Let go of the hurtful colonial era and forge unity - Asantehene

The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu ll has asked the world, especially Africans to let go of the hurtful colonial era and forge ahead in unity.

He was Speaking at the opening of the 5th annual Carnival International de Victoria in Seychelles, where he has visited the residence of his great grand uncle, King Agyeman Prempeh l who was exiled to Seychelles for almost 30 years by the British during the colonial days.

Asantehene said people who have suffered one abuse or other previously should see his visit to Seychelles where his people were held in captivity for years as a reconciliation moment and embrace unity and love.

The King noted that it was time Africans dropped the guns, matchets and other weapons used to pursue those who offended them as a people and rather warmly welcome them.

According to him, the British who once colonised Asante and

Ghana are now development partners.
He has therefore urged South Africans to end the xenophobic attacks.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu ll, the Asantehene has been in the Indian Ocean country, Seychelles since Wednesday with Paramount chiefs and queens from Asanteman, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare, officials of Ghana Tourist Board, musicians and Actors.

He has so far paid a courtesy call on the Seychellois president Mr. James Alex Michel.

He has met with Mary Prempeh, a descendant of Otumfuo Prempeh l and her children for the first time.

The Asantehene will on Friday sit in state at the carnival at the Freedom Square and attend a memorial and thanksgiving service at the St. Paul's Anglican church in Seychelles where King Prempeh l used to fellowship. The service will also mark exactly 16 years of Otumfuo Osei Tutu 's ascension onto the Golden stool of Asante.

He will end the visit on Monday
after a tour to where King Prempeh l was held for many years.

King Prempeh and over 80 other chiefs and relatives where exiled to Seychelles after they were sent to Sierra Leone in 1896 ,11th September for allegedly stampeding the unity of Ghana.

He was truly resisting the taking over of the mineral resources of the Asantes by the British.

He was made to return home after 27 years with wives and some children.