President John Dramani Mahama has called on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to lend his influence and support in addressing Ghana’s ongoing economic challenges.
Speaking during a visit to the Manhyia Palace at the first Akwasidae celebration on January 19, President Mahama acknowledged the critical economic situation facing the nation, marked by high inflation, macroeconomic instability, a depreciating currency, and a debt default that has restricted access to international credit markets.
“Our nation Ghana is facing a dire economic crisis,” Mahama stated. “While this is not the first time we have been in such a crisis, this particular one is more daunting than we have ever experienced in our history.”
Reflecting on his previous tenure as president from 2013 to 2017, Mahama praised the Asantehene for his invaluable cooperation during past economic challenges, emphasizing the monarch’s role in fostering stability and growth. “I had the privilege of calling on you to use your influence and diplomacy to smoothen the path towards prosperity and progress, and anytime I called on you, you didn’t hesitate,” he said.
Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to advancing development in the Ashanti Region, pledging to complete stalled and abandoned infrastructure projects, particularly in healthcare. He assured the Asantehene of continued collaboration to restore Ghana’s economy, adding, “I will be calling on you again from time to time… so that we work together to put our nation back on its feet.”
In response, the Asantehene, through the Paramount Chief of the Mampong Traditional Area, Dasebre Osei Bonsu II, urged President Mahama to fulfil all promises made to Ghanaians.
“We would like you to please remember always the undertakings and promises you have made,” the Asantehene’s representative stated. “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.”
The interaction underscores the importance of partnerships between traditional authorities and the government in addressing national challenges and promoting development, particularly during critical economic periods.