Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II delivered a compelling public lecture at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus in Barbados on November 12, 2025. Centred on the theme “Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny: Connect, Build, Renew,” his address examined the historical and cultural connections between Africa and the Caribbean, emphasising the need to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two regions.
The Asantehene highlighted the significance of establishing a direct flight route between Africa and the Caribbean, noting its potential to enhance connectivity and boost cultural tourism. He also advocated for leveraging educational institutions to foster greater understanding of Africa within Caribbean communities and vice versa. Furthermore, he encouraged cultural collaboration by supporting partnerships among cultural figures such as musicians and writers.
A portrait of Otumfuo was unveiled in his honour, created by Eric Afanyi, a Ghanaian student at the University of the West Indies. Otumfuo’s visit to the University of the West Indies marked his second official visit to the campus. During his first visit in 2008, he planted a Baobab tree, which he inspected during this recent visit.
Otumfuo’s visit aimed to strengthen ties between Ghana and Barbados, focusing on cultural exchange, trade, and investment opportunities. The event was a significant celebration of cultural exchange between Africa and the Caribbean, highlighting the shared histories and renewed collaboration between the two regions.
By Benjamin Aidoo
