Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 09 October 2002- Baffour Asare
Owusu Amankwatia V has sworn the oath of allegiance to the Asantehene, Otumfuo
Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi as the new Bantamahene.
Known in public life as Mr Ben Kwadwo Asare, the
58-year-old timber merchant and now Bantamahene succeeded the late Baffour
Awuah V and is the son of the late Baffour Owusu Amankwatia IV.
Bantama holds an important position in Ashanti,
particularly in the Kumasi traditional set up where the Bantamahene is the
War-General of the Asantehene. Speaking at the ceremony, Otumfuo Osei Tutu
asked the new Bantamahene to promote unity among the Kontire division and the
Gyaase clan of Bantama.
He advised him to be honest, dedicated, disciplined,
obedient and respectful to all his subjects and the Golden Stool and help curb
the chieftaincy disputes in Ashanti. Otumfuo Osei Tutu asked him to emulate the
good work of his father, who served the Golden Stool with commitment and
dedication.
Nana Appianin Ababio II, Abusuapanin of the Gyaase
clan, buttressed the Asantehene's call on the new Bantamahene to co-operate
with both the Kontire division and Gyaase Clan to ensure the progress of
Bantama.
He advised the new Bantamahene to live above reproach
and refrain from acts that would tarnish his name and bring the Kontire
division and Gyaase clan into disrepute. Among the dignitaries who witnessed
the ceremony were Dr Richard Anane, Minister of Roads and Transport and Member
of Parliament for Bantama, Mr Osei Kwasi Agyei, Deputy Minister of Trade and
Industry, Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Ashanti Regional Minister and Mr Maxwell Kofi
Jumah, Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive.
GRi…/
Send your comments to viewpoint@ghanareview.com