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Ghana Post will be honoring the Overlord of the Asante Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, with a commemorative stamp as part of the 25th anniversary of his reign on the throne.
At a media launch in Accra on Friday, April 26, 2024, Ghana Post noted the stamp dubbed ‘Asantehene Commemorative Stamp’ has been conceived and would be launched to further climax with its unveiling slated for May 4, in Kumasi at the Manhyia Palace.
The Asantehene’ scommemorative stamp project, according to Ghana Post, seeks to celebrate and memorialise the remarkable contributions of Otumfuo to the Asante Kingdom and Ghana at large and to also serve as a symbol of his legacy for generations to come.
It comes after the traditional ruler accepted a proposal from the management of the Ghana Post to honor his enormous contributions toward the country when they paid a visit to the Manhyia Palace in January. Bice Osei Kuffour and his team visited the Manhyia Palace in January
Addressing the media, the Managing Director of Ghana Post, Bice Osei Kuffour indicated that not only does their move celebrate the 25th anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu Il’s ascension to the Golden Stool but also to honor his profound impact on Ghana. [ Ghana Post
He stressed that the commemorative stamp transcends its functional role as a postage stamp which would stand as a symbol of the deep respect and admiration that Ghana holds for the Asante Kingdom and its esteemed leader.
“Let this stamp stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Ghanaians, a symbol of resilience to resist the ‘oppressors’ rule and a reminder that our roots are the foundation upon which our future is built.
“As we honor our past, we remain united in our commitment to preserve and cherish our heritage. Let this stamp foster a sense of national pride and unity as we celebrate and immortalise the footprints of a son of the land; ensuring that his legacy endure generations,” he said.
Bice Osei Kuffour used the occasion to extend his profound gratitude to His Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the committee from Manhyia, staff at Ghana Post and the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation for their collaboration in bringing the project to fruition.
According to him, the dedication and insight of the parties involved in the project have been “invaluable” adding that, it is not only a collector’s item but also “an educational tool that offers insights into our history, culture, and traditions.”
On behalf of the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Chief Director and Administrative Head at the sector, Alexander Arphul commended Ghana Post for their initiative and said, they have shown remarkable foresight and cultural sensitivity in conceptualising the commemorative stamp. In the middle is Alexander Arphul who represented the sector Minister
Underscoring the significance of the stamp, he stated that it would serve as a reminder of the “inextricable” link between our traditional values and our modern aspirations.
He acknowledges the impact of the Asantehene over the years on the lives of Ghanaians through his developmental projects in areas such as education, healthcare, and sanitation among others.
“Through visionary initiatives such as the Otumfuo Education Fund, which has provided scholarships to over 10,000 students, and the Otumfuo Charity Foundation, which has undertaken remarkable development projects in healthcare, water, and sanitation, Otumfuo has transformed the lives of countless Ghanaians.
“His leadership has ushered in an era of unprecedented progress and development for the Asante Kingdom, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all Ghanaians.
“As we unveil this stamp today, we pay homage to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Asante people, who have persevered through challenges and emerged stronger than ever before,” Mr. Arphul said further.
He was confident that the stamp will serve as a valuable resource for future generations, ensuring that the legacy of Otumfuo Osei Tutu Il and the Asante Kingdom is preserved and passed down through the ages, inspiring pride and a deeper appreciation for our cultural roots.
He entreated the general public to let the stamp be a testament to the indomitable spirit of “our forefathers, a symbol of our resilience, and a reminder that our roots are the foundation upon which our future is built.”
The Asantehene’s Commemorative Stamps holds immense significance both cultural and historical, serving as a tangible tribute to the rich heritage and enduring legacy of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
It would contain a Standard Stamp which will be a definitive and commemorative, crypto stamp, stamp album, frame gold stamps, and postcards.
This visionary commemorative stamp initiative, spearheaded by Ghana Post in collaboration with esteemed partners such as GCB Bank, Ghana Gas, and GOIL, transcends mere philatelic interests.