OTUMFUO: A PILLAR OF PEACE
Introduction
His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has earned widespread recognition at home and abroad for his steadfast commitment to peace and good governance. Combining diplomacy, tradition and practical resolve, he has repeatedly acted as a neutral arbiter in high-profile disputes—becoming a cornerstone of national peacebuilding.
Pillar of Peace
On 29 December 2019, Otumfuo was honoured with the title “Pillar of Peace” at the inaugural African Premier Leadership Awards in Kumasi. The award acknowledged his leadership of the Committee of Eminent Chiefs in resolving the decades-long Dagbon chieftaincy conflict between the Andani and Abudu royal gates. That mediation—conducted over more than 17 years and involving over 2,000 sittings at Manhyia Palace—culminated in the enskinment of Ya-Na Abukari II.
In addition, Otumfuo’s peacebuilding efforts have received global recognition. In May 2022, during his participation in the Memphis in May International Festival in the United States, the City of Memphis received a special presentation of the Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Coin. The 24-carat coin, presented to mark his 72nd birthday, was received by the Chairman of the 2022 festival—further underscoring Otumfuo’s international stature as a figure of peace and unity.
Other peace initiatives
Beyond Dagbon, His Majesty has mediated hundreds of chieftaincy disputes within Asanteman, strengthening local stability and security. He has also played a decisive role in political-level mediation:
In the lead-up to the 2012 general election he convened all presidential candidates in Kumasi to sign the Kumasi Declaration, a pledge to peaceful conduct.
During tense moments in 2016, and again at other critical transitions, Otumfuo used quiet diplomacy to ease tensions and safeguard peaceful transfers of power between political parties.
His interventions have helped defuse partisan crises and preserve national unity during sensitive political transitions.
The Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Coin
In recognition of his peacebuilding contributions, the Bank of Ghana authorised E ON 3 Group to mint a 24-carat Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Coin. The coin was launched on 12 December 2021 at a ceremony at Manhyia Palace attended by dignitaries from across public life. The first coin was purchased for one million Ghana cedis by Mr Alex Dadey, Executive Chairman of KGL Group.
Following the launch, E ON 3 Group and its partners made special presentations acknowledging the credibility and reputation of the awardees—an acknowledgment that also reflected the significant time and resources Otumfuo devoted to resolving the Dagbon crisis.
Remarks and endorsements
Leaders from across Ghana’s political, judicial and economic life publicly acknowledged Otumfuo’s role in peace and development. Selected remarks include:
- Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene
The Commemorative Coin is an honour I share with Asanteman and Ghana. This is because, for more than two decades since I ascended the Golden Stool, I have not concentrated my peace initiatives on only Asanteman. - H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President (2012 – 2017, 2025 -)
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was the prime mover in the settlement of the Dagbon crisis. This also hinged on the historical link between the Asante Kingdom and the Dagbon Kingdom, so we are proud of him. Let me also say that he was instrumental in Ghana securing an Extended Credit Facility from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2016 to strengthen the economy. When my government faced a crisis with the economy in 2013/2014, Otumfuo was at hand to rescue the situation. That is the programme that turned the economy around. As a result of that programme, in 2016, the government did zero financing of the budget from the central bank. - H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo–Addo, President (2017-2025)
It is appropriate that Otumfuo has been honoured with a Commemorative Gold Coin. His contribution to the advancement of the peace and stability of the nation is well known. - H.E. John Agyekum Kufuor, President (2001-2009)
If Otumfuo’s achievement in the resolution of the Dagbon conflict had been in Europe or America, I am sure the Nobel Peace prize would have been bestowed on him and the two other monarchs who mediated in the crisis. But it is early days yet. Otumfuo has lifted the institution of our traditional leadership way beyond the country. He facilitated Ghana’s exit from the HIPC initiative, leading to IMF and World Bank Group to agree a debt relief of some $4 billion from Ghana’s creditors. - H.E. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President (2017-2025)
Otumfuo’s achievements are outstanding. Ghana has benefited from his wise counsel and peace initiatives. The Asantehene applied tact and diplomacy in the Dagbon dispute settlement. - Dr Ernest Addison, Governor of Bank of Ghana (2017-2025)
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is not only a pillar of peace but also a pillar of political and economic stability for this country. He has been ensuring peace and stability in this country, and I have been following his exploits, especially the role he played in Dagbon. The Bank of Ghana proudly associates itself with the issuance of the Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Coin. - Akosua Frema Osei- Opare, Chief of Staff, Office of the President (2017-2025)
I am very much aware of the sensitive role Otumfuo played to bring peace in our political transitions. The country will always be grateful to the Asantehene for the way he led the Committee of Eminent Chiefs to bring peace to Dagbon after many years of a devastating chieftaincy dispute. - Hon. Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Minister of Energy (2021-2024)
I am personally touched that a gold coin has been minted in the name of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and for a noble cause as a peacemaker. The tradition of Ashanti is interesting, having moved from war mongers to peacemakers. It took a long time for Otumfuo and the other traditional rulers to resolve the Dagbon matter, but the resolution was critical. For some of us, we have always believed that the value of gold is in the store of gold. It is precious, and it’s always good to store your money in it.
I will encourage every able Ghanaian willing and with the resources to have this value stored for you. You buy it today, and I’m sure in five years, it will probably have doubled in value for you. - Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources (2021-2025)
Otumfuo comes to our public life, public discourse and public engagement with a certain wisdom, dignity and moral authority. The collaboration between E ON 3 Group and its partners to honour Otumfuo with a Commemorative Gold Coin is in the right direction. In several parts of the world, leaders of the kind of Otumfuo are celebrated to serve as an example to the young ones coming up. - His Lordship Justice Anin Yeboah, Chief Justice of Ghana (2020 2023)
Asantehene is a role model for the judiciary. Over the years, he has settled many land disputes in a fair manner, which has reduced the workload of the courts, and I wish that some other traditional rulers may also emulate him. The gold coin honour is deserving of him. - Hon. Godfred Yeboah Dame, Attorney General and Minister of Justice (2021-2025)
The Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Coin project is a step in the right direction. Otumfuo’s works have been significant in upholding the peace and stability of our dear nation, especially in the Fourth Republic. He comes out as the best ambassador for the country’s rich culture. - Rev. Daniel Ogbarmey Tetteh, Director–General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (2017-2025)
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) identifies with the Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Coin because it can lead to wealth creation. The gold coin is worth it, since it celebrates the legacy of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and I commend E ON 3 Group and its partners for the initiative. - Sir Sam Jonah
It is refreshing that Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is being celebrated while he is alive. For far too long, we tend to celebrate the dead, and all the good things that the person did tend to be forgotten. He has achieved so much and celebrating him with the gold coin is in order. - Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, Chief of Defence Staff (2021- 2024)
Otumfuo’s extraordinary skills in conflict resolution has reflected positively on the peace being enjoyed by the country. The role Otumfuo played in resolving the protracted chieftaincy dispute in Dagbon is highly commendable. The novel Commemorative Gold Coin attests to the dignity and resourcefulness of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. - Dr George Akuffo Dampare, Inspector General of Police (2021 2025)
His Majesty has been a symbol of unity and development of our country, and I pray God will continue to give him the strength and wisdom to deliver what is best for his people and country. It is appropriate that he has been honoured with a Commemorative Gold Coin.
