The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua Esq on Sunday morning reaffirmed his dedication and loyalty to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as he played the King’s traditional drum in warm conditions close to two hours.
Even though many were seeing this for at least the second time since Lawyer Kodua rose to the high office of General Secretary, this, however, has been the preoccupation of the humble and calm Asante royal since his school days at Opoku Ware Senior High school.
Arriving early on Sunday morning in a resplendent blue kente cloth that had gold 🥇 linings and a colourful blue tradional sandals to match, Lawyer Kodua accompanied by Henry Nana Boakye, the National Organiser and some friends walked briskly to the main residential arena of the Manhyia Palace.
However, at midday, when the King was arriving to sit for the last Akwasidae for the year 2023, Lawyer Kodua was seen in his now subdued manner of dressing with the Kente cloth at his waist level while the lace of the traditional drum hanged around the neck as he used his bare hands to hit the drum in a choreographed manner showing profuse commitment alongside the special contingent that accompanied the Overlord of Asanteman.
Reactions:
Interestingly, scores of invited guests including the Vice President, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament and the public who had never seen the NPP General Secretary in such a manner expressed surprise at the sight.
One could visibly recognise the amazement on the faces of these people when they saw the Chief administrator of the NPP drumming with a serious look on his face.
It was therefore not surprising that many videos that have since gone viral carried audio that expressed shock and admiration at same time from many who were seeing the General Secretary display in such a manner for the first time including Samira Bawumia, Wife of thw Vice President who was awestruck at the sight.
Meanwhile, the elderly at the Manhyia Palace who have seen Lawyer Kodua do this over the period seemed not surprised and some were even heard murmuring amongst themselves that the youthful politician had risen to such national status because he learnt to serve the Asanteman Overlord early in life.
Paying Homage:
As usual of all previous Akwasidae, the Otumfuo sat in state to welcome invited guests and well wishers.
Arriving and leading the team from the government of Ghana was the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia whose entourage had the General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua as part including the Regional Minister, Simon OSEI-Mensah as well as the Mayor of Kumasi, Samuel Pyne.
Many were curious and were asking how the General Secretary having undertaken such an arduous task in about two hours under the scorching sun could still be seen in a refreshed manner paying homage to the King.
Alas, the commitment to serving his King despite how high the Almighty has placed him in life was loudly and evidently displayed at the Manhyia Palace on Sunday and no wonder many have since been wishing the NPP General Secretary well in life!
Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie,
Kumasi.
