By Damian Avevor
11 July 2016
The Supreme Council of the Noble Order of Knights of Marshall, a Catholic Friendly Society, has conferred on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, an Honorary Membership of the Order, “Honoris Causa”for his contribution to human formation, community and national development.
The membership was bestowed on him on Friday, June 17, 2016 ata special ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi by Sir Kt. Bro. Vet. Cdr. Dr. Sir E. S. K. Kwaw, the Supreme Director and Sir Kt. Bro. Ernest Amoako Arhen, the Supreme Knight.
In attendance were the Catholic Archbishop of Kumasi, Most Rev. Gabriel Justice Yaw Anokye, and the Archbishop Emeritus of Kumasi, Most Rev. Kwasi Sarpong and other Higher Officers of the Noble Order including Sir Kt James Adomako, Sir Kt. Samuel Barnes, Sir Kt. Prof. Dr. Dr. Sir George Wireko-Brobby and Most Respected Lady, Dame Theresa Pobee.
Sir Kt. Amoako-Arhen said the honour conferred on the Otumfuo was a testimony to the Asantehene’s charitable and good deeds to humanity, saying that, that was in line with the aims and objectives of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall.
He expressed appreciation to the Asantehene for his support to the Kumasi central branch of the Society, of which, until recently, three of his Chiefs were full members.
The Asantehene expressed gratitude to the Supreme Councilfor making him an Honorary Member of the Noble Order of Knights of Marshall.
“Let us together use the society to do good to one another and to the world,” he stated, stressing that “we all have to strive to help humanity, to do good to ourselves and to everybody”.
He told the gathering of Marshallans and the Clergy that he was a Catholic before converting to the Anglican faith, noting that he was baptised by Archbishop Emeritus Sarpong.
“When I go into a Catholic Church and I see Archbishop Emeritus Sarpong then I am asking, do I go for Communion or wait,” he said.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu recalled that when he visited the Vatican last year with his family, there was a special Communion Service in his honour, he resisted going to receive it because he was looking for clarification.
His visit to Vatican wasone of the most colorful meetings that Pope Francis has had with an international leader.Wearing his traditional royal clothing, Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II of Ghana visited Pope Francis with his family and a delegation. The Asantehene gave Pope Francis a Book about his culture and traditions, along with a large cloth that mixes the Vatican City and Ghana flags.
The Asantehene and his entourage were at the solemn burial Mass of Most Rev. Thomas Mensah, Archbishop Emeritus II of Kumasi on Tuesday, May 31, Jubilee Park.
