I Don’t Depend on Ghanaian Govt For Money- Asantehene

The King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, says he is financially independent from the Ghanaian government.

This conversation was raised to encourage traditional authorities in Suriname to wean from government dependence as the King expressed willingness to coach them to manage their resources so as not to be financially dependent.

This was during an engagement with the President of Suriname, HE Jennifer Simons and traditional rulers in the Southern American country on November 26, 2025.

“What you have to know is that I don’t depend on the government for money. I don’t depend on the government for money at all. When we meet, we will discuss how to handle those resources to be able to do that, and the policies will come to the government, and it will protect those policies for you.”

On this note, the King expressed his resolve to host a delegation of Paramount Surinamese Chiefs in Ghana for the second time.

“I would ask your President, as I would like to invite another delegation of Paramount Chiefs to Ghana to celebrate with us on the occasion, to have a feel of the cultural diversity we have.”

Meanwhile, Otumfuo urged them to assume their role as catalysts for development, offering unflinching support to the government of the day.

“Traditional rulers are catalysts for development. The government appoints Ministers, but they deal with you to bring development to your areas and people. You also must channel your people’s needs to the government.

“That cooperation will bring peace and cooperation to the people. That is what we do in Ghana, and I suggest you also support your government. Your duty is to support the government in bringing development to your people.”

His Majesty, in turn, affirmed the need for the government to respect the chieftaincy institution.

On his visit to Suriname, the Asantehene said it was to reinforce the existing ties between the Asante, Ghana and Suriname.

“When I came to visit you, I wanted you to know that I have my people here that I have not forgotten.”

His Majesty thus promised to frequent the country.

Story by Hajara Fuseini