The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Her Excellency Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has commended the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for making peacebuilding a cornerstone of his distinguished reign.
“His peace initiative is well documented, and as a Commonwealth, we proudly associate ourselves with this noble cause,” she remarked.
Madam Botchwey made the comments when she was presented with the Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Coin at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
She lauded the Asantehene for his outstanding contributions to peace, unity, and development in Asanteman and Ghana as a whole.
In her address, the Secretary-General underscored that all 56 member countries of the Commonwealth operate under its Charter, which upholds democracy, good governance, human rights, and the rule of law. “Otumfuo is indeed on the right path, and we wholeheartedly support his vision. We gratefully accept this gift of the gold coin,” she added.
Delegation
The delegation that presented the gold coin included Alex Dadey, Executive Chairman of KGL Group; Richard Adjei Mensah Ofori Atta, Executive Chairman of E.ON 3 Group; Kwami Sefa Kayi, broadcast journalist and media consultant to E ON 3 Group; and Daniel Weitmann, founder of Golden Suisse.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr Dadey said, “We are here on behalf of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to present this commemorative gold coin to you and to extend an invitation to next year’s peace concert in Kumasi.”
A Lifelong Project
The 24-karat gold coin was created to celebrate Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s enduring commitment to peace and national development. It stands not only as a symbol of his legacy but also as a means of promoting Ghana’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage.
Peace Concert
Her Excellency Ayorkor Botchwey also accepted an invitation to serve as a special guest at the “World Meets in Ghana” peace concert, scheduled to take place in Kumasi next year, in honour of Otumfuo’s 27th coronation anniversary.
The two-day event will bring together world leaders, Ghanaians, the African diaspora, and members of the global community to celebrate Otumfuo as a “Pillar of Peace.” Attendees will also have the opportunity to acquire the commemorative gold coin, gold bar, and gold medal.
Background
On December 29, 2019, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was conferred with the prestigious title of “Pillar of Peace” at the inaugural African Premier Leadership Awards in Kumasi, in recognition of his exemplary role in resolving the protracted Dagbon chieftaincy conflict.
Over a period of 17 years, Otumfuo led the Committee of Eminent Chiefs through more than 1,000 sittings at the Manhyia Palace, culminating in the enskinment of Ya-Na Abukari II and the restoration of peace to Dagbon.
Beyond Dagbon, the Asantehene has successfully mediated hundreds of chieftaincy and political disputes, fostering unity and stability across Ghana. His leadership was pivotal in the 2012 Kumasi Declaration, where he brought together presidential candidates to commit to peaceful elections.
Similarly, during the tense political atmosphere of 2016, Otumfuo played a quiet yet decisive diplomatic role in ensuring a peaceful transition of power.
In recognition of these achievements, the Bank of Ghana authorised E ON 3 Group to mint a 24-karat commemorative gold coin in his honour, which was officially launched on December 12, 2021, in Kumasi.
Following its launch, the coin was presented to select distinguished individuals and institutions whose contributions mirrored Otumfuo’s dedication to peace and national development.
Recipients include:
- H.E. John Dramani Mahama, former President of Ghana
- H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former President of Ghana
- H.E. John Agyekum Kufuor, former President of Ghana
- H.E. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President of Ghana
- His Lordship Justice Anin Yeboah, former Chief Justice of Ghana
- Dr Ernest Addison, former Governor of the Bank of Ghana
- Sir Sam Jonah, Executive Chairman of Jonah Capital
- The City of Memphis, USA, represented by Charles Ewing and James L. Holt of the Memphis in May Festival.
