Agya Akwasi Agyei and Kwaku Appiah, residents of Sekyere North, enjoyed this honour when the president met with them in Kumasi, as captured in a video shared on TikTok by a Kumasi-based radio station.
The video has since sparked a wave of reactions from some Ghanaians who have praised President Mahama’s efforts at recognising and appreciating the contributions of skilled artisans in the country.
The two men, who are credited with designing and carving Ghana’s presidential seat, which is an iconic piece of furniture, and which holds significant cultural and historical value, representing the country’s rich heritage and craftsmanship, were seen shaking the hands of the president.
President Mahama’s visit reflects the importance he places on valuing the country’s rich cultural heritage and the talented individuals who help shape it.
It is worth mentioning that since Agya Akwasi Agyei and Kwaku Appiah designed the presidential stool many years ago, they have not been properly celebrated, until now.
According to narrations in the circulating video, the visit was initiated by President Mahama himself, who requested to meet them.
PV Jantuah, a prominent member of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region; the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene; and other NDC executives from the Ashanti Region were on the visit with President Mahama to Sekyere North.
During the visit, President Mahama exchanged pleasantries with Agya Akwasi Agyei and Kwaku Appiah, before presenting each of the two unsung heroes with envelopes containing undisclosed amounts of money as a token of appreciation.
What is the Presidential Seat Made Of?
The presidential seat is a carved wooden chair overlaid with gold.
It is embossed with various traditional Ghanaian adinkra symbols, such as the Osramfa, Okosuasu, Kontonkurowi, Kuntinkantan (or Anantwurom), and Dadebene (or Ahokera wo), among others.
The presidential seat symbolises the life and sovereignty of Ghana and is used only on special occasions.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
