In Ghana, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the 16th Asantehene, is a mighty traditional ruler and a caring father.
On the one hand, he is regarded as a symbolic father of the Ashanti people and is highly esteemed throughout Ghana in general and the broader society in particular; on the other hand, the same people have always wanted to know; how many biological children does the Asantehene have?
Years after mayhem-fans have wondered whether Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has any biological children, this has been confirmed to be true that he has seven of them.
These royal children were born into prestige, culture and tradition in carrying on the legacy of one of the most powerful monarchies in Africa.
Born Nana Barima Kwaku Dua, Otumfuo became a Golden Stool in 1999 April 26, and has since played an iconic role as an embodiment of wisdom, unity and self pride in the culture.
As a king, he has been occupied and busy with other responsibilities, but in his capacity as a father, he has been silent and performed his roles in a very graceful manner leading his children by the principles of discipline, education, and tradition.
I think we should consider the seven true biological children of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
1.Ohemaa Afia Kobi Prempeh
Ohemaa Afia Kobi is one of the daughters of Otumfuo, and as named after his late mother, she is the best example of beauty and her tradition.
She also attends cultural event and royal functions most of the time, supporting the dignity of the Ashanti Royal Family. Reputed to be very elegant and silent but powerful, she is also praised for keeping a very low profile when performing her kingdom activities.
2. Nana Mensah Bonsu
One of the sons of Otumfuo is Nana Mensah Bonsu. He is supposed to be in business and other professional activities even though not very much in the limelight.
He is one of the royal children, who have been brought up to incorporate modern intelligence besides traditional values- characteristic of royal upbringing.
3. Nana Kwaku Duah
This son shares the same name with his royal father (Nana Barima Kwaku Duah) and it is believed that he is holding an important role in the background of royal activities.
The Ashanti have a common tradition of naming children after living ancestors, particularly when the child is early in leadership or wisdom. Nana Kwaku Duah is considered to be one of the strong men in the future family.
4. Nana Opoku Ware
This son was named after the 15 th Asantehene, Nana Opoku Ware II and this son carries the legacy of one of the most honoured rulers in Asante history.
He keeps a low profile, yet the very name brings with it the anticipation of wisdom and calm leadership as well as humility, qualities perfected by his namesake.
5. Nana Akyaa Mansa
Another daughter of Otumfuo is Nana Akyaa Mansa. During official ceremonies Lady Julia, who is the wife of Otumfuo and mother to some of his children, has been seen with him on some few occasions.
Nana Akyaa Mansa is also praised because of her grace and graceful demeanour in formal and family situations. She represents the grace and glamour of the royal family.
6. Nana Afia Kobi (Junior)
Nana Afia Kobi is another daughter with the same name as her sister and grandmother. She has been pictured with her mother, Lady Julia, and it is assumed that she is receiving education in one of the foreign countries.
She, being like most of the children of Ghanaian elites, is being brought up to join the gap between tradition and modern perfection, and her future is definitely worth following.
7. Nana Kwame Kyeretwie
Nana Kwame Kyeretwie is perhaps the most publicly known child of Otumfuo in recent times due to his good looks, charisma, and social presence, which have won him media attention.
He has been seen in the open with his father at official functions and family events.
Nana Kwame is young, confident, and handsome and has become quite the online sensation, at least among the younger generations.
Royal education and common people interest
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has never shown a lot about his family life and he tries to protect his children as much as possible, except when they are on official duty.
This privacy has served to preserve the royal family dignity, and further give the children room to mature and establish themselves beyond the long shadow of their father.
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The children of Otumfuo are brought up with so much regard of the Asante culture and heritage and service. They may study and work abroad but they are traditional at heart and may find their way back to the motherland to sponsor events such as Akwasidae, state durbars and royal engagements.
The Julia Leslie Lady
Otumfuo is married to Lady Julia Osei Tutu who is not only the mother of some of these children but also an experienced figure in their upbringing.
A successful attorney and champion of education and women rights, she is the ideal mix of royal and contemporary leadership. It is through her that discipline, faith and ambition have been instilled into their children.
Legacy under construction
The future of the Ashanti Kingdom is bright as the children of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II take their own directions.
None of them retains an official title of chieftain now, but they all are still an active part of the cultural life of the people, and they are the main contributors to its preservation of royal values, pride, and national admiration.
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Otumfuo as Chancellor of KNUST, Grand Patron of Grand lodge of Ghana, and Sword Bearer of the United Grand Lodge of England is not only inspiring people through his leadership but also admirable upbringing of his children.