Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI, the Bantamahene, on Tuesday, February 11, 2026, received the President of Rotary International, Mr. Francesco Arezzo, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on behalf of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene.
Mr. Arezzo, who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Anna Maria Criscione, paid the courtesy call as part of his official visit to Ghana. The Asantehene is currently on a leave of absence, and the Bantamahene welcomed the Rotary International delegation in his stead.
The visit highlighted Rotary International’s respect for Ghana’s traditional institutions and its commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional authorities in advancing humanitarian and community development initiatives.
In his remarks, Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI conveyed the warm greetings of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to the Rotary International President and expressed appreciation for the significant contributions Rotary has made to communities across Ghana. He acknowledged Rotary’s interventions in areas such as water and sanitation, healthcare delivery, education, disease prevention, and youth development, noting that these efforts continue to positively impact livelihoods.
Mr. Arezzo, in turn, expressed gratitude for the honour of being received at the seat of the Asante Kingdom. He reaffirmed Rotary International’s guiding principle of “Service Above Self” and emphasized the organization’s global focus on promoting peace, fighting disease, supporting basic education and literacy, providing clean water and sanitation facilities, protecting the environment, and strengthening local economies.
He commended Rotarians in Ghana, particularly within District 9104, for their dedication to implementing impactful projects that address pressing community needs. According to him, partnership with traditional leadership remains vital in ensuring that development initiatives are inclusive, culturally respectful, and sustainable.
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.
The courtesy visit to the Manhyia Palace symbolized the strong bond between Rotary International and Asanteman and reaffirmed a shared commitment to unity, service, and socio-economic progress. Mr. Arezzo’s engagement is expected to further consolidate Rotary’s collaboration with stakeholders in Ghana as the organization continues to deliver life-changing interventions across communities.
