According to Professor Sarfo Kantanka, an historian who spoke in an interview with Kumasi-based Opensuo Radio, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, was not able to use the Ghana flag during his recent attendance at the coronation ceremony of King Charles III in the United Kingdom. This is because he was invited to the event in his capacity as the leader of Asanteman, and not as a representative of the Ghana government, unlike President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who officially represented Ghana. As such, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was invited to the event as the King of the Asante Kingdom, and it was not possible for him to use the Ghana flag to represent his kingdom. This explanation was provided in response to social media chatter over the weekend, which was prompted by an unofficial coronation flyer that had been posted on Twitter. The flyer showed Otumfuo and his wife Lady Julia as part of the royal guests invited to the event at Westminster Abbey, with the flags of other monarchs’ respective countries under their portraits, and the Asanteman flag under Otumfuo and Lady Julia’s photos.
So, what was the disagreement about?
The ongoing debate revolves around why the Ghanaian flag was not utilized during a recent event, with some individuals arguing that the Asanteman region is situated within Ghana and that the Otumfuo holds Ghanaian citizenship. Conversely, those who oppose this viewpoint maintain that the Asantehene was invited to the occasion as the leader of the Ashanti Kingdom, which has a significant historical relationship with the British monarchy.
What you need to know: The Asanteman flag
The Asantes (Asante Region/Asante Kingdom) are the only people in Ghana with an official national flag, a symbol of authority which they call the Asanteman Flag.
The flag of the Ashanti Region was adopted by the Ashanti kingdom’s Emperor Asantehene Prempeh II in 1935.
It is based on the Ashanti absolute monarchy throne, the Golden Stool, which has been Ashanti’s symbol of unity and soul since 1701, the early-eighteenth century AD, upon the foundation of the Ashanti Empire.
Yellow, black, and green are the colours that signify the Ashanti flag.
All the elements in the Flag have a meaning, and they have been explained below:
1. The yellow part of the flag represents the riches/wealth of Asanteman.
2. The Black part of the flag represents the symbolic image of the Blackman concerning the Asante Nation and the courage of the Asante Nation in facing the challenges of warfare.
3. The Green colour, represents the refreshingly greener vegetation cover in the forest areas of Asanteman.
4. The symbol in the Black at the centre of the flag is called “Gyemirekutu KYƐ” (Hat) which is made up of animal parts coated with gold-coloured paintings: Elephant Tail, Ɔwam ti (Hornbill Head), The Skin Covering the Elephant Kneebone, The Feathers of the Hornbill, Adwera (PortulacaOleracea Leafs).
Also, the flag is beautifully positioned on the hood emblem on the bonnet of the 80-year-old Rolls Royce of the Asantehene.
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