Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has urged Ghana to shift its national focus from political talk to building businesses. He stated that decades of political preoccupation have slowed the nation’s progress. The traditional leader spoke at the Ghana Business Leaders Conclave in Accra.
The Asantehene believes Ghana's future wealth depends on a strong business culture. This culture needs hard work, discipline, and new ideas. He told business leaders, students, and policymakers that a nation's true progress shows in its economy. The economy dictates how well citizens are fed, housed, clothed, educated, and cared for. It also ensures their safety.
Every Ghanaian desires a better future. However, the country must face the reasons that have hindered its development. The Asantehene noted that the past decades were too focused on politics. Sometimes, he added, this involved politicians who did not build nations. He observed that loyalty to political parties often outweighed loyalty to the nation itself.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II pointed out that politicians are often celebrated. However, entrepreneurs, innovators, and hardworking people are not recognized enough. These individuals are the ones who drive economic growth. He said, "We have sung the praises of politicians and ignored those whose toil, innovation, and enterprise drive nations forward." It is time for Ghana to move past speeches and promises. The nation must concentrate on productive economic activities. He declared, "After almost 70 years, the lesson is clear. We have had enough of talk." Ghana needs to become a nation of builders, moving from slogans to production.
Ghanaians should embrace entrepreneurship and value creation. They should move away from dependence and constant complaints. The Asantehene advised, "We must move from lamentation to enterprise. We must move from dependency to value creation." He called the coming years critical for Ghana's economic transformation. A collective national effort is needed to build a resilient economy. He called the next decade "the decade of business." It must be a time for all energies to focus on building a strong, ethical, and sustainable economy.
While the government's role in policy is important, citizens and businesses also have duties. "Our political leaders must continue to create the right environment, provide the right policy framework, and ensure stability," he stated. But, he added, the responsibility to create, innovate, build businesses, and add value to resources also rests with citizens and institutions. The Asantehene cited countries like the United States, China, and Singapore. He noted their prosperity is largely driven by innovation and enterprise.