President John Dramani Mahama has appealed to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to leverage his influence in supporting efforts to address Ghana’s economic challenges.
During a visit to the Manhyia Palace, President Mahama praised the Asantehene for his pivotal role in fostering economic growth during his previous administration.
He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing development in the Ashanti Region, pledging to complete stalled and abandoned infrastructure projects, particularly in the healthcare sector.
Speaking at the first Akwasidae celebration at the Manhyia Palace on January 19, Mahama said, “Our nation Ghana is facing a dire economic crisis, while this is not the first time we have been in such a crisis. This particular crisis is characterised by a high rate of inflation, macroeconomic instability, a depreciating currency, and a debt default which has shut us out of the international credit market.
“It’s a more daunting challenge than we have ever experienced in our history. Your Royal Majesty, as a former president between 2013 and 2017, we faced macroeconomic instability and I remember some of the times we had obstacles in our way of bringing stability to our economy and restoring economic growth.
“I had the privilege of calling on you to use your influence and diplomacy to smoothen the path so that it could open up the path towards prosperity and progress and anytime I called on you, you didn’t hesitate. And I would like to thank you for your cooperation I enjoyed with you at that time.
“As we have inherited a difficult economic situation, I will be calling on you again from time to time. And I know that anytime I call on you, you will not hesitate so that we work together to put our nation back on its feet.”
On his part, Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, urged President Mahama to fulfil all promises made to Ghanaians.
The paramount Chief of Mampong Traditional Area, Dasebre Osei Bonsu II, spoke on behalf of the Asantehene, stating, “We would like you to please remember always the undertakings and promises you have made. I implore you to fulfil all your promises to us in the great Asante Kingdom.
“We have absolute trust in you that you shall not let us down. All ongoing developmental projects within the kingdom and across all kingdoms, you will fulfil them.”
