When the Asantehene and Okyehene met for the historic tee off

The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Okyehene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin part took in a historic tee off at the Royal Golf course in Kumasi on Saturday in the second edition of the annual Head of State Invitational Golf tournament.

The gesture, seen by many as an attempt to douse recent rift between Akyems and Asantes following some disparaging comments supposedly made by some Akyems in government also brought together business tycoons, including Sir Sam Jonah and captains of industry.

The two traditional leaders arrived together in Otumfuo's sleek limousine and proceeded to the course where they hugged each other before teeing off which was received by a spontaneous applause.

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II (in green polo shirt) and Okyehene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin (in white and blue polo shirt) in joyous mood during the game. PICTURES BY EMMANUEL BAAH

The two played over two holes in the one-day 18-hole competition meant for business executives and CEOs.

At least, 150 amateurs are billed to play shortly in the rotational competition. The next edition will be hosted by Damang in the Western region.

Kweku Ofosuhene became the first golfer to win the maiden edition hosted by the Achimota Golf Club.

In a message sent to the tournament, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo bemoaned the over-concentration of sports development on football to the detriment of other disciplines.

"This has to change. And that is why government, this year is continuing the process of passing the legislative Instruments of the National Youth and Sports Act, pursuing the enactment of the draft National Sports College Bill, and creating a Sports Fund to improve sports development in the country.

He said as a sport that generates some $68.8 billion to the USA, it should not be overlooked in Ghana, adding that its development deserves to receive a major boost in the country.