Asantehene Recounts the Journey and Achievements of His Foundation

In the past 25 years, Ghana and the world at large have witnessed the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation touching lives and positively transforming destinies.

The Foundation’s projects have inarguably received national and global recognition.

The brain behind it has been applauded; however, the story behind the initiative had never been heard first-hand — until now.

At an event held at the Manhyia Palace on April 25, 2025, marking the Silver Jubilee of the non-governmental organization, the King of the Asante Kingdom, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, walked guests through the inspiration, trajectory, and phases of transition the Foundation has undergone.

It all began right after the Monarch’s ascension to the Golden Stool exactly 26 years ago, when he conceived a dream to prosper Asanteman and Ghana through dignity, resilience, and opportunity for all.

This, the Monarch said, came with the conviction to wage a relentless war — not for territories as his predecessors pursued — but against ignorance, disease, poverty, and disconnection from the cultural soul.

“Our ancestors fought gallantly and secured this land through the might of arms. Today, we live in a different era. It is not the strength of the gun that determines a person’s future but the strength of their minds, health, environment, and unity of identity and purpose.

“I understood that if we were to preserve the heritage they bequeathed to us and prepare our children for the future, we would have to wage a different kind of battle: a battle against ignorance, disease, poverty, and disconnection from our cultural soul.”

With this conviction, Otumfuo said he liaised with insightful and visionary personalities to start the NGO.

“I began, just months into my reign, to lay the foundation for a long-term developmental vision. I initiated the Otumfuo Education Fund, guided by the wise counsel and active support of eminent personalities.”

In its maiden disbursement, 600 students in the three public universities in Ghana were beneficiaries.

Over time, His Majesty initiated other transformative projects across various sectors under different umbrellas until 2009, when he established the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation to consolidate all interventions in education, health, water and sanitation, culture, and heritage.

He explained, “With this re-organisation, I sought to bring unity, accountability, and efficiency to our work, and I’m proud to say that what we have achieved so far is both humbling and inspiring.”

Appreciation
Reflecting on the achievements so far, His Majesty celebrated the Foundation’s past and present Board of Directors and acknowledged the contributions of partners, donors, staff, and volunteers.

“All of these would not have been possible without committed leadership… Together with our network of community volunteers, they have carried the vision forward with excellence.”

Future
Looking ahead, the King intends to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Foundation’s projects and programmes.

To this end, the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation Endowment Fund was launched to raise GHC10 million.

Over the next five years, the Foundation aims to raise and invest ¢50 million to generate returns that will fund its programmes annually.

The Fund was launched by former President John Agyekum Kufuor, who served as the Guest of Honour at the event.

In his address, the Asantehene urged guests to partner in the mission to transform lives.

“I have taken this time to recount our journey not out of pride but as a reminder that this dream is absolute. This work is tangible, and this Foundation is worthy of your trust and support.

“Tonight, I call on you not just to give, but to partner with us. Let your gift tonight be a legacy and a bridge between what we have achieved and what we still hope to do.”

He added that their support could help educate underprivileged Ghanaian children who might otherwise be denied that opportunity.

“Let us ensure that no child in Ghana is denied education because of poverty. Let us stand with our teachers, support our clinics, strengthen our culture, and invest in a future where Asanteman and Ghana flourish in harmony and dignity.”

Honour
Donors to the Fund were grouped into Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond categories based on their contributions and were honoured with certificates and plaques.

Bronze contributors included Unijay, All-Star Insurance Limited, YOA Global Education, Fidelity Bank, Guarantee Trust Bank, First Atlantic Bank, Asanko Ghana Limited, SIC Insurance Plc, Zongo Nkosuohene, Kyidom Fekuo, Akwamu Fekuo, Kontri Fekuo, Benkum Fekuo, and Rejjio Construction Limited.

Silver sponsors (GHC200,000) included AMC Development, Edusei Foundation, Living Grace Limited, Special Group of Companies, Jubills Specialist Foundation, International Community School, and Hon. Owusu Akoto Afriyie.

Gold sponsors (GHC300,000) included Hia Stool Council, ECOBANK Ghana, Asante Professionals Club, Nana K Gyasi Company Limited, Ashanti NPP Caucus, Medimafo Herbal Clinic, and COA Research and Manufacturing Limited.

Diamond sponsors (GHC500,000) included Attachy Construction Limited, Coral Reef Innovation Ghana, and JP Trustees.

Former Board Members received Distinguished Service Awards in recognition of their impactful leadership, while the Foundation’s partners were presented with citations for their unwavering support in advancing the Foundation’s mission and community impact.

Also present at the event were Lady Julia Osei Tutu; former President John Agyekum Kufuor; Juabenhene Nana Otuo Sereboe II; Harriet Thompson, British High Commissioner to Ghana; Most Rev. Joseph Osei Bonsu, the Foundation’s first Board Chair; and Alhaji Yussif Ibrahim, Business Mogul and Philanthropist.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini