Book on Otumfuo launched

Picture shows Sir Dr Chief Gabriel O. Igbenidion, the Essam of the Benin Kingdom in Nigeria, launching the book. On the left is Mr Kojo Yankah, the author of the book

A WHOPPING amount of approximately GH¢300,000 was last Wednesday realised at the launch of a 96-page book that details the achievements of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in his 10year reign on the Golden Stool.
The book titled, “Otumfuo Osei Tutu II: The King on the Golden Stool” covers the most important aspects of the Asante Kingdom and life – the historical, political, economic, cultural, social and religious – culminating in the achievements of the Asantehene.
It was officially launched at the Manhyia Palace by Sir Dr Chief Gabriel O. Igbenidion, the Essam of Benin Kingdom in Nigeria as part of activities marking the 10th anniversary celebrations of the coronation of the Asantehene as occupant of the Golden Stool.
Sir Igbenidion, whose title Essam, means the richest man set the tone for the great patronage at the launch, when he purchased the first copy of the book at US$50,000.
He later purchased 5000 other copies of the book for supply to students of Igbenidion University in Nigeria.
A paper-back of the book sells at GH¢15 whilst the case binding goes for GH¢40.
Sir Igbenidion again the fourth copy for the Asantehemaa, Nana Afua Kobi Serwaa Ampem at US$20,000.
The Essam of Benin Kingdom did not end there. He also purchased copies for Archbishop Emeritus Kwasi Sarpong and the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Opoku-Manu at US$5000 each and 50 other copies at US$100 each for chiefs in Asanteman. Picture shows Chief Igbenidion in a handshake with the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II

Global Haulage Limited purchased the second copy at GH¢50,000 while Avalon Petroleum in Ghana purchased the third copy at US$20,000.
Corporate bodies, chiefs, educationists and technocrats also bought copies of the book at various sums of money.
Sir Igbenidion commended Asantehene for giving meaning to traditional rule through innovative programmes for the benefit of his subjects.
Mr Kojo Yankah authored the book, which comprises of 12 chapters whilst Unimax Macmillan published it.
Mr Yankah said he was motivated by the sterling leadership of Asantehene, since his enstoolment a decade ago and that informed his writing of the book.
He said he had already written six other books but said writing about the Asantehene had always been his dream and it was dream come true for him especially as the King was celebrating his 10th anniversary.
Mr Yankah said there have been so many traditions and values which has been lost over the years because they were not written down.
“Ashanti pride and culture is a commodity Ghana as a whole should be proud of”, he said.
Mr Yankah explained that what was contained in the book was only a slice about the Asantehene and Asante culture and that a detailed book would be published on the 20th anniversary of the Asantehene.
He said it was important for traditional rulers not to participate in politics because of the sacred role they play in other not to prejudice their actions on political lines.
Mr Eddie Addo, the Managing Director of Unimax Macmillan said his outfit offered to publish the book because of the numerous strides and achievements of the Asantehene.
“We were left with no choice but to publish this book about the Asantehene when we were contacted”, he said.
He said in most areas, traditions and trade secrets had been lost because they were not written down for posterity.
Archbishop Emeritus Peter Kwasi Sarpong, the immediate past Kumasi Metropolitan Archishop of the Catholic Church commended Mr Yankah for the good work done and hoped the public would patronise the book.