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EXPLAINER: Why rituals were performed on Pra River for Otumfuo Osei Tutu II

The just-ended Oguaa Fetu Afahye brought together numerous traditional rulers and clans in a truly unique way.

With Otumfuo in attendance and a wealth of rich cultural displays, the festival was marked by several historic moments.

A notable historic moment was the traditional rites and rituals performed for the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, before his departure to Oguaa.

On September 6, 2024, a viral video captured the Adanse Dompoasehene, Nana Kwabena Bonsu II, performing rituals at the banks of the River Pra in Adanse Praso to allow the Asantehene to cross to the Central Region to participate in the Oguaa Fetu Afahye in Cape Coast.

According to him, the purpose of the libation was to ask for the protection of the river god for Otumfuo on his journey as he crossed the southern boundary of Asante territory.

Many have wondered about the rationale behind this event, but history provides a clear explanation.

History of River Pra & Otumfuo Osei Tutu I

It is believed that Asantehene Osei Tutu I, the founder of the Ashanti Empire, died in 1717. He was killed in battle by the Denkyira during the war between the Ashanti and the Denkyira kingdom. His death was an important moment in Ashanti history because he had played a major role in unifying the Ashanti states into a mighty empire.

By tradition, River Pra was the site of the unhappy death of Asantehene Osei Tutu I. According to tradition, he fell, shot, while crossing the Pra River when in battle against the Denkyira. His death on the river was symbolic, as the Pra often represented a boundary between the Ashanti and their rivals; thus, it stands out in Ashanti history as a significant geographic and cultural marker.

Meanwhile, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has returned to the Manhyia Palace following his four-day visit to Oguaa.

 

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. In addition to his media ventures, Solomon serves as a Brand Ambassador for Alabuga, a prominent Russian industrial company, representing their interests and expansion across Africa. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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