December 6, 2025
By Ghanaian Watch News Desk Report
In a historic moment deeply rooted in Asante tradition, Investigative Broadcast Journalist Isaac Nsiah Foster has been enstooled as the Otumfuo Safiesohene Chief Linguist, one of the most revered and symbolically powerful positions within the Manhyia Palace. In Asante culture, the linguist is the living voice of the stool—an adviser, a custodian of ancestral memory, and the bridge between the king and his subjects.
He now ascends the ancient stool under the traditional title Nana Yaw Nsiah, becoming the first Chief Linguist from Manso Atwere in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region.
The colourful coronation, held on Friday, December 5, 2025, drew an impressive crowd of traditional authorities, security officers, public servants, business magnates, and residents from across the social spectrum. The ceremony was marked by deep cultural symbolism—fontomfrom drumming, kete dancing, and the rhythmic chanting of palace linguists that echoed the heritage of Asanteman. One elder described the moment as “a reminder that our traditions still stand taller than the wawa tree.”
After his enstoolment, Nana Yaw Nsiah—a human rights advocate, former paralegal with the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) in the Ashanti Region, Director of Human Rights at the African Liberators & Economic Institute (ALEI), Deputy News Editor at The Ghanaian Watch, and producer at Sompa TV/FM—expressed deep gratitude to the kingmakers.
“I am very grateful to the Almighty God for bringing me this far,” he said. “I’m pleased with this great honour and responsibility to serve the people of Abuakwa–Kegyase, the great King Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and Asanteman. I promise to use my experience in journalism to help transform and develop the chieftaincy institution, particularly within my jurisdiction.”
He added with emphasis, “It is my dream to ensure that peace and unity among the Kegyase royal family are maintained so that Kegyase becomes one of the first-class communities in Kumasi.”
The newly installed linguist also called on residents to support him in promoting development within the Abuakwa–Kegyase enclave. He stressed that strong collaboration between the palace, the media, and other key stakeholders will be central to strengthening the chieftaincy institution.
He outlined several priority areas, including dispute resolution, community security, and education. “These are pillars of progress,” he noted. “When they stand firm, the community will rise.”
The ceremony also saw the enstoolment of Nana Adwoah Asantewaa Kegyase and Nana Yeboah Abuakwa–Kegyase Mma Mmahene, adding to the strengthening of the traditional leadership structure.
Before the swearing of the oath of allegiance, Otumfuo Safiesohene and Abuakwa–Kegyasehene Nana Akwasi Amoaten shared personal reflections on his long-standing knowledge of Isaac Nsiah Foster.
He revealed, “I have known Mr. Isaac Nsiah Foster for about nineteen years in journalism. He is very obedient, sober, intelligent, and above all a very respectful person.” According to him, these qualities give him confidence that Nana Yaw Nsiah will serve diligently to ensure the development of Kegyase.
Nana Akwasi Amoaten offered firm but fatherly counsel:
“Not everything is for public consumption. Always keep your mouth shut until you are told to speak. Otherwise, we will be destooled by our Lord, Otumfuo Asantehene. Be very cautious of what you report from inside the palace.”
He added another caution rooted in tradition: “A linguist’s tongue can build a kingdom or break it. Use yours to build.”
Residents who witnessed the ceremony described it as “one for the history books,” noting that it blended modern leadership with traditional authority—symbolizing the evolving role of journalists and intellectuals within Ghana’s cultural leadership terrain.
With his new role, Nana Yaw Nsiah steps into centuries-old footsteps, carrying both the golden staff of authority and the heavy responsibility of truth, wisdom, and unity that define the Asante chieftaincy system.