The President of the Federal Republic of Germany, His Excellency Frank-Walter Steinmeier, experienced the full grandeur of Asante royalty during a state visit to the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
The reception, rich in culture and tradition, showcased the elegance and hospitality of the Asante Kingdom. Upon arrival at the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Jubilee Hall, President Steinmeier and his delegation were welcomed with a traditional kete performance, symbolizing honour and respect.
In keeping with custom, Daasebre Otuo Sereboe II, the Juaben manhene, led the visiting President to meet the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. The King was accompanied by distinguished chiefs, including Odeneho Okyere Kusi Ntrama (Essumegya manhene), Barima Sarfo Tweneboah Kodua (Kumawu manhene), and Baffour Owusu Bediako (Asante Akyem Domeabraman hene), among others.
President Steinmeier’s visit to Kumasi also featured key engagements in education and science. He cut the sod for the construction of a Centre of Excellence for Green Technologies at the Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI), interacted with the management and alumni of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and toured the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research (KCCR) in Tropical Medicine.
The German President has since departed Kumasi to continue his official duties in his home country.
Story by Henry Ameyaw
