The leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), together with members of the Council of State, Hon. Betty Mould-Iddrisu and Chairman Yaw Obimpeh, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), and other distinguished dignitaries, on Sunday joined the Asantehene, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace for the first Akwasidae celebration of the year.
The traditional ceremony, which holds deep cultural and historical significance for the Asante Kingdom, brought together political leaders, traditional authorities and stakeholders from across the Ashanti Region.
The occasion once again highlighted the enduring partnership between government and traditional leadership in the collective pursuit of peace, unity and development.
Speaking on behalf of government, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of His Excellency the President to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the entire Asanteman.
He expressed government’s profound appreciation to the Asantehene for his continued leadership, wisdom and commitment to the socio-economic advancement of the region.
Dr. Amoakohene used the occasion to present a comprehensive update on major development projects currently underway across the Ashanti Region, assuring the Asantehene and the people that government remains focused on delivering visible and impactful development.
According to the Regional Minister, several critical infrastructure and social intervention projects commenced in January and are progressing steadily.
Prominent among them are the dualisation works on the Asokwa–Ahodwo and Ahodwo–Santasi roads, aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving mobility within the Kumasi metropolis. He also cited the Bekwai Roundabout–Santasi road project and the Mankranso–Kumasi road works, which are expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity and boost commercial activity.
Other key road projects include the Sekyere Nsuta–Sekyere Kwamang road and the Agogo–Maame Krobo road, both of which are vital to improving access for farming and peri-urban communities while strengthening the movement of goods and services across the region.
Dr. Amoakohene further announced that His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has graciously allocated land for the construction of a National Theatre in Kumasi, describing the project as a landmark cultural investment that will position the Ashanti Region as a hub for arts, culture and creative expression.
In the area of energy and safety, the Regional Minister disclosed that a solar street lighting project is being rolled out across key corridors to improve nighttime visibility, enhance public safety and reduce pressure on conventional energy sources. In healthcare, he revealed that construction of a Cardiac Catheterisation (Cath Lab) facility under the Mahama Care Fund is underway, a project expected to significantly improve access to specialised cardiac care in the region.
He also highlighted the development of a modern urban park by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, as well as the implementation of various education and health infrastructure projects financed through the District Assemblies Common Fund and the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), all aimed at improving the quality of life for residents.
Looking ahead, Dr. Amoakohene outlined key priorities for February, including the acceleration of work on the Suame Interchange, progress on the Outer Kumasi “Big Push” Ring Roads, and the continuation of all projects initiated or resumed in January. He further announced the commencement of major town road projects across several parts of the region as part of efforts to deepen development at the community level.
He emphasised that these initiatives reflect a strong and deliberate collaboration between traditional authority, local government and central government to improve transportation, healthcare, education, public safety and overall economic opportunity for the people of Ashanti.
The Regional Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to remain focused, united and resolute in delivering tangible development outcomes for every community, stressing that sustained engagement with traditional leadership remains central to achieving inclusive and sustainable growth.
The first Akwasidae of the year at the Manhyia Palace thus served not only as a celebration of Asante culture and heritage, but also as a platform for reaffirming a shared vision of progress, partnership and prosperity for the Ashanti Region and the nation at large.
