Manhyia: Bawumia Steals Show At Last Akwasidae

The glittering effects of the Vice President and newly elected Presidential Candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) His Excellency Dr Alhaji Mahamadu Bawumia,  was on full display yesterday at the Manhyia Palace when he joined the Asantehene and Asanteman to mark the last Akwasidae of the year 2023. 
  
Just like what occurred a week ago during the final funeral rites of the Late First Lady, Mrs. Theresa Kufuor,  the Ashanti Region once again did not disappoint as the Vice President and his entourage received a mammoth welcome to the traditional seat of the Asante Kingdom.  
  
Clad in both Asante customary dress and party colours, enthusiastic residents and party faithful could not help but exhibit their love and admiration for the new 'kid on the block' of Ghana politics as he and political bigwigs made up of ministers, MPs, MMDCEs and party executives arrived at the colourful ceremony.  
  
Bringing proceedings to a near standstill,  the Vice President subtly responded to cheers from the crowd. 
  
The Vice President and the Asante Kingdom have since ventured into mainstream politics, forged a very smooth and cordial relationship,  with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II referring to him as his son whilst the Vice President also considers The King as his father. 
  
Dignitaries who accompanied the Vice President included the Second Lady, Hajia Samira Bawumia,  two former presidential aspirants, Ing Kwabena Agyapong and Hon. Addai Nimoh, National Chairman of the party, Mr. Stephen Ntim, General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Koduah, Ashanti Regional Chairman,  Chairman Wontumi, Minister for Education, Majority Leader and MP for Suame, Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah, Hon. Yaw Adutwum,  Energy Minister,  Hon. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh,  Ashanti Regional Minister,  Hon. Simmon Osei Mensah, MP for Effiduase and Hon. Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie. 
  
Others were Hon.  Adwoa Sarfo, Hon. Carlos Ahinkorah, Hon. Alexander Tettey and Hon. Alfred Obeng.