The Centre for National Culture (CNC) in Kumasi
came to life as Asanteman gathered for a spectacular cultural performance, to mark the 60th birthday of the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Various traditional dances including "Akosua Tumtum", "Asonko", "Ntwiss", "Asadua", "Sanga", "Bosoe" and "Fontomfrom drumming" depicting
royalty, elegance and bravery of the Asantes were put on display.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu was joined by Sir Gabriel Igbinedion, "Esama" of the Benin Kingdom, Edo State, Oba Sijuwade of Ile Ife, Oyo State, Nigeria, and other high profile personalities to add colour to the occasion.
The arrival of the Asantehene heralded by appellations and praise singing sent the huge crowd of people who thronged the centre into frenzy, with both the young and old, showing some master class traditional dance skills.
Mr Samuel Agyei, Director of the CNC, in a welcoming address, spoke of the need to uphold the nation's rich cultural heritage.
He said it was important the youth took pride in the country's culture and traditions to maintain "our identity as a people."
Mr Agyei congratulated Otumfuo Osei Tutu for the outstanding leadership he was providing to bring socio-economic progress to Asanteman.