Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Senator Randall Mitchell and The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II of Ghana signed a commemorative document.
The document celebrates the remarkable historical significance and the invaluable contributions of Prince Kofi Nti of Ashantee, West Africa, in constructing the Signal Station atop Fort George earlier today.
Minister Mitchell highlighted that the construction of the Signal Station reflects the lasting legacy of African heritage and traditions that have become an inseparable part of the Trinbagonian way of life.
He said “Travelers in search of authentic cultural encounters find solace within the walls of Fort George, as they learn about the astonishing tale of Prince Kofi Nti, a man whose journey from West Africa to our shores left an indelible mark on our collective identity. This exemplifies the resilience, determination, and ingenuity that runs through the veins of our nation. ”
Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed pride in the contribution made by his ancestor to the security of Trinidad and Tobago. He said that ‘as the occupant of the Golden Stool, Kofi is my son’.
He stated, “The name Kofi Nti will stand forever, the Asante Kingdom will stand forever with Trinidad and Tobago, and I can assure you that I am here with pride standing under this roof which was designed and constructed by my son.”
His Royal majesty thanked the Government and the people of Trinidad and Tobago for inviting him to experience the ‘edifice of the signal that helped contribute to the security of Trinidad and Tobago’.
According to the National trust of Trinidad and Tobago, Prince Kofi Nti (his true name, Nana Kofi Ntim) was born into the Ashanti royal family in Southern Ghana, as the son of King Karikari, the 10th ruler of the powerful Ashanti Kingdom.
He became a notable figure in Fort George’s history having designed and led the construction, within the precincts of Fort George, a Victorian-style building in 1883, which served as a signal station for the port and army.
