An MPhil student at the Department of History of the University of Ghana, Ishmael Annang, has urged all feuding ethnic groups in the country to amicably settle their differences and learn from the Asantehene’s visit to Kyebi.
Otumfoɔ Osei Tutu II on Thursday, August 23 was hosted by Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II at Kyebi in the Eastern Region at a durbar to climax the 75th Anniversary of the late King of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, Nana Sir Ofori Atta.
Otumfoɔ’s visit to Kyebi was met with great expectation, that which could be likened to the Singapore meeting between Kim and Trump, as there existed a sour tale of historical account between the two traditional states.
“In history, we say history serves as a beacon for the future … like the Asantehene did; I think that that is the way to go. Beyond our chiefs saying they are friends with other chiefs, let’s see them, in a fashion similar to what we saw from the Asantehene’s visit to Kyebi,” said Ishmael Annang.
Speaking on Newsweek, a news analysis show on 3FM, over the weekend, Mr. Annang reiterated his commendation for both Asantehene and Okyenhene for taking the bold step to let bygones be bygones.
“The height of this [tension between Asantes and Akyems] happened in 1717 when the then Asantehene Osei Tutu felt that the Akyem had betrayed the Asante people by creating alliance with Denkyira.
“And so, he was moving to Kotoku to fight them. The Akwamu, we are told, knew the routes that the Asantes were going to use and so they gave the Asantes to the Akyem people,” he said.
Ishmael Annang noted that these two traditional states burying this gory past should tell other ethnic groups, in the country, that achieving peace is possible.
“It’s important that in spite of all these that happened, going forward into the 21st Century, you will see the whole Asanteman [as 2000 people came with the Asantehene to Kyebi], moved into the territory of Akyem to establish that they still have peace at the moment.”
By Solomon Mensah|3FM|3news.com|Ghana