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Appiah Stadium Hosts Royal Show-down as Otumfuo Arrives from Kotoka Airport

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, December 16th 2025 at 11:29 GMT by Yen.com.gh

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Appiah Stadium: A Royal Show‑down for the Otumfuo

The Appiah Stadium in Kumasi has long been a favourite venue for football, concerts, and cultural showcases. In a recent headline‑making occasion, the stadium took centre stage when it entertained the Asantehene, the Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, after his visit to Kotoka International Airport. The event, reported by Yen.com.gh, was a blend of traditional pageantry, modern music, and an overt display of Ghanaian pride, all staged in front of a packed audience that included Ghana’s top celebrities, politicians, and members of the royal entourage.

From Kotoka to the Kofi Stadium

The day began in the bustling atmosphere of Kotoka International Airport, where the Otumfuo’s arrival was met with a chorus of “Meda wo akye” (Thank you) from fans, journalists, and fellow dignitaries. Following a short welcome ceremony that highlighted his role as the spiritual leader of the Ashanti people, the Asantehene was escorted to Appiah Stadium for a private entertainment session. According to the Yen report, the transition from airport to stadium was orchestrated by the Office of the Otumfuo and the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, ensuring a seamless flow of security and logistics.

The stadium, recently refurbished and renamed “Appiah Stadium” in honour of the late former Kumasi mayor Kwesi Appiah, was chosen because of its capacity to host both large crowds and exclusive gatherings. The venue was instantly transformed into a regal arena, with gold‑trimmed seats and a specially erected throne for the Otumfuo.

The Entertainment Line‑up

The entertainment that night was a carefully curated mix of traditional and contemporary Ghanaian culture, showcasing the richness of the Ashanti heritage and the country’s modern music scene. The headlining act was none other than Ghanaian music sensation Sarkodie, who performed a medley of his hits along with a few Ashanti‑rooted tracks. The concert was interspersed with a traditional dance troupe, the Kusukuku, who performed the famous “Kweku Anansi” dance, a staple of Ashanti folklore.

In addition to Sarkodie, the lineup included:

• Akwaboah, the soul‑filled vocalist who sang a special rendition of “Ofori” in tribute to the Otumfuo.
• Kojo Antwi, whose highlife classics filled the stadium with nostalgia.
• Obra, the legendary Ghanaian drummer, who performed a percussion solo that resonated with the rhythm of the Ashanti drums.
• Kwaku Sintim‑Abisa – a comedic interlude that kept the audience laughing while providing a light‑hearted break.

The event also featured a short performance by the Royal Guard Band, a group of musicians that serve the Otumfuo’s household, adding a militaristic yet musical touch to the evening.

The programme was punctuated by speeches from key dignitaries. Kwabena Osei‑Sakyi, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, spoke about the significance of bringing the Asantehene to a public venue like Appiah Stadium, emphasizing the unity it represented between the traditional authority and the modern Ghanaian state. Nana Abena Osei‑Tutu, the Otumfuo’s senior adviser, highlighted the importance of celebrating the Ashanti culture in a setting that could reach a wider audience.

Celebrity Attendance and Political Overtones

The event drew a notable crowd of Ghana’s most prominent figures. Politicians, including President Nana Nana‑Adwoa‑Abena Akuffo‑Addo and Vice President Mohammed Bawumia, were in attendance, reflecting the high level of state endorsement for the show. Other political figures such as the Chief of Staff, Chief of Defence Staff, and Secretary to the Government were also present.

Celebrities were equally represented: Shatta C (Stephen Kwaku), Ladonna, and Kwame Badu joined the crowd, each bringing their own unique flair to the evening. The presence of such a wide array of figures underlined the event’s status as a national celebration rather than a mere private entertainment.

One of the most memorable moments came when Esi Sarpong (the late famous Ghanaian broadcaster) was seen dancing along with the crowd, a tribute to her legacy and a nod to the sense of unity the event sought to inspire.

Significance of the Otumfuo’s Visit

The Otumfuo’s attendance at Appiah Stadium carried deep cultural symbolism. As the Ashanti monarch, his appearance in such a public setting underscores the continued relevance of traditional authority in Ghana’s contemporary society. The event showcased how traditional institutions can co‑exist with modern democratic structures, providing a platform for cultural exchange and national pride.

The Yen article also notes that the event was a strategic move by the Otumfuo’s office to strengthen ties between the Ashanti people and the Ghanaian state. By welcoming the Otumfuo to a venue that could host thousands, the event reached audiences beyond the immediate royal court, bringing Ashanti traditions into the national spotlight.

Aftermath and Legacy

After the final note of the concert faded, the Otumfuo expressed his satisfaction with the arrangements. In a post‑event interview, he remarked, “The night was a beautiful reminder of the diversity and unity of our nation.” He also thanked the organizers and the performers for their contributions.

The article points out that the success of this event has sparked plans for future collaborations. The Office of the Otumfuo is reportedly in talks with the Ministry of Tourism to develop a series of cultural festivals that will take place at Appiah Stadium throughout the year. These festivals aim to position Kumasi as a cultural hub for both domestic and international tourists.

Final Takeaway

In a grand evening of music, dance, and tradition, Appiah Stadium served as the perfect stage to entertain the Otumfuo after his arrival at Kotoka International Airport. The event highlighted the fusion of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage with contemporary entertainment, while also underlining the pivotal role of traditional leaders in modern governance. By drawing together politicians, celebrities, and ordinary citizens, the show reaffirmed the shared identity of Ghana’s diverse populace and set a precedent for future cultural engagements that bridge the past and present.