The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on Tuesday evening, left celebrants at the Manhyia Palace Gardens in a mixed moment of tears and joy, when he singled out his beautiful wife, Lady Julia Osei Tutu, as his strongest source of inspiration who keeps him going in difficult moments.

An emotionally filled Asantehene told dignitaries who participated in his 64th Anniversary Dinner at the Manhyia Palace Gardens that there were moments that he felt so down, hearing comments about him and the Stool he occupies, stressing in those moments, “my dear wife, Lady Julia, becomes my only strongest source of inspiration.”

Responding to a toast by one of Ghana’s leading businessmen and former Chief Executive Officer of AngloGold, Sir Sam Jonah, Otumfuo noted: “I hear lots of comments about me. “Some say I am even a politician. I want to make it clear that, as King of Asante, I have a responsibility of making sure that every government succeeds. I need development for Asanteman, and for Ghana at large.”

The Asantehene reiterated what he said was the consistent political tag of his personality by some section of the public, stating, however, that unfair comments would not deter him from seeking development for his people, and Ghana at large.

“During President Rawlings’ time, I was accused of being in bed with him. During President Kufuor’s time, people said Kufuor was ruling Ghana from Manhyia. During the time of the late President Mills, a lot was said about my relationship with him.

Now it’s President Mahama, and people are saying all kinds of things about me and him. I don’t care what anybody says. I don’t care if it is Ibrahim Mahama. All I know is that, as a King, it is my responsibility to ensure every government succeeds, so that my people can get development.” He further intimated that any political party that wins power in the 2016 elections would receive unflinching support from him.

The Great Asante King, who turned 64 years on Tuesday, and as part of activities marking his celebration, which also coincided with the 15th Anniversary Celebration of his ascension on to the throne, the Asantehene organised a grand birthday dinner in his palace in honour of some important dignitaries in and outside the country.

Known in private life as Barima Kwaku Duah, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is the 16th occupant of the Golden Stool of the Asante Kingdom, and hails from the Oyoko Dynasty. He was born on May 6, 1950, to the late Grand Duke Nana Kwame Boakye, and the current Queeenmother, Afia Serwaa Kobi Ampem.

Amongst high profile personalities who graced the occasion were Dr. Sam Jonah, the former Ashanti Regional Minister, Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Collins Dauda, Ashanti Regional Police Commander DCOP Nathan Kofi Boakye, KMA Chief Executive Officer Mayor Kojo Bonus, and Ghana’s celebrated satirist, Kawaka Sinter Misah (KSM), amongst others.