Riding in a palanquin to the durbar grounds, the Asantehene gestured his authority over a people who pride themselves on native culture, the gold ornaments that adorned his body and the revered kente cloth emphasising his clout.

His guest, a man of equal power back home in the Southern African country, wore the Eswatini emahiya traditional wear like the majority of the women in his delegation.

What the guests showed in their outfits and sheer natural endowments, the hosts hoisted on the dance floor as they treated the Eswatini delegation to Asante cultural music and dance.

Appearing elated at the durbar, King Mswati underscored the need for the documentation of African cultural practices and traditions to safeguard them for the benefit of current and future generations.

He said the cultural ceremonies and events were vibrant displays of identity and heritage passed on from the ancestors, stressing that “they are celebration of culture preserved through ages and now entrusted to us to transfer to our children”.

“In a world of competing foreign influences, we must hold on to these while ensuring that they remain the heartbeat of our identity as a people,” he added, insisting that it was important to keep the story of people’s existence alive and safeguarded as well.

King Mswati said preserving culture and tradition alone was not enough, and that they must be modernised and documented to strengthen their roles in governance and administration towards the progress of the society.

By codifying the customs of a people, he said, it would ensure that they were globally recognised to serve as a tool for good governance.

He emphasised that the integration of traditional leadership into modern administration was important to achieve the desired development.

King Mswati touted the Asantehene’s visionary leadership, describing his reign as a beacon of hope for African traditional rulers, and lauded him for organising “an extraordinary durbar” in his honour.

“May the Golden Stool continue to shine, and may Asantehene and Eswatini walk hand in hand, preserving our heritage, modernising our traditions and building a future where our children proudly carry our culture forward,” he stated.

In a welcome address, the Juabenhene, Daasebre Otuo SirIboe II, said King Mswati III’s presence was not just a visit but a rekindling of the sacred ties that bound African thrones and Africa’s people together.

“Indeed, it is a reaffirmation of our shared ancestry, our common destiny and our undying belief in the dignity, resilience and future of the African continent,” Daasebre Sereboe said.

He said Otumfuo Osei Tutu, whose throne stood as a spirit of wisdom, courage and unity, extended to King Mswati the warmest greetings from his heart, adding that “he recognises you as a leader of vision and a monarch who has upheld the proud traditions of his people, while leading them towards modern development”.

“We trust that your visit shall strengthen the bonds of kinship between Eswatini and Asanteman, paving the way for cultural, economic and spiritual exchanges that honour our past and build a brighter future,” he stressed.

He expressed the hope that King Mswati’s footsteps on the land would be guided by peace, joy and purpose and added that the encounter between the two great monarchs would echo across Africa as a call to duty, heritage and progress.

The event, attended by thousands of people, witnessed the display of rich Asante culture and tradition, with music and dance featuring prominently.

The monarch of the southern African landlocked country is on a four-day state visit to Ghana to cement existing bilateral ties and foster more cooperation between both countries in key aspects of the economy.

The event attracted a number of dignitaries, including the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III; the wife of the Asantehene, Lady Julia Osei Tutu, his children and a number of Asante traditional rulers who added glamour to the occasion.

Also in attendance was the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, who represented President John Dramani Mahama; the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene; the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Authority, Andy Osei Okrah; and the Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, among others.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II presented two gifts, namely the tontonsansan and unity staff to his guest as a token of friendship.

The tontonsansan, a crafted communication tool decorated with cowries, represent sustainability and prosperity.

It represents the mouthpiece and engagement of Asanteman and the Eswatini people, serving as the mode of communication between the two kingdoms and their members, King Mswati was informed.

The unity staff featured a centre medallion homing a hawk and a lion.

The hawk represents the Oyoko clan and the Asantehene symbolises vigilance, clarity of vision and nobility, while the lion represents the Ngwenyama of Eswatini, symbolising courage, majesty and strength.

Before last Thursday’s durbar, King Mswati and his delegation were hosted by the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi, with the engagement featuring a tour of the Manhyia Palace museum by the guests to learn the Asante culture and tradition and paid a visit to the KMA.

Writer’s email: [email protected].