According to a release from the Office of the Prime Minister, the country is preparing to welcome the Monarch of the Ashanti Kingdom, The Asantehene, His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II of Ghana, from July 30 – August 5, 2023.

PM Dr Keith Rowley extended an invitation to The Asantehene in March 2020 during his visit to Ghana. He was the guest of honour for Ghana’s 63rd Independence celebrations hosted in the Ashanti Region.

The release also stated that:

“The Prime Minister had previously indicated that strengthening ties with Ghana could prove to be in the best interest of Trinidad and Tobago, with the potential for trade and business.

The President of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, previously visited Trinidad and Tobago in 2019 to advance interest to both countries in the fields of energy, health, finance, education, tourism and culture, during meetings with former President, Her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes and the Prime Minister.

During His Majesty’s acceptance of the Prime Minister’s invitation, The Asantehene expressed his eagerness to visit Trinidad and Tobago, saying “I feel it will be a part of me. My people are there and my brothers and sisters are there, therefore it’s more of an excitement to see where they are.”

His Majesty was keen to note that Ghana can benefit from learning from Trinidad and Tobago in the areas of gas development and engineering as we are ahead in those spheres. Additionally, the Asentehene expressed his anticipation of the establishment of an Ashanti village in Trinidad and Tobago and the formation of linkages between the Caribbean and Ghana.

His Majesty will be the guest of honour at the Emancipation Celebrations hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts and the Emancipation Support Committee. He will also offer the Ashanti Diaspora within Trinidad and Tobago an opportunity to meet with him. During the slave trade, many enslaved West Africans were brought to the Caribbean.

Following the abolition of slavery in 1834, the African Diaspora established themselves and their cultures, leaving a unique mark on the tapestry of the history of Trinidad and Tobago. In 1985, the historic decision was made to memorialise the liberation of enslaved Africans
with a public holiday.

In direct succession to the 17th Century founder of the Ashanti Empire, His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is the 16th Asantehene, enstooled on April 26, 1999. Ghana’s Royal ties to Trindad and Tobago can be dated as far back as 1881 with the arrival of Prince Kofi Nti, son of King Kofi Calcali of Ashantee, West Africa. In 1883, Prince Kofi Nti designed a Signal Station which was built at Fort St. George, Port of Spain.