In the quiet of one of the many surbubs of Dansoman in Accra, precisely a few metres away from the New Generation Hospital, Dr Sam Jonah playing the Ebusuapanyin asked the hand of Ms Liz. Amaning formerly of the ECOBANK in marriage for Otumfuo the Asantehene. In short, the Asantehene has a new wife.

According to snippets of information gathered by the Network Herald at the very low-keyed ceremony, Asanteman may soon wake up to the celebration of royal marriage probably to cement the third anniversary of the ascension of the former Nana Kwaku Dua, now Otumfuo Osei Tutu 11, to the Golden Stool. But it would be another quiet event considering the almost uncontrollable crowd that may invite themselves to any such event, not to mention the huge retinue of the Otumfuo- the ahenkwaas and all.

The new addition to Asante royalty Ms Ammaning, a lawyer by training, is the daughter of diplomat Ammaning of Dansoman and of Akyem extraction. She worked quietly at ECOBANK from where Network Herald investigations reveal a woman of substance so far as her work and human relations are concerned.

Already, Kumasi has launched activities marking the third anniversary of the enstoolment of the Asantehene. The event coordinated by Yankah & Associates in collaboration with the Institute of African Studies will start from April 26 the actual day of enstoolment three years ago and end May 6 the birthday of the Asante King. He will be 51 then.

Observers believe that with his kind of vision not to sit and lord but take Asanteman into the real competitive age, royalty may do with another hand. But they also acknowledge the traditional and social depth of marriage between Asante and Akyem.

According to the project co-ordinators, the anniversary bash will include documentation of the achievement of the Otumfuo during his three year reign, increasing public awareness and interest in “ the new traditional leader” as embodied in the Otumfuo. It would also be organised in a way as to prompt the general public especially traditional and community leaders to take initiatives to support government efforts towards poverty reduction.

Activities lined up include picture exhibitions, film shows, Cultural performances, an awards night to be followed by a church service and climax with a May 5 soccer Gala at the Kumasi sports Stadium. As an icing on the cake, the Otumfuo will finally host his people and others to a 51st birthday reception.