Unimpressed Asantehene Challenges Asante Professionals Club to Sit Up

The Occupant of the Golden Stool, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has thrown a challenge at the Asante Professionals Club to up their game to meet his expectations.

Ten years after the Club’s establishment and three years after their last visit to the Manhyia Palace during which the King held a candid discussion with the executives on his expectations, the Club has fallen below the bar.

The Asantehene did not mince words on Friday, February 28, 2025, when he poured out his disappointment.

Now in its 10th year, the King expected to receive numerous feasibility reports on developmental projects across various sectors of the Asante Kingdom, particularly in mining, industry, and agriculture.

“We already had Asante Youth Association and the Asante Kotoko Society so I proposed another for only professionals who can drive development in our part of Ghana. Though we are part of Ghana, we need to take our destiny into our hands and develop it. When you are given eyes to distribute, you fix yourself with one first before you distribute the rest so that you can see properly.”

According to the King a lot of global institutions and organisations are seeking avenues within his kingdom to invest.

“I was expecting feasibility reports on projects so that I could lead you to lobby for the funds even if it has to be outside the country. I would have flown together with you. A lot of investors stand prepared to invest in my Kingdom. All we need is feasibility reports and I would have gone with you to defend them.”

“We lack the basic raw materials in Ghana. We don’t get the needed raw materials to feed my jute factory. The raw materials to even feed the few industries aren’t there and so we need as many large scale farms as possible. If there is a tendency to grow maize at Ejura, submit the feasibility reports and then we know how to go about it. Even if I have to lead you to Australia, I will. How can you help the kingdom get the needed industries and raw materials. We can also run mining companies. The prominent mining companies in the country are all run by Ghanaians.”

His Majesty on that note directed them to go back and sit up.

“You are no where near where I expect you to be.”

Introduction
The Executives of the Association paid a visit to the Manhyia Palace on February 28, 2025, to introduce their new Executives to the King.

Isaac Antwi was introduced as the President, Nana Ama Agyaponmaa as the Vice President, Owusu Ansah as the Secretary, Kofi Ayisi Boakye as Finance Officer and others.

10th Anniversary
The group also formally informed the Asantehene about its 10th Anniversary.

As part of the plans for the celebration, it said it intends to build an ICT Centre as a legacy project.

“In collaboration with the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation (OOTIIF), we are looking for a suitable place to build it,” the King was informed.

Additionally, it said the annual Opemsuo Lecture will be held.

Meanwhile, it also announced that plans for the Asanteman Development Bank was far advanced and would become a reality by the end of the year.

“It will start as a savings and loans company.”

Projects
As part of its projects, the King was told about the Club’s adoption of the Children’s Ward of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH); contribution to the Heal KATH project; and provision of health services in remote areas.

The Executives also spoke about assistance it renders to members of the Asante Students Union (ASU); career mentorship projects; renovation of the Ashanti library; and establishment of US and UK chapters of the Club.

Challenge
A major challenge it identified to be threatening the Club’s sustainability was breakaway.

“Some members are trying to break away from the mother group to form their own. This will be against the objective of Otumfuo. The last time we came, he said he needed us to unite for development.”

Donation
The APC also donated ¢100,000 to the OOTIIF.

“In the past four year we have been supporting the Foundation with our widow’s mite.”

On the issue of the breakaways, Asantehene charged Nana Prof Boachie-Adjei Woahene II, Otumfuo Hiahene to engage the factions and resolve all outstanding issues.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini