Otumfuo Turns 64

Hundreds of people from all walks of life turned up at the Manhyia Palace yesterday to commemorate the Special Birthday Celebration of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who turned 64 yesterday. Delegations from within and outside the country were at the Manhyia Palace to participate in the birthday celebration, which also coincided with activities marking his 15th Anniversary upon the ascension of the throne. Corporate bodies, religious organizsations, financial institutions, security agencies and health institutions amongst others, were also at the palace to present gifts and other presents, in cash and kind, towards the celebration. The Asantehene was also expected to host a Special Birthday Dinner at the Manhyia Palace Gardens to entertain august visitors from within and outside the country. Notably among the various entities that thronged the palace yesterday to commemorate the special day, and to wish the Asantehene well, included a delegation from the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), which made a cash donation of GH�10,000 and other assorted drinks towards the occasion. The delegation from the GACL was led by the Managing Director, Mr. Charles Asare, and included a member of the Board of Directors, Dr. Betty Solomon Aryeh, Director in charge of Legal Services, Mrs. Joyce Bannerman Wood, and the Regional Manager of the Kumasi Airport, Mr. Kojo Abrefah Sarkodie. Mr. Sarkodie said the company felt honoured to be part of the celebration of the Asantehene, who, he said, had contributed personally towards the success of the company. Mr. George Owusu and Mrs. Angelina Owusu, business entrepreneurs and founders of the George and Angelina Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) engaged in the provision of health and social amenities to communities in the country, also made a donation of several assorted drinks and sheep to the Asantehene. Other items donated by various corporate bodies included Kente, eggs, wines and mattresses. The Asantehene is marking his 15th Anniversary since his ascension of the throne as the 16th occupant of the Great Asante Golden Stool. A grand durbar is expected to be held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium to climax the year-long celebration.