by Ncaba Ntshakala
Prime Minister Russell Dlamini recently joined the Asante Empire in commemorating a historic milestone, the 100th anniversary of King Prempeh I’s return from exile in Seychelles.
Representing His Majesty King Mswati III, the Prime Minister took part in the celebrations in Kumasi, Ghana, alongside the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prince Simelane and Lizinyane Lindani.
The momentous occasion brought together dignitaries and citizens of the Asante Kingdom to honour their storied history and cultural legacy.
The Prime Minister described the event as a profound experience, noting the deep sense of pride among the Ashanti people as they paid homage to King Prempeh I and their current leader, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
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“We had the distinct honour of representing His Majesty the King and the Nation at this historic celebration,” the Premier remarked.
“The Asante Empire, also known as the Ashanti Kingdom, stands as one of West Africa’s most illustrious dynasties, renowned for its wealth and influence over a remarkable 300-year history.”
According to Dlamini, the occasion was not just a tribute to the pasta but also a major display of African culture and traditions.
The Premier lauded the Ashanti people’s resilience and dedication to preserving their heritage. He said that meeting Otumfuo Osei Tutu II added a personal touch to the visit, as the Asantehene fondly recalled his official visit to Eswatini nearly a decade ago.
“His Majesty’s warm memories of our beautiful Nation underscore the strong bonds of friendship that unite our kingdoms,” the Prime Minister noted.
The Asante Empire’s legacy, built on its role as a major centre of trade, governance, and cultural exchange in West Africa, remains an inspiring chapter of African history.
The 100th-anniversary celebrations highlighted the endurance of the kingdom’s values and traditions despite the challenges it faced, including King Prempeh I’s forced exile by British colonial authorities in 1896.
According to media reports, the significance of King Prempeh I’s return from exile was further highlighted by a two-week photographic exhibition titled The King in Exile, which was inaugurated at the Seychelles National Library in Mahé.
Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan, a Canon of the Anglican Church, officially opened the exhibition, hailing it as a poignant reminder of resilience and faith.
He reflected on King Prempeh I’s transformative journey in Seychelles, where he embraced Christianity, a faith that sustained him during his years of adversity.
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It was said that the exhibition was curated by historian Ivor Agyeman-Duah, Permanent Secretary of the Seychelles Institute for Culture, Heritage, and the Arts Cecille Kalebi, and Ghana’s Honorary Consul to Seychelles, Kwame N. Acquah.
It featured rare photographs and narratives that chronicled King Prempeh I’s exile and eventual return to Kumasi.
Following its debut in Mahé, the exhibition toured other islands, where it continued to draw praise for its depiction of a pivotal moment in Ghana’s history.
