In a historic tribute to a shared legacy, President Wavel Ramkalawan of Seychelles and First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, on Monday, November 11, 2024, presided over an exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of Asantehene Agyeman Prempeh I’s return from exile in Seychelles to Kumasi.
Held at the National Library, the event welcomed esteemed guests, including members of the Prempeh family, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Seychelles, Francisca Ashietey-Odunton, members of the Ghanaian community, and local dignitaries, honouring a milestone in the histories of both nations.
State House Seychelles, the official seat of the country’s presidency, said the exhibition was organized in partnership with Seychelles’ National Institute for Culture, Heritage, and the Arts and Manhyia Palace Museum.
The exhibition
The display chronicles the extraordinary 27 years of Prempeh I’s exile in Seychelles, a period rich in cultural exchange that strengthened bonds between Seychelles and Ghana.
Through rare photographs and documents, the exhibition reveals the resilience of Prempeh’s legacy and the mutual cultural influences that emerged during his stay, culminating in his celebrated return to Kumasi.
Gratitude
Addressing the attendees, President Ramkalawan conveyed gratitude for Seychelles’ role in preserving this legacy, emphasizing the exhibition’s importance in recognizing the enduring friendship between Seychelles and Ghana.
He expressed his personal enthusiasm for the event and his aspiration for a future that continues to honour this unique connection.
Invitation
Ghana’s High Commissioner to Seychelles, Francisca Ashietey-Odunton, revealed that her head of state has invited President Wavel Ramkalawan to Ghana.
Ramkalawan, who attended the ceremony, will be the guest of honour at a symposium being held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on November 22.
Cultural links
Mr David Andre, Secretary-General of the Institute of Culture, Heritage, and the Arts, highlighted the exhibition as both a commemoration and a reminder of the deep cultural links shared by Seychelles and Ghana. “Today’s exhibition is not only a celebration of the life and legacy of King Prempeh, but a testament of the resilience of the Asante spirit and the strength of shared history. Let us celebrate the enduring friendship between Seychelles and Ghana, may this occasion further strengthen the ties between our people and inspire future generation, to preserve and cherish the heritage that bind us together” he remarked.
Culture
The event was further enlivened by vibrant Ghanaian cultural dance performances, symbolizing the rich heritage uniting the two nations. Through this exhibition, Seychelles and Ghana commemorate a legacy of resilience and friendship, inviting visitors to explore a pivotal chapter in the story of both countries.
Background
Following his surrender of his kingdom and his arrest as a result of the Anglo-Asante war of 1896, Prempeh I began 28 years of exile starting in Elmina then to Sierra Leone and eventually in the Seychelles.
Twenty-seven years later, the British allowed Prempeh I to return home in 1926 but initially only permitted him to adopt a lesser title, eventually restoring Ashanti self-rule and the title of Asantehene in 1935.
