Kumasi Enveloped In Celebration Mood

Ghana�s second-largest city, Kumasi, is in a celebration mood with everything set for the grand durbar to climax the 15th anniversary of the enthronement of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. Imposing billboards and posters of the King have flooded the city and could be found at traffic intersections and all entry points. The durbar, to be held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, is expected to attract huge crowds of people. President John Dramani Mahama and his predecessors Jerry John Rawlings and John Agyekum Kufuor are among the tall list of high profile personalities that would join to share in the joy and add to the importance of the occasion. Powerful and influential traditional leaders including the Sultan of Sokoto (Nigeria), Muhammadu Saad Abubakar III, Oni of Ife, Alayeluwa Oba Okunade, Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu and the Kabaka of Buganda, King Ronald Mawenda Mutebi II, have all confirmed their participation. The highly-treasured and revered sacred Golden Stool (Sika-dwa Kofi), the unifying force behind the Asante Kingdom, which is rarely seen in public, will be on display. The Asantehene will ride to the durbar grounds in a palanquin from Asafo-Abrotia under the canopy of big multi-coloured umbrellas, accompanied by a large retinue of chiefs and attendants and amidst �kete�, �mpintin� and �fontomfrom� drumming, clattering of the executioners� swords and praise singing (kwadwom). The procession will be led by �samanka�, a brass pan containing some traditional herbs believed to provide the King with spiritual fortification and the �dwete kuduo�, a silver pot full of gold dust, symbolizing the opulence of the Asante Kingdom. Royal pageantry and the beauty of Asante culture would be in full exhibition. Over 1,000 police officers, military and other security personnel would be on duty to make sure that nothing goes wrong. There would also be on hand firefighters and about 200 health personnel from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), the National Ambulance Service, the Red Cross Society, the Saint John�s Ambulance and other paramedics to respond to emergencies. Mr Kojo Bonsu, the Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive (KMA), says the Planning Committee and the Metropolitan Security Council will not take chances. They are determined to make sure there is adequate security protection for the anticipated large crowd the durbar is going to pull. Meanwhile, the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, Mr Kofi Boakye, has announced that some selected roads leading to the Manhyia Palace, the seat of the Asantehene, and Amakom, the route to the stadium, would be closed between the hours of 0600 and 1100 on Sunday. He has appealed to the public for understanding, saying that they may have to bear with some likely inconveniences.