The Paramount Chief of the Juaben Traditional Area, Nana Otuo Siriboe II, has disclosed that the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and members of his delegation enjoyed special protocol arrangements during the King’s recent international travels.
According to the Juabenhene, the Asantehene travelled smoothly without being subjected to the conventional airport security screening and searches usually required of passengers.
Nana Otuo Siriboe II made the revelation while presenting a report on the Asantehene’s international trip to members of the Asanteman Council.
“When you are travelling with Otumfuo, it is very nice. There is no need to go through airport security checks or have your belongings searched,” he reportedly told the Council.
He attributed the exceptional treatment to the sacred status of the Golden Stool and the traditional position occupied by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
“The Stool Is Not Ordinary”
The Juabenhene emphasised that the Golden Stool is not an ordinary traditional object but the sacred embodiment of the soul, unity, sovereignty and authority of the Asante Kingdom.
His remarks suggested that the recognition and courtesies extended to the Asantehene during his travels were connected to the unique cultural and spiritual responsibilities associated with his position as occupant of the Golden Stool.
“The Stool is not ordinary,” Nana Otuo Siriboe II stressed while explaining the sacred nature of Otumfuo’s role.
Within Asante custom, the Asantehene is regarded not merely as an individual traditional ruler but as the custodian of the Golden Stool and the highest authority within the Asante traditional establishment.
The Golden Stool, traditionally known as the Sika Dwa Kofi, represents the collective identity and spiritual unity of the Asante people. It is regarded as one of the most sacred institutions of the Asante Kingdom and is preserved under strict traditional protocols.
The claim concerning the absence of airport security searches was made by the Juabenhene during his report to the Council. No separate statement from the airports or international security authorities involved has been cited publicly to confirm the specific security arrangements.
Asanteman Council Approved Otumfuo’s Travel
Nana Otuo Siriboe II, who serves as Chairman of the Asanteman Council, also rejected suggestions that members of the Council were unaware of the Asantehene’s international journey.
He explained that Otumfuo followed established traditional procedures by formally informing the Council and seeking its approval before leaving Ghana.
“I want to inform the Council that Otumfuo sought permission to travel abroad to Poland, the United States and Canada, and the Council granted him permission to do so,” he stated.
His explanation was intended to clarify the traditional arrangements surrounding the trip and counter rumours that the King travelled without properly notifying the Asanteman Council.
The Council had earlier been informed during an emergency meeting at the Manhyia Palace that the Asantehene would embark on an official working visit to Poland and Canada.
International Engagements
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s visit formed part of his continuing efforts to strengthen diplomatic, cultural, educational and developmental relations between the Asante Kingdom and international partners.
During the Poland leg of the trip, the Asantehene met Poland’s Undersecretary of State responsible for Africa, Wojciech Zajączkowski, on May 29, 2026.
Discussions focused on potential areas of cooperation between Poland and Ghana, including trade, investment and broader economic relations. Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially confirmed the meeting.
The international visit also provided an opportunity for the Asantehene to engage members of the Ghanaian and Asante communities abroad.
Over the years, Otumfuo has used his international engagements to promote education, healthcare, peacebuilding, cultural preservation and investment opportunities in Ghana.
Clarification Amid Social-Media Rumours
The Juabenhene’s report comes amid various rumours and claims circulated on social media concerning the Asantehene’s movements outside Ghana.
Nana Otuo Siriboe II maintained that the journey was successful and conducted in accordance with the required traditional protocols.
His account sought to assure members of Asanteman that the King encountered no difficulties during the trip and that the Asanteman Council had been properly consulted before his departure.
The Juabenhene further indicated that the dignified treatment given to Otumfuo abroad demonstrated the international recognition attached to the Asantehene’s office and the Golden Stool.
The Asantehene subsequently returned safely to Ghana after completing the international engagements.
Otumfuo’s Sacred Responsibility
Nana Otuo Siriboe II’s remarks also highlighted the distinction between Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as a private individual and his role as the occupant and custodian of the Golden Stool.
In Asante tradition, the occupant of the Golden Stool carries significant customary, spiritual and institutional responsibilities. The King’s public and international activities are therefore viewed as engagements undertaken on behalf of the wider Asante Kingdom.
The disclosure has generated public discussion about the diplomatic privileges, traditional courtesies and security protocols accorded to internationally recognised traditional leaders.
While airport security arrangements may differ depending on the country, airport, diplomatic status and official protocols involved, the Juabenhene insisted that Otumfuo’s journey was smooth and that neither the King nor his belongings underwent the conventional searches experienced by ordinary travellers.
Source: Kwabena Danso-Dapaah
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