President Akufo-Addo flanked by Otumfuo Osei Tutu (left) and Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin
President Nana Akufo-Addo has showered praises on Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amotia Ofori Panin for their immense contributions to the development of Ghana.
Speaking at a dinner at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Saturday, the President stated that the Asantehene and Okyenhene, as well as all traditional leaders, were crucial to Ghana’s development.
In this regard, President Akufo-Addo reiterated his commitment to working closely with traditional rulers across the country to expedite action on Ghana’s development.
He made the disclosure at the closing ceremony of the 2nd Head of State Invitational Golf Tournament, which attracted several astute executive golfers from various parts of the country to the Royal Golf Club in Kumasi on Saturday.
President Akufo-Addo, who hails from Akyem, denied reports of tension between the Asantehene and Okyenhene, stating that he owes allegiance to the two monarchs.
According to him, as an Akyem, he is automatically the subject of the Okyenhene, stressing that since Otumfuo is the head of the Oyoko Clan in Ghana, he (President Akufo-Addo) is also a proud subject of the Asantehene.
The President’s impressive remarks excited the crowd who spontaneously applauded him.
Surprisingly, the Asantehene, who hosted the dinner, which was graced by traditional leaders, Members of Parliament (MPs), top businessmen, the clergy and selected golfers, did not make a statement at the historic event.
On his part, the Okyenhene stated categorically that chiefs were determined to use their revered positions in society to promote development to help improve the lives of their people.
“We do not want to remain just traditional leaders by title, he said, indicating that modern-day traditional rulers ought to play meaningful roles to bring development to the people”. He stressed.
The Okyenhene, who was elated, commended the Asantehene for supporting the growth of golf in the country.
“Otumfuo and I have several things in common; we are age mates. We were enthroned the same year, we are astute golfers and we are also development-oriented traditional leaders, “he stated.
Touching on national issues, he commended the Akufo-Addo administration for implementing the free Senior High School (SHS) policy which would move Ghana beyond aid very soon.
The Okyenhene also charged government to pay attention to the decentralization process, indicating that the country should be developed effectively so that the citizenry would be proud of the country.
From I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi