Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, during the celebration of the final Awukudae Festival of 2024 on November 20, shared insights into why successful Asante men often marry women from the Fante tribe.
Drawing from his personal experiences to illustrate his point, Otumfuo narrated that his uncle, with whom he lived during his youth, was married to a Fante woman who was an exceptional cook.
The Asantehene recounted this experience during an interaction with representatives of the Fante community in the Ashanti Region, who were present to represent the Oguaamanhene of the Oguaa Traditional Area in the Central Region, Osabarima Kwesi Atta.
According to Otumfuo, his uncle’s wife played a pivotal role in their upbringing by ensuring they were well-fed with delicious meals.
“My uncle married Aunty Evelyn, and when she cooked for us, it wasn’t easy, very delicious. When we were young, all the food we took to school was prepared by her and it was very good. That is why people say every successful Asante man looks for a Fante lady to marry, to cook for him. For us Asantes, we have lived with Fantes for a long time,” Otumfuo said.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II marked the final Awukudae Festival of 2024 on November 20. This significant event is part of the Adae Festival cycle, a series of traditional ceremonies celebrated by the Ashanti people.
The word Awukudae translates to “Wednesday ceremony,” reflecting its occurrence every six weeks per the Akan annual calendar, which is divided into nine six-week cycles.
