Ghana's leading monarch, the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has issued a strong call for a fundamental change in the nation's direction. He stated that Ghana has a history of broken promises. This comes as the country prepares to mark its 70th anniversary of independence in 2027. The Asantehene articulated his concerns at the Ghana Business Leaders Conclave held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA). He believes Ghana has confused political speeches for real progress. The king emphasized that good governance alone cannot save a nation. It needs strong business foundations to support its people.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II declared that Ghana must now become a nation composed of builders. He urged abandoning political slogans as the main focus. Instead, the country should prioritize enterprise. The conclave was part of UPSA's Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Otumfuo, an alumnus, played a role in establishing the Otumfuo Centre for Traditional Leadership which co-organized the event. His address highlighted a pattern of disappointment with leadership cycles in Ghana. Public hope at the start of new administrations often fades into disillusionment. He argued that trust in institutions has become too weak for real development. The solution, he stated, requires more than just better politicians. It needs a basic change in national purpose. This purpose must focus on production and creating value.
The Asantehene challenged Ghanaians to look beyond the independence narrative. They should question what it has truly achieved for ordinary citizens. He posed a crucial question: has independence led to prosperity in every home? Is there opportunity for every child? Does every citizen have dignity? His implicit answer was clear in his warning. Good governance, while important, is not enough. He explained that economic transformation does not come from elections or slogans. It comes from the discipline of building businesses. It also comes from creating value. He cited the United States, China, India, Singapore, and Vietnam as examples. These nations achieved prosperity through deliberate investment in enterprise, technology, and innovation. They did not achieve it through political superiority alone. He also distinguished between democracy as a system of government. He highlighted trust as the basis of a functioning society. Elections change leadership. However, only sustained credibility of institutions keeps societies together and moving forward.
The Asantehene then focused on business development. He urged political leaders to create a better environment for businesses to succeed. He stressed that national development depends on a strong private sector. Businesses are the engine of economic growth. Governments must create the conditions for them to grow. He emphasized the need for stable economic policies. Transparent regulations and predictable business conditions are also crucial. He warned that economic uncertainty, inconsistent policies, and bureaucratic hurdles hurt business growth. They also impact investor confidence. If businesses are uncertain about the future, they will hesitate to invest. This slowing of investment affects national development.
Otumfuo called for strong cooperation between the government and the private sector. This collaboration is needed to tackle unemployment. It will also improve economic productivity. The private sector cannot thrive without government backing. Likewise, the government cannot achieve economic transformation without a strong private sector. He encouraged business leaders to keep investing in innovation. Skills development and adding value are also important. These actions will improve Ghana's standing in the global economy. The conclave, part of UPSA's 60th anniversary, could be a turning point. Otumfuo sees potential for a genuine change in Ghana's national direction. However, he believes the real turning point will not come from a single event. It will come when Ghanaians stop talking about independence. They must start building on its foundation.