Sankofaonline News Desk | September 1,2026
“Why are you fighting?” he admonished. His voice carried the authority of centuries as he reminded them: None of you brought a stool from Ghana. Asanteman was built on unity, not division. If your term ends, vacate the stool and allow another to serve.” ……Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
Bowie State University, Maryland: The grounds of Bowie State University became the epicenter of Ashanti pride and global cultural resonance as His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, delivered a stirring message of unity, humility, and collective purpose during the historic Akwasidae celebration . It was the first ever held on American soil. The event drew thousands of Asantes, dignitaries, traditional leaders, youth, and well‑wishers from across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Ghana, all converging to witness a moment that will be remembered for generations.
In a deeply moving address delivered originally in Twi, Otumfuo’s words carried the weight of centuries of tradition and the clarity of timeless wisdom. His message, translated into English, was not merely a speech, it was a call to conscience, a reminder of identity, and a charge to the diaspora to uphold the values that have sustained the Ashanti Kingdom through triumphs and trials.
Sitting before a sea of Chiefs, Queens, Elders, and community leaders and members, Otumfuo expressed profound gratitude for the unity and organization displayed by Asanteman in the diaspora. He noted that the sight of leaders and citizens standing together in harmony brought him great joy, affirming that the spirit of the Golden Stool remains vibrant even thousands of miles from Kumasi.
Otumfuo’s message was clear and uncompromising: unity is the lifeblood of Asanteman. He cautioned against pride, arrogance, factionalism, and needless conflict, forces that weaken communities and derail progress. He reminded the gathering that no nation, no family, and no association can thrive when divided. True strength, he emphasized, lies in togetherness.
He spoke candidly about leadership, noting that although many may desire positions of authority, only one person occupies a seat at a time, and another succeeds when the moment arrives. Therefore, he urged the diaspora to abandon rivalry, envy, and destructive competition. “Why fight and destroy one another?” he asked. “Why carry hatred or conflict? “Why are you fighting?” he admonished. His voice carried the authority of centuries as he reminded them: None of you brought a stool from Ghana. Asanteman was built on unity, not division. If your term ends, vacate the stool and allow another to serve. Why are you fighting? Stop the fighting.”
Otumfuo called on leaders to guide with humility and wisdom, and on all Asantes,whether from Kumasi or any part of the global community, to remember that they are one people with a shared heritage. He urged the diaspora to resolve misunderstandings, discard bitterness, and uphold traditions in harmony.
His Majesty’s message resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom have witnessed firsthand how divisions weaken associations and slow progress. The King’s call for unity was both a reminder and a mandate: Asanteman must stand as one, for what unites us is far greater than what divides .
As his speech drew to a close, Otumfuo expressed heartfelt appreciation for the warm reception and the massive turnout. Though his stay in the United States is brief, he noted that the gathering had given him immense satisfaction and renewed hope for the future of Asanteman in the diaspora.
The historic Akwasidae at Bowie State University was more than a cultural celebration, it was a defining moment. It marked the first time the sacred rites of the Ashanti Kingdom were performed on American soil, symbolizing the global reach of Asante identity and the enduring relevance of its values. It was a reminder that wherever Asantes gather, whether in Kumasi, Maryland, or beyond, the Golden Stool’s legacy of unity, dignity, and purpose must prevail.
Across the diaspora, the sacred call for unity has become more urgent than ever. In many communities, chiefs continue to hold onto ceremonial stools long after their terms have ended, refusing to relinquish authority when tradition and good governance demand transition. These actions have fractured associations, ignited rival factions, and dragged our people into costly court battles that waste precious time, resources, and dignity. Such turmoil diminishes the very heritage we claim to uphold.
Otumfuo’s admonition arrives at a divinely appointed moment. His voice , the voice of the Golden Stool , reminds us that unity is our ancestral covenant. Longing for ceremonial stools, clinging to expired authority, or forming rival associations is not the pathway to harmony; it is the seed of discord. The King has spoken with clarity and purpose. His wisdom is timeless, his guidance unwavering, and his charge unmistakable.
For the peace of our communities, for the honor of our ancestors, and for the future of Asanteman across the world, we must heed the Monarch’s counsel with reverence and obedience. Unity is our duty. Unity is our strength. Unity is our destiny.
In Maryland, under the gaze of the King and the ancestral spirit of Asanteman, a new chapter was written, one that calls every Asante, young and old, to rise above division and walk together toward a future strengthened by unity.
