Otumfuo Osei Tutu II statue at Kejetia which was unveiled on 23rd April this year has been the topic of discussion among visitors and residents of the Kumasi City.
Almost all the people who have seen the statue has said on numerous times that it is an attaint to Asanteman.
Because it is not the affinity of Asantehene.
Therefore the Kumasi City Authorities must demolish and reshape it.
The initial statue maker came out with explanation during the brouhaha that the people who were complaining about it were ignorant about the features of every statue.
He mentioned of a frog view, bird view and many other things that must be considered in looking every statue.
But the people who knew Asantehene very well maintained that “the Kejetia statue in not a true reflection of Asantehene”.
In relation to those claims, Mr. James Boakye, a sculptor who works at the Kumasi Cultural Centre has voiced out that he stands in a position to reform the statue in Otumfuo’s resemblance if he is given the opportunity to exhibit his talent.
“I will transform the statue in Asantehene’s alikeness if I’m giving the chance.
The initial artist did well but that’s not Otumfuo’s imitation, just give me the opportunity and I will make Asanteman proud”, he narrated.
Mr. James Boakye claims to have moulded a lot of statues in the country.
He revealed that almost all the statues at the Kumasi Cultural Centre are his creatures.
“I invented Nana Yaa Asantewaa Statue at Ejisu, Osofo Ohemeng statue at Asante Akim, Nana Kwagyei statue at Nkoranza Bredi, Father Barkley statue at Bantama Roman Catholic church and many others, I can’t even recall all.
I created them to perfection of which no one has ever complained about”.
However, I should have been given that Otumfuo statue’s contract. I think it’s never too late, the City’s authorities should contract me and I will forge it in Asantehene’s exact similitude”.
