Otumfuo Foundation Celebrates 25th Anniversary; Asantehene Recounts Journey
The Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation has marked its 25th anniversary with a grand Gala and Fundraising Dinner, celebrating its remarkable journey since its inception.
At a ceremony at the Manhyia Palace on April 25, 2025, to commemorate the Foundation's Silver Jubilee, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, King of the Asante Kingdom, reflected on the foundation's inspiration, its evolution over the years, and the key transitions it has experienced.
The Monarch revealed that the vision to establish the Foundation was born 26 years ago, upon his ascension to the Golden Stool, driven by a desire to promote dignity, resilience, and opportunity for all in Asanteman and Ghana.
In its initial phase, the Foundation made its first disbursement to support 600 students across the country’s three public universities.
This, the Monarch said, came with the conviction to wage a relentless war, not for territories as his predecessors pursued but against ignorance, disease, poverty, and disconnection from the cultural soul.
“Our ancestors fought gallantly and secured this land through the might of arms. Today, we live in a different era. It is not the strength of the gun that determines a person’s future but the strength of their minds, health, environment, and unity of identity and purpose.
“I understood that if we were to preserve the heritage they bequeathed to us and prepare our children for the future, we would have to wage a different kind of battle: a battle against ignorance, disease, poverty, and disconnection from our cultural soul.”
With this conviction, Otumfuo said he liaised with insightful and visionary personalities to start the NGO.
“I began, just months into my reign, to lay the foundation for a long-term developmental vision. I initiated the Otumfuo Education Fund, guided by the wise counsel and active support of eminent personalities.”
In its maiden disbursement, 600 students in the three public universities in Ghana were beneficiaries.
Over time, His Majesty initiated other transformative projects across various sectors under different umbrellas until 2021, when he established the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation to consolidate all interventions in education, health, water and sanitation, culture, and heritage.
He explained, “With this re-organisation, I sought to bring unity, accountability, and efficiency to our work, and I’m proud to say that what we have achieved so far is both humbling and inspiring.”
Appreciation
Reflecting on the achievements so far, His Majesty celebrated the Foundation’s past and present Board of Directors and acknowledged the contributions of partners, donors, staff, and volunteers.
“All of these would not have been possible without committed leadership… Together with our network of community volunteers, they have carried the vision forward with excellence.”
Future
Looking ahead, the King intends to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Foundation’s projects and programmes.
To this end, the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation Endowment Fund was launched to raise GHC10 million.
Over the next five years, the Foundation aims to raise and invest ¢50 million to generate returns that will fund its programmes annually.
The Fund was launched by former President John Agyekum Kufuor, who served as the Guest of Honour at the event.
In his address, the Asantehene urged guests to partner in the mission to transform lives.
“I have taken this time to recount our journey not out of pride but as a reminder that this dream is absolute. This work is tangible, and this Foundation is worthy of your trust and support.
“Tonight, I call on you not just to give, but to partner with us. Let your gift tonight be a legacy and a bridge between what we have achieved and what we still hope to do.”
He added that their support could help educate underprivileged Ghanaian children who might otherwise be denied that opportunity.
“Let us ensure that no child in Ghana is denied education because of poverty. Let us stand with our teachers, support our clinics, strengthen our culture, and invest in a future where Asanteman and Ghana flourish in harmony and dignity.”
Honour
Donors to the Fund were grouped into Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond categories based on their contributions and were honoured with certificates and plaques.
Bronze contributors included AngloGold Ashanti, Unijay, All-Star Insurance Limited, YOA Global Education, Fidelity Bank, Guarantee Trust Bank, First Atlantic Bank, Asanko Ghana Limited, SIC Insurance Plc, Zongo Nkosuohene, Kyidom Fekuo, Akwamu Fekuo, Kontire Fekuo, Benkum Fekuo, Raggio Construction Limited.
Silver sponsors (GHC200,000) included AnC Development, Edusei Foundation, Living Grace Limited, Special Group of Companies, Jubail Specialist Foundation, International Community School, and Hon. Owusu Akoto Afriyie.
Gold sponsors (GHC300,000) included Hia Stool Council, ECOBANK Ghana, Asante Professionals Club, Nana K Gyasi Company Limited, Ashanti NPP Caucus, Medimafo Herbal Clinic, and COA Research and Manufacturing Limited.
Diamond sponsors (GHC500,000) included Attachy Construction Limited, Coral Reef Innovation Ghana, and JP Trustees.
Former Board Members were honored with Distinguished Service Awards for their exemplary leadership, while the Foundation’s partners received citations in appreciation of their steadfast support in advancing the Foundation’s mission and community impact.
The event was graced by notable personalities, including Lady Julia Osei Tutu; former President John Agyekum Kufuor; Juabenhene Nana Otuo Sereboe II; British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson; Most Rev. Joseph Osei Bonsu, the Foundation’s inaugural Board Chair; and renowned businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Yussif Ibrahim.
The Foundation’s initiatives have earned widespread national and international acclaim.
While the visionary behind the Foundation has long been celebrated, this occasion marked the first time the story behind its inception was shared directly from the source.