King of Asante to visit Scotland to garner support for golf tournament

Asante is a traditional state within Ghana.

The King of Asante, a traditional state within Ghana, is to visit Scotland to speak to students of African culture – and meet officials from the home of golf about support for the sport in the African nation.

​Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is to travel to St Andrews later this month to meet with officials from the Royal and Ancient ​Golf ​Club and discuss educational ties with Dame Sally Mapstone, principal of the University of St Andrews. He will also sit in state at the university and will deliver a lecture to students – as well as playing a round of golf.

The king is expected to discuss the future of the Ghana Asantehene Open Golf Championship, which is held annually at the Kumasi Royal Golf Course in Ashanti. The Ghana Golf Association is one of 164 national associations around the world that are affiliated to the R&A.

King Charles III receives His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, King of the Ashanti Kingdom, in London in May.

King Otumfuo, who is said to have a “passion” for golf, took part in a a ceremonial tee-off at the last Ghana Asantehene Open Championships in June, alongside other dignitaries, including the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ibok-Ete Ibas and the chairman of the management of the Royal Golf Club, Kwesi Atta Antwi. Every Asante king for the past 61 years has hosted the championship.

The Asante Kingdom, which is a constitutionally protected sub-national traditional state in union with Ghana, was founded in 1690. Most of the Asante live in a region centred on the city of Kumasi, which was the capital of the former independent Asante state.

Ramsay Bader, a student at St Andrews and spokesman for the St Andrews Africa Summit (SAASUM), which is hosting King Tutu’s visit, said: “Holding a plethora of degrees and honorary doctorates himself, in addition to being Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, King Otumfuo is passionate about furthering one's understanding of the world – in all fields of study.

“King Otumfuo's trip to St Andrews is symbolic of SAASUM's consistent and growing relationship with the country of Ghana. We do not take for granted the opportunities and generosities that the great powers of this West African nation have bestowed upon us.

He added: “SAASUM's main value and initiative is to instigate inquiry into Africa’s historical ties to the Western world, to change narratives around Africa’s political and economic affairs, and to inspire a genuine interest and desire to participate in Africa’s future.”

Madeline Pennino, director of the SAASUM, added: “We eagerly anticipate King Otumofuo of Asantehene's visit as it marks a decade of SAASUM providing enlightening discussions and learning. Hosting the King is an honour, and it's a unique chance for our diverse university community to connect with the Kingdom's rich history, fostering invaluable learning experiences for all.”

A spokesperson for The R&A confirmed that one of the organisation’s development team will be meeting with King Otumfuo to discuss the development of golf in Ghana.

A spokesperson for the University of St Andrews said: “We are delighted that our students are to host the King of Asante on this important visit to St Andrews. Our Principal, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, is greatly looking forward to welcoming him to the University ahead of the summit.”