The Happiness To Be Back Home. Asantehene Welcomes Colombia’s VP

The VP of the Republic of Colombia, Her Excellency Francia Marquez has made a visit to the Asante Kingdom as a feature of her two-day working visit to Ghana.

On Thursday, September 7, 2023, H.E. Marquez went to the Manhyia Palace with an entourage led by Hon. Simon Osei Mensah, Ghana’s Ashanti Regional Minister.

Her Excellency Marquez thanked Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the occupant of the Golden Stool, for agreeing to receive them in her address.

It was a “big honor” for her to meet the Asante King, she said.

The Vice President said, she sees the visit to the Manhyia Palace as a very necessary one, as she traces her roots to the ethnic group based in the sub-region.

“I recognize myself as an African with Asante roots,” she told Asantehene through her interpreter.

She said in the wake of being transported from Africa as slaves by the English four centuries ago, she was back home to her underlying roots and featured her conviction that “my ancestors are happy a daughter is back home.”

She also spoke about how proud she is of the Kingdom and how she proudly declares her connection to it at any gathering she attends.

Her Excellency Francia Marquez again highlighted how Africans in Colombia certify their relations with the Asantes Kingdom when they actually want to flaunt areas of strength and resilience.

Meanwhile, the Ashanti Regional Minister Hon Simon Osei Mensah also said despite her short visit to Kumasi, she might want to visit the country again where she will actually want to spend a seriously significant time-frame reconnecting with her roots.

Francia Marquez revealed that along with President Custavo Petro, Colombia is determined to reconnect with the African continent through two-sided relations.

“We want to reconnect that is why I come here with all my heart representing all Africans in the Americas.”

She informed the Monarch that the reconnection will take the form of agricultural collaboration.

Asantehene Declares His Support To Make Chief Justice Successful

Francia Marquez also revealed that Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was invited to a state visit by the first Afro-Colombian Vice President.

Welcoming them to the Palace, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said,

“When they thought you were going and not coming back, here you are here sitting in front of us. So that gate of no return was not meant to be. “Therefore we welcome you here again and know that this is your home.”

He said it “gladdened” his heart that she had made it a point to return home.

“I know you have made about two trips to Africa. The first was South Africa and now Ghana. The first was a visit to Africa and the second is a visit to home.”

His Majesty also emphasized on her political role as Vice President and root, and indicated that, it must translate into more collaborations between Ghana and Colombia.

“We believe strongly that with you there, Ghana and Africa have a voice in Colombia. You ought to also be our promoter so we can engage in investments from Colombia to Ghana and from Ghana to Colombia. It should be a win-win situation for all of us.”

Otumfou Osei Tutu II also assured her of his prayers to emerge successful and added,

We assure you that Ghana loves you and Ghana will always cherish you.”