A high-powered delegation from Rotary International on Tuesday, February 11, 2026, paid a courtesy call on the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi to reaffirm and deepen its longstanding partnership with Asanteman.
The delegation was led by the President of Rotary International, Mr. Francesco Arezzo, who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Anna Maria Criscione, as part of his official visit to Ghana. They were received at the Palace by Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI, the Bantamahene, who represented His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, currently on a leave of absence.
The visit symbolized Rotary International’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional authorities in promoting sustainable development and humanitarian service across communities in the Ashanti Region and Ghana at large.
Welcoming the delegation to the seat of the Asante Kingdom, Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI conveyed the goodwill and warm regards of the Asantehene. He commended Rotary International and its Ghanaian chapters for their impactful contributions in critical sectors, including education, healthcare, water and sanitation, disease prevention, environmental protection, and youth empowerment. He noted that partnerships between global service organizations and traditional leadership are essential in addressing community needs effectively and sustainably.
In his remarks, Mr. Arezzo expressed profound appreciation for the honour of calling on the Manhyia Palace. He reaffirmed Rotary International’s guiding principle of “Service Above Self” and emphasized the organization’s global focus on promoting peace, supporting basic education and literacy, providing clean water and sanitation, preventing and treating diseases, protecting the environment, and strengthening local economies.
He lauded Rotarians in Ghana, particularly within District 9104, for their dedication and commitment to improving lives through impactful community-based projects. According to him, working closely with traditional authorities ensures that Rotary’s interventions are culturally sensitive, inclusive, and aligned with the developmental aspirations of local communities.
The delegation included the District Governor of Rotary District 9104, Nana Yaa Pokua Siriboe; Incoming District Governor Frank Owusu Debrah; Past District Governor Jeffery Afful; Past District Governor David Osei Amankwah Junior; and other senior Rotary officials and members.
The courtesy call further cemented the cordial relationship between Rotary International and Asanteman and underscored a shared vision of unity, service, and socio-economic advancement. Mr. Arezzo’s visit is expected to enhance Rotary’s engagement in Ghana and foster stronger partnerships aimed at delivering sustainable and transformative development initiatives.
