Don’t Use Your Positions to Settle Personal Scores; Otumfuo to Govt Appointees

The King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has discouraged government appointees from exploiting their positions for personal vendettas.

During a visit to the Jubilee House on June 2, 2025, Otumfuo met the President, HE John Dramani Mahama, the Vice president, HE Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, and government officials.

His Majesty urged them to prioritise the interest of the country and share in the Head of State’s resetting vision.

“Never forget the purpose of your appointment. You are here to help the President. Don’t let power get into your head. You know the challenges he faced to get here. Don’t be arrogant. Use honesty and integrity to help the President… Don’t use your appointment to settle personal scores. Focus on the mandate you’ve been given.”

His Majesty reminded them that their time in office is limited and accountability is inevitable.

“Accountability will soon be here. Four years is not too long.”

Otumfuo noted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the entire government will be draped in honour if they focus on resetting the country as promised.

He described the governance of President Mahama in the last six months as meticulous.

“I have been following him keenly and he has been meticulous in his governance so far. I pray that God helps you to do your work.”

His Majesty was, however, quick to acknowledge that the country was not out of the woods yet as a herculean task lay ahead. That said, Otumfuo assured him of his unflinching support.

“You are not through the woods yet. A lot lies ahead. The trust of Ghanaians entails that you work hard. Though you can’t do everything, be bold and do what is within your means. Be assured that my prayers will be with you always. God will have your back. Ghanaians voted for you and have entrusted the nation to you so I will support you with every possible assistance to help your administration.”

Additionally, Otumfuo counselled the President against getting drunk with power.

“I indeed know you. In your second coming don’t change. Don’t let power get hold of you to become arrogant.”

For his part, President Mahama called the visit a powerful reaffirmation of the enduring bond between the institution of traditional authority and the democratic governance of Ghana.

“Your Majesty, your presence here today and your beautiful and large retinue bring to bear the timeless wisdom of the Golden Stool, the integrity of your reign and the collective dignity of the Asante Kingdom and the entire chieftaincy institution. We are deeply honoured to welcome you here today.”

Chronicling the evident contribution of the Asantehene to national development, the President said they were acts of nation-building and not just service.

“They reflect your deep understanding that Ghana’s progress depends on our ability to live together in unity, mutual respect and justice.

President Mahama in his remarks noted that the wisdom of the Monarch will be much desired in his governance.

“As we work to restore economic stability, create decent jobs through the 24-hour economy initiative and ensure fairness in the distribution of national resources we will rely on your wise counsels and the grassroots of your traditional authority. You, Your Majesty, have shown that traditional leadership is not only compatible with democratic progress but is indispensable to it.”

Promises
President Mahama as part of his commitments to the King said he would incorporate the authority and development roles of chiefs in governance through the review of the constitution and yet to be constituted National Advisory Council.

“We do not see traditional leadership as relics of the past but as essential partners in shaping our nation’s future.”

In terms of infrastructure development, he pledged to upgrade the general Infrastructure of the Ashanti Region through the Big Push infrastructure programme. He named the Accra-Kumasi expressway, the Kumasi Outer Ring road project and the Kumasi city traffic improvement programme as beneficiary projects in the Ashanti Region.

He also committed to completing Phase II of the Kejetia Market project, the Suame Interchange and associated bridges, the Sewua Hospital, Afari Military Hospitals and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Maternity and Children’s Blocks.

Additionally, he promised to extend the runway at Prempeh II Airport to accommodate bigger and wider aircraft.

Source: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/