Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
The grand celebration of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s 75th birthday on May 7, at the Manhyia Palace, was not merely an occasion for jubilation, but also a display of his unique traditional attire, which eloquently communicated his leadership values and rich heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom.
In line with revered royal customs, the Asantehene wore a distinctive kente cloth, exclusive to the Ashanti stool and its revered occupant.
Nana Akurogu Ameyaw Santamire II, the Asantehene’s Kentehene (Custodian of Kente), offered rare insights into the monarch’s attire, while respectfully noting cultural prohibitions against fully elaborating on royal regalia due to its sacred nature.
The kente chosen by Otumfuo is named “Akonini Ntoma,” which is translated as “cloth of dignity.”
Its prominent design features a symbol resembling a cross with intricate knots at each end. This powerful Adinkra pattern signifies unity among the diverse groups of people, with the knots specifically representing various communities gathered in service and pays allegiance to the royal throne.
Another significant symbol woven into the Asantehene’s kente is “Kramo bonee amma yeanhu Kramo pa,” meaning, “the bad Muslim makes it difficult for a good one to be recognised.”
Beyond the kente, other elements of the royal regalia also carry deep meanings. The golden scepter, held firmly in the Asantehene’s hand, embodies his supreme authority, though its specific symbolism is not publicly disclosed, according to Ashanti tradition.
Similarly, the striking gold ring on his finger is deemed sacred. Culturally, it is briefly removed when a woman approaches the throne to shake hands with the Asantehene and is promptly replaced afterwards.
“According to our customs, the outfit of His Royal Majesty is considered sacred and so I am unable to give a thorough insight into the royal regalia but what I can say is that this kente woven by me is a cloth of dignity,” Nana Akurogu Ameyaw Santamire II said in an interview with GhanaWeb on May 9, 2025.
In another breadth, a researcher and monarchical and cultural historian, Osei-Bonsu Safo-Kantanka, who was also present at the event gave his interpretation to the royal attire. He sought to explain the types of royal fabric the Asantehene wears to public events.
“Often times the exclusive attire of Asantehene is raw-woven kente but the ones that are not raw kente comes in four types – the single woven, double woven, triple woven and multiple woven fabric.
“However, the one that Asantehene wore for this birthday is a raw woven kente covered with intricate embroidery with some Adinkra symbols. The prominent Adinkra symbol on his chest is called ‘Akoma ntoaso’ which is translated as an ‘extension of the heart’ and it signifies ‘patience’.
“To be able to rule well, the King must demonstrate tolerance in all matters – so a ruler is required to be calm, gentle and at the same time serious in all his undertakings,” he clarified.
This limited-edition, colorful kente fabric, exclusively crafted for the Asantehene, serves as proof of the Asantehene’s dignity, unity, and the enduring legacy of the Ashanti people.
VPO/AE
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