The celebrations ended with a special thanksgiving service, where President Ramkalawan delivered the sermon as an Anglican priest
Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan and First Lady Linda Ramkalawan joined in a grand celebration in Kumasi, Ghana, on Saturday, Nov 24, 2024, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of King Prempeh I’s return to the Ashanti Kingdom after 24 years in exile in Seychelles.
The President and his delegation explored the rich history and culture of the Ashanti Kingdom at the Manhyia Palace Museum. They were then guests of honour at a durbar hosted by Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, King of the Ashanti Kingdom. The event drew a distinguished audience, including the Queen Mother, Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, and Ghanaian ministers.
President Ramkalawan highlighted the significance of 2024, marking the 100th anniversary of King Prempeh I’s return, the 150th anniversary of the Third Anglo-Asante war, and the silver jubilee of Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II’s enstoolment.
He stressed the close historical ties between Ghana and the Seychelles, which date back to King Prempeh I’s exile in 1900–1924. The affinity between the two countries has persisted more after formal diplomatic relations were established in 1988.
The celebrations concluded with a gala dinner and a special thanksgiving service, where President Ramkalawan delivered the sermon as an Anglican priest
Earlier on Friday, Nov 23, 2024, President Wavel Ramkalawan hosted a gathering with over 50 descendants of King Prempeh I, who was exiled in Seychelles from 1900 to 1924. The event, held at the Lancaster Hotel in Kumasi, brought together family members from Seychelles, Ghana, and around the world to reconnect with their heritage.
During the interactive session, President Ramkalawan and First Lady Linda Ramkalawan engaged directly with the descendants, answering questions and discussing ways to strengthen ties between Seychelles and the Prempeh family. The President also extended an invitation for the descendants to visit Seychelles, exploring historical connections and experiencing the Seychellois culture and hospitality that King Prempeh I encountered during his exile.
The gathering was a poignant moment of reflection and unity, underscoring the enduring bonds between Seychelles and the Ashanti Kingdom. The descendants expressed gratitude to President Ramkalawan for prioritizing this meeting, highlighting the significance of reconnecting with their Seychellois heritage.
Story: Janet Ayethe
