years ago, when I was going to Pampaso I symbolically put my hands together, but many chiefs didn’t understand. I was in Apakankro. My grandchildren understand it but many of the chiefs couldn’t understand it at the time.”

His Majesty further directed the team to meet him on Friday for details on a symbol he intends to gift the King of Eswatini who will be visiting the Manhyia Palace next week.

Source: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/