We Need Freedom From “Mental Slavery”- Asantehene

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, has asserted that the success of Africa and the Caribbean will depend on freedom from their “mental slavery”.

This, the King described as an attitude and mindset that “we have imposed on ourselves.”

His Majesty affirmed that this mentality sponsors thoughts that denigrate locals as inferior and the North as better and superior.

Addressing some audience at the University of the West Indies in Barbados on November 12, 2025, the Occupant of the Golden Stool said the canker, though abstract, is potent and all-encompassing.

“Mental slavery may be opaque and latent, but it is potent and all-encompassing, always hiding in plain sight in our communities, countries and regions.”

The Asantehene made these remarks while calling for initiatives that would boost south-south cooperation and aimed at forging better and stronger cooperation among developing countries, an alternative to dependence and overreliance on former colonial powers.

“The goal is to build a new destiny determined by and for the people of the Atlantic diaspora.”

Story by Hajara Fuseini