This year’s last Akwasidae was celebrated on 25th December, 2022 at Dwabirem, Manhyia Palace.
Nananom(Chiefs and Queens) preceded the Asantehene’s arrival at Dwabirem who were accompanied by large retinue sat under colouful umbrellas to witness the event not only with colour but also with importance. It was a delightful scene as the chiefs, Queens and their long retinue marched towards Dwabirem.
The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II adorned with gold ornaments and beautiful Kente cloth was carried in a palanquin to Dwabirem surrounded by scores of servants from the Palace. Ahead of his entourage were members from the Nsumankwaa who carried the “Samanka” a brass pan filled with horns, shrubs and herbs, believed to have powers to ward off evil spirits. In the midst of the procession was the Mponponsuohene the custodian of the Mponponsuo State Sword “the Excalibur” of the Asante Kings.
Firing of musketry, shield bearers with their fascinating shield dance, the ubiquitous praise of poetry of Ntahera(Ivory horns) and the recurring statements by the mmentia ( short ivory trumpets) ,Fontomfrom, Kete, Adowa, Nwomkro, Mpiti filled the air as the powerful drummers performed with passion while men with bare chests danced to the tunes of the Fontomfrom.
This colourful ceremony was attended by the Awomefia of the Anlo State Torgbe Sri III and his entourage.
The singing of kwadwom and the clattering of the executioner’s sword as Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II sat in state as various dignitaries such as chiefs, clergy, Politicians, Islam clerics, members of the public, corporate bodies and institutions to paid homage to him.
The most powerful woman in the realm of the Asante Kingdom, the Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III was been carried in “Seko” (a special palanquin for Queens) also adorned in gold surrounded by her court officials mostly women entered the durbar ground shook hands with Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu.
Source:Mybrytnewsroom.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
