There is an adage that “black is not just beautiful; it’s magical,” and that proved true when Asanteman convened at the Manhyia Palace in black attire to observe the culmination of the 150th anniversary of the Sagrenti War.
Though the event portrayed the solemnity of Asanteman over a past happening which saw Kumasi smouldering and reduced to ashes with over 4,000 soldiers killed, the beauty of the spectacle could not be ignored.
People from all walks of life were at the Palace to reflect on the war between Asanteman and the British in 1874.
Dubbed Kuntunkuni Durbar, paramount chiefs and queens and heads of the various divisions of the Kumasi Traditional Council arrived in Palanquins led by sword-bearing traditional guards and followed by “atumpan”, a traditional drum.
Gracing the event were Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III and Lady Julia Osei Tutu, the wife of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
In attendance were Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, Second Lady Samira Bawumia, Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Bagbin, former President John Dramani Mahama, Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Hon Akosuah Fremah Opare, British High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E Harriet Thompson, the Head of the Centre of West African Studies at Birmingham University, and Prof Tom McCaskie.
Also present were Lawyer Yaw Boafour, President of the Ghana Bar Association, Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Birender Singh, former Chief Justice Anin Yeboah, former Minister for Food and Agriculture Dr Afriyie Akoto, founder of Movement for Change, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, owner of Despite Media, Dr Osei Kwame Despite, and astute businessman Dr Ofori Sarpong.
Below Are Some Pictures From The Event:
