The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has declared that businesses built on dishonesty pose a grave danger to Ghana’s economy. He stated this at the Ghana Business Leaders Conclave held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra. The respected monarch stressed that leaders who lack humility are demonstrating pure arrogance. He warned that sustainable businesses cannot prosper without trust from the public.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II explained that trust is the bedrock of all commerce. He recalled a time when a person's word was their unbreakable contract. Integrity, he said, involves daily actions, not just grand ideas. It is about how leaders act when no one is watching. It is about their decisions when profits are on the line. He referenced six core values of integrity: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, and courage. The Asantehene noted these universal values align with Ghana’s own traditions.
His Royal Majesty cautioned business executives against harmful practices like evading taxes and exploiting workers. He stated that honest business leaders do not take shortcuts. They do not cheat the state and then complain about a weak nation. Dishonesty at the top sadly trickles down through entire organisations. If a manager tells staff to cut corners for the company, those workers will eventually cut corners for themselves. This undermines the entire system.
The Asantehene also criticised prideful management styles. He observed that many companies suffer from avoidable conflicts. These stem from ego-driven leadership, he noted. Arrogance is not leadership; it is a roadblock to harmony. A chief executive must not believe they possess all the wisdom alone. He urged leaders in public and private sectors to be humble. Institutional success, he explained, depends on the combined efforts of many people.
Ghana’s private sector requires more support and stimulation. However, private companies must uphold ethical standards. This is essential for gaining public trust and achieving long-term growth. The monarch concluded that prosperity achieved without ethics is inherently fragile. These remarks were made on May 16, 2026.