...Asante United Council unhappy about attacks on Manhyia Palace

The Asante United Congress, a Kumasi-based pressure group that seeks to protect the image of the Asante Kingdom, on Tuesday expressed disgust at scathing remarks on the Manhyia Palace.

Speaking at a press conference in Kumasi, the Executive Secretary of the Council, Mr Charles Wilberforce Nuako said: "Manhyia Palace is not and cannot be an extension of the Osu Castle, which is the seat of government".

The press conference was in reaction to recent criticisms and allegation by some groups, individuals and some chiefs that the Presidency always directed foreign dignitaries to visit the Manhyia Palace.

He said the Asante Kingdom had existed and grown in prominence in all aspects of societal life before the coming of Colonialism and the occupation of the Osu Castle as the seat of the government.

The Asantehene had always been independent from governmental control but had always co-operated with every government of the day in Ghana as a civic responsibility. Mr Nuako explained that Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, since his enstoolment had made it his policy to seek investments for the Asante Kingdom and Ghana as a whole.

He said these initiatives should be appreciated and copied by other chiefs to promote the well being of their people. Mr Nuako called for mutual respect for all groups of people living in the Asante Kingdom to ensure peace, harmony and speedy development.