An audience with the king

This morning we went to the Manhyia Palace, the home of Asante Kotokohene, the King of Ashanti: King Osei Tutu II. It's a special day: an "adae" festival, when the King receives his ministers and subjects, and they give him cases of whisky, brandy and other consumables. This time he was also presented with a large and handsome goat, who proceeded to leave a small deposit on the ground. The kids were much amused to see the barefooted dignitaries carelessly walk into it.

All the local chaps wear togas made from kente cloth over their shorts, and sit in strict hierarchy in the inner or outer court. Foreigners are seated in the outer court, and our clicking/ogling was politely and graciously ignored.

In the prelude to the king's arrival various personalities entered the court in a small procession, led by an apparently drunk chap carrying a tray of greenery on his head, whose cohorts were manhandling him to slow him down and prop him up. There was a huge racket of horn blowing, drums, and wailing into microphones. Various other attendants followed, and then the King himself in a colourful kente toga, together with his attendants. He took his place on his stool (throne) and was fanned assiduously as dozens of ministers and others were presented to him. Fascinating! A privilege to watch.

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