A grand durbar of the Chiefs and people of Asanteman has been held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, to mark the last Akwasidae for 2021.
The durbar attracted other traditional rulers, religious leaders, politicians and diplomats.
The Vice President, Alhaji Dr Mahmudu Bawumia and his wife Samira led a government delegation to the durbar.
The Inspector-General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare and his officers, and the Chief Justice, Justice Kwesi Anim Yeboah were among dignitaries who were at Manhyia to pay homage to the Asantehene, Otumfour Osei Tutu.
The Omanhene of Abeadze-Dominase Traditional Area, Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi, was at the durbar at the invitation of the Asantehene.
The primary objective of Akwasidae is to honor and celebrate the life of illustrious forebears and to keep alive the memory of the good deeds of those who held leadership positions.
The exemplary accomplishments of leaders, both male and female, of villages, towns, and the larger aman (singular ɔman or state), and the sacrifices they made for future generations are never to be forgotten. Due to their success and failures in the face of untold challenges, they are never forgotten because, according to Asantes, “the good never dies”.
The forebears are commemorated in the many children who are named after them, the periodic remembrance rites, the fulfillment of Adae, and a host of tacit behaviors.
As is the case throughout sub-Saharan Africa, the Akan strongly believe in the continuing presence of their illustrious forebears in the lives of the living. Because they once lived on this earth, the ancestors know all of the challenges facing the living.
Living in the spirit world, the ancestors are closer to God and are able to intercede on behalf of the living. Not only are the ancestors able to plead to the Supreme Being on behalf of the living, they are also capable of punishing the living if they go against established norms.
On the other hand, the ancestors duly reward the living for not only following laid down customs, but also by making appropriate adjustments and critical contributions in light of contemporary challenges thereby adding to what they inherited.
The Asante Kingdom is made up of nearly seventy Traditional Council Areas and as a result, it would require a separate volume in order to present all the Paramount chiefs and Queens.
Due to space limitations, a handful of Nananom some dignitaries were present to commemorate the occasion and pay homage to the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu ll and Asantehemaa Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom Ill.