Drawing from his experience growing up with his uncle and foster parent, Oheneba Mensah Bonsu, who was married to a Fante woman, the current occupant of the Golden Stool concludes that Fante women excel in culinary skills.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II recalled how his foster mother prepared him sumptuous meals each morning for school as kid.
“My uncle, Oheneba Mensah Bonus married a Fante. She was a good cook. She prepared my meals for school, it was finger licking,” he said during the last Awukudae Festival when Nana Kwesi Essel, Asanteman Fantefuohene joined to express gratitude.
His Majesty also recalled how Asante men who chalked success after working hard were strategically selective in their choice of woman as wives.
“In the olden days, Asantes who made it in life opted for Fante women as wives so they could enjoy good meals.”
This, he said, to emphasise the cordial relationship and unity between Asantes and Fantes.
“Our relationship with Fantes did not start today. We lived here with many key Fantes figures. Fantes cannot be taken out of anything Asante does. This is because you have proven loyal. That is why you were added to the Nifa Division so we all take decisions. There are no differences among us. We are one.”
Otumfuo further charged Nana Kwesi Essel to unify all Fantes in the Kingdom as his predecessor did. He recollected how the late chief distinguished himself and brought a mammoth crowd to all functions of the Manhyia Palace in times past.
“I expect all Fantes here at the Durbar on Saturday. Unite them all and bring them,” His Majesty added with regard to the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Prempeh I, the 13th Asantehene from exile.
The Fantefuohene alongside other traditional authorities on November 20, 2024, expressed gratitude to the Monarch for attending the 25th Anniversary and Oguaa Fetu Afahye in the Central Region two months ago.
“All Fantes here have come again to express our profound gratitude,” he said as he presented a citation to the King which praised his leadership and benevolence.
source: Opemsuo