London, Oct. 25. The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has commended Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for making peacebuilding a cornerstone of his reign, describing his initiatives as exemplary and aligning with Commonwealth values of democracy, good governance, human rights, and the rule of law.
She made the remarks when presented with the Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Coin at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London on Thursday, October 23, 2025. “Otumfuo is on the right path, and we wholeheartedly associate ourselves with what he is doing. We gratefully accept this gift of the gold coin,” she said, praising his contributions to Asanteman and Ghana.
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The presentation was made by a delegation including Alex Dadey, Executive Chairman of KGL Group; Richard Adjei Mensah Ofori Atta, Executive Chairman of E.ON 3 Group; broadcast journalist Kwami Sefa Kayi; and Daniel Weitmann, founder of Golden Suisse. Mr Dadey emphasised that the coin was presented on behalf of Otumfuo and extended an invitation to the Secretary-General to attend next year’s peace concert event in Kumasi.
The 24-karat gold coin symbolises peace and honours the Asantehene for his pivotal role in resolving decades-long chieftaincy disputes, most notably the 17-year Dagbon conflict, which culminated in the enskinment of Ya-Na Abukari II. The coin serves both as a legacy for Otumfuo and as a vehicle to promote Ghana’s cultural heritage.
Botchwey also accepted the invitation to be a special guest at the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ peace concert, marking Otumfuo’s 27th coronation anniversary. The two-day event will allow world leaders, Ghanaians, the African diaspora, and the global community to own a piece of the commemorative gold coin, as well as gold bars and medals.
Otumfuo has also mediated numerous political conflicts, including pre-election agreements and dispute resolution during tense periods, such as the lead-up to the 2012 and 2016 general elections. His efforts earned him the title “Pillar of Peace” at the inaugural African Premier Leadership Awards in 2019.
In recognition of his contributions to peace and development, the Bank of Ghana authorised E ON 3 Group to issue the commemorative coin, which was officially launched on December 12, 2021, in Kumasi.
Past recipients include President John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor, former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Chief Justice Justice Anin Yeboah, former Bank of Ghana Governor Ernest Addison, and prominent figures such as Sir Sam Jonah and representatives from Memphis, USA.
The presentation underscores Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s enduring legacy as a peacemaker and his role in fostering stability and development within Ghana and beyond.
