Otumfuo Leads 7th Akwasidae Celebration of 2025

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, on Sunday led Asanteman in marking the 7th Akwasidae Festival of 2025 at the Manhyia Palace, a colourful celebration that drew participation from institutions including the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (REGSEC) and the Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation Company (BOST).

The forty-day festival, observed on September 28, 2025, in line with the Asante Kingdom’s calendar, once again showcased the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.

The King after the needed rites in the morning, sat in state to receive the homage of traditional authorities, royal guests from across the country and beyond, as well as the general public.

It was the first Akwasidae Festival after the burial of the late Queen of the Asante Kingdom, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, who passed away earlier in August.

Unlike the sixth, which was marked in Black and brown cloths, participants were adorned in coloured outfits.

However, the absence of the late Queen pervaded the ceremony, creating a heavy atmosphere.

At the Manhyia Palace on Sunday afternoon, when the King sat in grace [though without ornamental adornments], the Ashanti REGSEC led by Kumasi Mayor, Hon Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, took the lead before His Majesty.

Representing the Ashanti Regional Minister, who is out of the Region on an official duty, he was in the company of the heads of the various security agencies.

There were also representatives of Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation Company (BOST), Asanteman Association of New York and the Tuaregs from Niger.

Other key personalities were Dr Bettina Ama Boohene-Andah, the physician for former President John Agyekum Kufuor and Sharon Dede Padi, a distinguished artist.