How to resolve AdBlock issue? Exhibition Celebrates Asante Kingdom's Heritage and King Prempeh I’s Return
Sunday, 24 November 2024 | Ghana
A two-week exhibition, celebrating the rich history and cultural heritage of the Asante Kingdom, was officially opened yesterday afternoon at the Seychelles National Library in Victoria. The exhibition marks the centenary of Nana Agyeman Prempeh I’s return from exile and is organized by the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage, and the Arts, in collaboration with the Manhyia Palace Museum and the Seychelles Consulate in Ghana.
The exhibition highlights the enduring legacy of two iconic leaders of the Asante Kingdom: Otumfuo Agyeman Prempeh I and Nana Yaa Asantewaa. It showcases the remarkable lives and leadership of these figures, with a focus on their courage and resilience against British colonial forces. The opening ceremony was attended by President Wavel Ramkalawan, First Lady Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan, the High Commissioner of Ghana to Seychelles, Mrs. Francisca Ashletey-Odunton, and other key government and cultural representatives.
The event was also attended by members of the Prempeh family from both Seychelles and Ghana, as well as other dignitaries and friends, who came together to mark the occasion. The Honorary Consul from Seychelles to Ghana, Mr. Kwame Acquah, emphasized that this exhibition is just the beginning of a series of events to commemorate King Prempeh’s return. “This is the beginning of our month-long celebration, which will continue in Ghana over the next 30 days,” he explained.
The exhibition centers around the lives of Otumfuo Agyeman Prempeh I, the 13th Asantehene, and Nana Yaa Asantewaa, the Queen Mother of Ejisu. King Prempeh, known for his courageous resistance to British colonial forces in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was exiled to Seychelles after the British annexed the Asante Kingdom. Despite being removed from his homeland, his dignity, leadership, and resilience became a symbol of the strength and perseverance of the Asante people. His return to Ghana in 1924 was a monumental moment for the nation.
Nana Yaa Asantewaa, remembered for her leadership during the War of the Golden Stool in 1900, is another key figure in the exhibition. Her efforts to protect the sacred Golden Stool from the British exemplify her courage and dedication to the Asante Kingdom’s spiritual and royal heritage.
Visitors to the exhibition also have the opportunity to experience the cultural richness of the Asante Kingdom through demonstrations of traditional crafts. Master artisans from Bonwire, renowned for their kente weaving, were on hand to showcase their craft. Kente cloth, known for its intricate patterns and vibrant colors, is not just a fabric but a symbol of wisdom, royalty, and identity in the Asante culture. Additionally, the exhibition highlights the art of Adinkra stamping, where sacred symbols like Sankofa (learning from the past) and Dwennimmen (strength and humility) are applied to fabric, representing the spiritual and philosophical beliefs of the Asante people.
Secretary General of the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage, and the Arts, David Andre, remarked on the significance of King Prempeh’s time in exile. He explained that the King's exile symbolized the enduring bond between Seychelles and Ghana. “The years the King spent in exile here and his eventual return to his homeland are a testament to the lasting connection between our two peoples, forged in adversity and still strong today,” Andre said.
The High Commissioner of Ghana to Seychelles, Ms. Francisca Ashletey-Odunton, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the historical significance of King Prempeh’s time in Seychelles. “King Prempeh spent 24 years in exile and ultimately became a Seychellois. We are forever grateful for the warmth and hospitality he received here,” she stated, highlighting the deep sisterhood between Seychelles and Ghana.
As part of the opening ceremony, members of the Prempeh family and other dignitaries shared personal reflections. Ivor Agyemang Dua, a celebrated Ghanaian writer, passionately spoke about the lasting spirit of King Prempeh, calling on both the Asante and Seychellois communities to continue nurturing the values of resilience, integrity, and confidence that the King exemplified.
This exhibition not only commemorates King Prempeh’s return to Ghana but also offers a unique opportunity to explore the cultural and historical significance of the Asante Kingdom. Through its displays, visitors gain insight into the resilience of the Asante people in the face of colonial oppression, as well as the cultural traditions that have preserved their identity over generations. The exhibition stands as a fitting tribute to the enduring legacy of King Prempeh, Nana Yaa Asantewaa, and the shared history between Seychelles and Ghana.
The exhibition highlights the enduring legacy of two iconic leaders of the Asante Kingdom: Otumfuo Agyeman Prempeh I and Nana Yaa Asantewaa. It showcases the remarkable lives and leadership of these figures, with a focus on their courage and resilience against British colonial forces. The opening ceremony was attended by President Wavel Ramkalawan, First Lady Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan, the High Commissioner of Ghana to Seychelles, Mrs. Francisca Ashletey-Odunton, and other key government and cultural representatives.
The event was also attended by members of the Prempeh family from both Seychelles and Ghana, as well as other dignitaries and friends, who came together to mark the occasion. The Honorary Consul from Seychelles to Ghana, Mr. Kwame Acquah, emphasized that this exhibition is just the beginning of a series of events to commemorate King Prempeh’s return. “This is the beginning of our month-long celebration, which will continue in Ghana over the next 30 days,” he explained.
The exhibition centers around the lives of Otumfuo Agyeman Prempeh I, the 13th Asantehene, and Nana Yaa Asantewaa, the Queen Mother of Ejisu. King Prempeh, known for his courageous resistance to British colonial forces in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was exiled to Seychelles after the British annexed the Asante Kingdom. Despite being removed from his homeland, his dignity, leadership, and resilience became a symbol of the strength and perseverance of the Asante people. His return to Ghana in 1924 was a monumental moment for the nation.
Nana Yaa Asantewaa, remembered for her leadership during the War of the Golden Stool in 1900, is another key figure in the exhibition. Her efforts to protect the sacred Golden Stool from the British exemplify her courage and dedication to the Asante Kingdom’s spiritual and royal heritage.
Visitors to the exhibition also have the opportunity to experience the cultural richness of the Asante Kingdom through demonstrations of traditional crafts. Master artisans from Bonwire, renowned for their kente weaving, were on hand to showcase their craft. Kente cloth, known for its intricate patterns and vibrant colors, is not just a fabric but a symbol of wisdom, royalty, and identity in the Asante culture. Additionally, the exhibition highlights the art of Adinkra stamping, where sacred symbols like Sankofa (learning from the past) and Dwennimmen (strength and humility) are applied to fabric, representing the spiritual and philosophical beliefs of the Asante people.
Secretary General of the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage, and the Arts, David Andre, remarked on the significance of King Prempeh’s time in exile. He explained that the King's exile symbolized the enduring bond between Seychelles and Ghana. “The years the King spent in exile here and his eventual return to his homeland are a testament to the lasting connection between our two peoples, forged in adversity and still strong today,” Andre said.
The High Commissioner of Ghana to Seychelles, Ms. Francisca Ashletey-Odunton, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the historical significance of King Prempeh’s time in Seychelles. “King Prempeh spent 24 years in exile and ultimately became a Seychellois. We are forever grateful for the warmth and hospitality he received here,” she stated, highlighting the deep sisterhood between Seychelles and Ghana.
As part of the opening ceremony, members of the Prempeh family and other dignitaries shared personal reflections. Ivor Agyemang Dua, a celebrated Ghanaian writer, passionately spoke about the lasting spirit of King Prempeh, calling on both the Asante and Seychellois communities to continue nurturing the values of resilience, integrity, and confidence that the King exemplified.
This exhibition not only commemorates King Prempeh’s return to Ghana but also offers a unique opportunity to explore the cultural and historical significance of the Asante Kingdom. Through its displays, visitors gain insight into the resilience of the Asante people in the face of colonial oppression, as well as the cultural traditions that have preserved their identity over generations. The exhibition stands as a fitting tribute to the enduring legacy of King Prempeh, Nana Yaa Asantewaa, and the shared history between Seychelles and Ghana.