Women Are Not Prohibited From Palaces- Asantehene

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has indicated that women have equal rights as men when it comes to frequenting the palaces of traditional authorities in Asanteman.

According to him, women in the Kingdom have supreme authority over men and thereby zero tolerance for gender bias when it comes to the Kingdom based in West Africa.

This was to correct a wrong impression by the President of the Institute of Directors Rev Mrs Angela Carmen Appiah on the culture and tradition when it comes to women visiting palaces.

“I am a woman and I am not allowed in the Palace but since I am the first female President of the Institute of Directors, I had to come,” she said during a courtesy call on March 27, 2024, to seek the approval of the King to recognize and honour him for his enviable record in promoting good governance.

In response, Otumfuo juxtaposed her confidence with that of Yaa Asantewaa and corrected her wrong impression.

“Women are more powerful in Asanteman. Women are allowed in palaces. There is no prohibition and so you have not erred leading your men here.”

In addition to the honour, the Institute communicated its intention to create a longstanding friendship with the Manhyia Palace which would be strengthened through the institution of the loD Otumfuo Best Graduating Student in Corporate Governance Award, an award scheme, at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

They also sought permission to establish what it calls the Otumfuo Centre of Excellence in Corporate Governance at the KNUST School of Business to research and promote good corporate governance practices in Asanteman, Ghana and beyond.