By Georgina Ama Ankomah
This is the Golden Stool, the soul and spirit of the people of the Ashanti region in particular, as well as paramouncies under the Asanteman Traditional Council.
Due to its significance and importance in the history of the Asantes, the golden stool is seldom brought out for public viewing, even though it is kept at the Manhyia Palace.
The Golden Stool or ‘sikadwa’ has no definite period to be brought out; the Asantehene can decide to bring it out on any special occasion.
At the Manhyia Palace, the Da Prano Group are the custodians of the stool, and any time it is to be brought out, the Daprano group hands it over to the Nkodwasuafo).
When the Stool is always placed on a chair and placed on the left side of the king when he sits in state.
Once the stool is out, the damprano group Guards it, and people who behold it close to it should be clad in white.
There are specific rites and rituals to be performed before the golden stool is brought out and also before it is sent back to the room where it is kept, and the key is always with the Danprano group. When Asantehene wants to bring out the golden stool, he informs the Daprano Group, who make the necessary customs and traditions to prevent it at the gathering.
It is therefore not surprising that at the climax of the 25th Anniversary of the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu, the Golden Stool was brought out for the numerous people who came from far and near to have a glimpse of the Golden Stool.