Otumfuo, Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has asked Asanteman to stand together in unity to protect the Asante Confederacy.

He also emphasised the need for chiefs to keep the flames of unity burning – to remain loyal and maintain the strong bond of relations.

The King was speaking at a durbar of chiefs held at his Manhyia Palace in Kumasi to mark 80 years of the restoration of the Confederacy.

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor joined the tall list of high profile personalities, including the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr. Samuel Sarpong, former Ministers of State, Members of Parliament (MPs) and the Clergy, who were on hand to invest the event with colour and importance.

The Asantehene recounted the history of the formation of the Confederacy and urged all of its constituents to uphold the spirit – the unity of purpose, patriotism and nationalism demanded of every chief owing allegiance to the Golden Stool.

He underlined the need for them cherish the truth and continue to work with commitment to advance the common cause of bringing socio-economic development.

He advised the chiefs to be non-partisan and to reflect on how to relate with governments to get development for their people.

He said he had worked effectively with past presidents, Jerry Rawlings, Kufuor, John Atta Mills, and now President John Mahama and said his goal was to assist the government to accelerate the socio-economic development of the country.

The Asantehene also reminded the chiefs of their responsibility to defend the Golden Stool by refusing to allow it to be denigrated.

He announced that Gonja and Worawora are back to the fold of the Confederacy and expressed optimism that Techiman would soon join. The confederacy now has 68 members comprising Paramount and Divisional Chiefs.