Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem Roundabout commissioned

THE MANHYIA Roundabout, near the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, has been christened Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Apem II, after the Asantehemaa (the Queenmother of the Asante Kingdom).

As result, a statue of the Queenmother, erected in her honour, has been unveiled at a ceremony last week Thursday in Kumasi, as part of activities marking the 10th Anniversary of the sixteenth occupant of the Golden Stool, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The statue was funded by Ecobank Ghana Limited and GLICO, an insurance company, at an undisclosed amount.

Speaking at the function, Nana Otuo Sereboe, Chief of Juaben in Ashanti, who is also the Chairman of the Planning Committee of the 10th Anniversary celebration of His Royal Majesty, said great women who had served Asanteman, needed to be remembered for their contributions toward the growth of the Ashanti Kingdom.

According to him, the Queenmother of the Golden Stool was one person who needs to be remembered now, before she joins her ancestors.

He said Nana Serwaa Apem has contributed a lot to the Ashanti Kingdom, after she inherited Nana Serwaa Nyarko some 32 years ago, and must be mentored by women who want to achieve greater heights in life.

The Asantehemaa thanked Otumfuo and Yaw Adu Donkor, who orchestrated the idea, and called for unity and peace among the people in the Ashanti Kingdom.

Ms. Patricia Appiagyei, former Metropolitan Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), disclosed that Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (GGBL) would also unveil a statue of His Royal Highness Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Nana Prempeh I, at the airport and Bekwai roundabouts respectively, soon.

She expressed appreciation for the support given her by Otumfuo during her tenure of office as KMA boss, and wished the Asantehene and the Asantehemaa long life.

Meanwhile, the President John Evans Atta Mills has sent a congratulatory message to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as he celebrates his 10th Anniversary of his ascension to the Golden Stool.

In a statement read on his behalf by Mr. Kofi Opoku Manu, Ashanti Regional Minister, the President lauded the good work of Otumfuo, and pledged his support to the Ashanti King towards a united Ashanti Kingdom, and a better Ghana.