Seychelles commemorates 100 Years since return of Otumfuor Agyeman Prempeh I

A ceremony marked by history and cultural pride, Seychelles commemorates the centenary of the return of Otumfuor Agyeman Prempeh I, the revered Asantehene (King) of the Ashanti Kingdom, who was exiled to the Seychelles by British colonial authorities over 100 years ago. Otumfuor Prempeh I’s return to the Ashanti Kingdom in 1924 symbolizes a significant chapter in Ghana’s history, marking the resilience and enduring cultural heritage of the Ashanti people.

The commemorative event in Victoria, the Seychelles capital, was attended by diplomats, historians, and dignitaries from both Seychelles, as well as representatives from the Ashanti Kingdom. The occasion was celebrated with traditional Ashanti drumming, dance, and storytelling, honoring the legacy of Otumfuor Prempeh I, who was exiled to Seychelles along with his family and entourage in 1896 after resisting British colonial rule.

During the opening ceremony, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Seychelles, Francisca Ashietey-Odunton, revealed that her head of state has invited President Wavel Ramkalawan to Ghana. Ramkalawan, who attended the ceremony, will be the guest of honour at a symposium being held at the Palace in Kumasi on November 22.

The exhibition, which will remain open until November 19, features textiles and photos. It is a joint collaboration between the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts (SNICHA), the Manhyia Palace Museum, and the Seychelles Consulate in Ghana.

Otumfuor Prempeh I’s exile lasted over two decades, during which he adapted to life in Seychelles, building relationships with the local community and maintaining Ashanti cultural practices despite his forced separation from his homeland. His eventual return to Kumasi in 1924 was a moment of celebration and national pride for the Ashanti people, symbolizing the preservation of Ashanti heritage and identity.

Cultural exchanges between Ghana and Seychelles have grown as a result of this historical connection, and events honoring Otumfuor Prempeh I are held annually. To mark the 100th anniversary, a historical exhibition featuring artifacts, photographs, and accounts of Prempeh I’s life in exile was displayed, drawing interest from locals and visitors eager to learn more about the Ashanti Kingdom’s history.

Speaking at the launch of the exhibition, Secretary General of SNICHA, David Andre, said that during King Prempeh‘s time in exile, “he demonstrated resilience, grace, and adaptability, strengthening not only his own spirit but also the cultural and historical link between Seychelles and Ghana.”

In the year 1896, at the height of British colonialism in Africa, the British government discontinued the office of Asantehene – the absolute ruler of the Ashanti people – and exiled the then-king, Nana Agyeman Prempeh I. Twenty-seven years later, the British allowed Prempeh I to return home in 1926 but initially only permitted him to adopt a lesser title, eventually restoring Ashanti self-rule and the title of Asantehene in 1935.

While addressing the guests at the event, Nana Kwasi Boatin, explained how the Ashanti would reminisce “and sing the Seychelles songs in Ghana with a few beers.”

Still building links between the two nations, Boatin also pledged to donate books to the newly refurbished National Library ” that will tell the history of the Ashanti and continue building on the existing cultural ties.”

Amnewsagency | Anochie’s Report | Victoria.