Kumasi, July 24, GNA - Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, on Sunday received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award from Rotary International in recognition of his demonstrable interest in the promotion of development.

The German Ambassador, Mr Christian Nakonz, fellow Rotarians, chiefs and a large crowd of people watched the ceremony, which coincided with the celebration of the "Akwasidae" festival.

Mr Adotei Brown, immediate past District Governor of the Rotary Club, who read a citation accompanying the award, the highest bestowed on any Rotarian, expressed appreciation to the Asantehene for his assistance towards improving relations among peoples of the world.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu thanked Rotary International for the honour done him. The festival attracted a large number of dignitaries including Dr. Sam Jonah, Chief Executive of Ashanti Goldfields Company, Dr. Kwesi Botchwey, former Minister of Finance, Mr Kojo Yankah, immediate past Ashanti Regional Minister, and Professor F.T. Sai, former Chairman of the National Population Council, as well as tourists, mostly from the United States.

The four personalities donated a total of five million cedis in support of the celebration of the "Akwasidae" festival. A number of associations and groups also made generous financial contributions to the Asantehene's Education Fund.

They included the Prempeh Keep Fit Club, Rotary Club and Koo Nimoh Cultural Troupe in America, which donated one million cedis each, and "Animuonyam" Ambassadors who gave out 500 dollars.