Maryland Governor Wes Moore has expressed excitement over the rich cultural heritage of the Asante Kingdom as he joined His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for the historic Akwasidae USA 2026 celebration in Maryland.
The colorful event, held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Bowie State University, brought a powerful display of Asante royalty, tradition and African heritage to the United States. The celebration featured traditional regalia, drumming, dancing and a grand royal presence led by the Asantehene.
Sharing his excitement about the occasion, Governor Moore highlighted the deep significance of Akwasidae, noting that the sacred festival is traditionally observed every sixth Sunday in Kumasi to honor ancestors, the Asantehene and the Golden Stool.
Moore said he was “overjoyed” to celebrate alongside Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, describing him as the 16th King of the Asante Kingdom.
Akwasidae remains one of the most important ceremonies on the Asante traditional calendar. Observed approximately every six weeks, the festival provides an opportunity for chiefs, royals and citizens to pay homage to the Asantehene while remembering ancestors and reaffirming their loyalty to the Golden Stool.
Every sixth Sunday, Kumasi holds Akwasidae, a sacred Akan festival honoring ancestors, the king, and the golden stool that is believed to hold the soul of the Ashanti people.
I’m overjoyed to celebrate with His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the 16th king of the Asante kingdom… pic.twitter.com/wGTcdb8jR6
— Governor Wes Moore (@GovWesMoore) August 30, 2026
The Golden Stool, known traditionally as Sika Dwa Kofi, occupies a sacred place in Asante history and is regarded as a powerful symbol of the unity, authority and spiritual identity of the Asante nation.
Bringing the Akwasidae celebration to Maryland offered thousands of Ghanaians and members of the African diaspora a rare opportunity to witness Asante culture and royalty without traveling to Kumasi.
The August 30 gathering at Bowie State University was promoted as a major cultural experience featuring the Asantehene, royal processions, traditional performances and centuries-old customs of the Asante Kingdom. Governor Moore was also among the prominent officials scheduled to deliver remarks at the event.
Moore’s enthusiastic celebration of the occasion further highlighted the growing cultural connection between Ghana and African diaspora communities in the United States, while placing Asante heritage firmly on an international stage.
