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The Manhyia Palace has already issued an official statement disregarding the Asanteman Association USA and severed all relations with the Association forthwith.

The decision by the Manhyia Palace comes after it was alienated from the Asanteman Association USA’s governance following a United States court’s decision.

The Asanteman Association (USA) earlier urged the general public that the issues have been resolved and are therefore on good terms with Manhyia. 

"It is true that the Asanteman Association of New York went to court over a disputed local election issue and inadvertently dragged the name of Manhyia into the dispute. Having realized this mistake, the Asanteman Association of New York has taken steps through intermediaries to apologize to Manhyia and restore normal relations with Manhyia. The Association accepts and recognizes the authority of Manhyia over its affairs. All members of the Association owe unflinching allegiance to Manhyia. The Asanteman Association of New York will never intentionally do anything that will tarnish the good image of Asantehene or Manhyia."

But upon further investigation at the office of Manhyia Palace by the Private Secretary to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Lawrence Akwasi Prempeh stated that everything in the previous statement still holds hence nothing has changed.

According to him, "the previous release signed by myself clearly discloses that the aforementioned persons who are said to preside over the enstoolment of these US-based Chiefs and Queens are seriously battling court issues with the Asantehene (Otumfuo Osei Tutu II).

"For this reason, any of its scheduled or carried-out activities are illegal. With no exception to its widely circulated swearing oaths (enstoolment) of new Chiefs and Queens slated to hold on January 7, 2023."

The release categorically cautioned the general public to discard any form of business or engagement with the enlisted persons under the pretence of Manhyia Palace or Otumfuo Osei Tutu.

"If you need further clarifications or additional information on this matter you can reach me on +233 55 432 4070, or Oheneba Boachie-Adjei, Otumfuo Hiahene, on +233 24 338 3051. Thank you."

Read the full statement below:

I bring you compliments from Manhyia Palace, and write to express the appreciation of the Palace to the New York Board of Electors (Dr. Koti Antwi Boateng, Dr. Kwame Anyane-Yeboah, Rev. Dr. Yaw Frimpong-Manso, Kwasi Abrcfa Busia, and Regina Bonsu) for the good work you have done to provide guidance for the Asanteman Association, USA in the past year.

Your efforts at getting the association united to follow a clearly defined roadmap which was approved by the general membership has been noted with much appreciation.

Unfortunately, certain persons in the group led by Charles Manu found it necessary to take the matter to Court after Oheneba Boachie-Adjei (Otumfuo Hiahene, representing the Palace in this matter) intervened and instructed the group to unite and follow the Board of Electors’ roadmap for new elections.

In response to the Court action and the decision of Judge Alison Tuitt on June 29, 2022 in the matter of Asanteman Association of USA vs The Board of Electors, Amaniampong and Hiahene, I am directed by Manhyia Palace to issue the following directives:

As per the Court’s decision following plaintiff Charles Manus’s argument that “it is irrelevant that the King of Asante played a role in the controversy as plaintiff’s organization is governed by the Constitution and By-Laws mandated under New York law,” hence alienating Manhyia from the Asanteman Association USA’s governance, by virtue of the dictates of its own Constitution, Manhyia Palace, by this directive, officially disclaims the Asanteman Association USA and severs all relations with Asanteman Association USA forthwith.

Henceforth, all groupings or associations of Asante citizens in the diaspora shall first apply and seek official recognition and endorsement from Manhyia Palace by satisfying specific conditions.

If you need further clarifications or additional information on this matter you can reach me on +233 55 432 4070, or Oheneba Boachie-Adjei, Otumfuo Hiahene, on +233 24 338 3051. Thank you.

Yours Sincerely,

Lawrence Akwasi Prempeh Private Secretary to Asantehene