The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has reiterated his commitment to self-driven development initiatives, stressing the need for practical and timely solutions to address Ghana’s socio-economic challenges.
Speaking during a visit by the World Bank Vice President for Western and Central Africa, Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, the monarch emphasized the importance of reducing bureaucratic delays and prioritizing projects that directly benefit local communities.
Otumfuo expressed particular concern over the prolonged discussions on the Kumasi Rapid Transport System, which has been in planning stages since 2015.
“The bureaucracy is something I don’t like at all,” he said, pointing to the inefficiencies that delay critical development initiatives.
He underscored the need for a project office to be based in Kumasi and coordinated locally, instead of being managed remotely from Accra.
Addressing the ongoing energy challenges, Otumfuo highlighted the financial burden of excess energy payments, which now cost Ghana $1.5 million annually.
He recalled discussions from 2019, where he sought solutions to export surplus energy to neighboring countries such as Burkina Faso and Mali.
He urged the World Bank to revisit these conversations and support innovative solutions that could alleviate the strain on the national budget.
Otumfuo also pointed out the economic potential of infrastructure projects like the rapid transport system, which could significantly reduce transportation costs, create jobs, and enhance business efficiency in Kumasi.
He stressed that the city’s commercial vibrancy depends on robust infrastructure, calling for action to move beyond feasibility studies to tangible outcomes.
“We have the available human resources. KNUST is producing graduates every year, and if we have the infrastructure, everything will be fine,” he said.
Otumfuo declared his independence from political actors in driving development. “I cannot depend on the politicians for my development.
I don’t want to depend on them, so let’s have a social contract and then we do it,” he said, advocating for a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders.
He called on the World Bank to allocate funds to expedite these initiatives and pledged to engage with the project team directly to ensure progress.
“If I have to go to Accra or even Washington to defend this project, I will do it,” he assured.
“I cannot depend on the politicians for my development. I don’t want to depend on them, so let’s have a social contract and then we do it.” — Asantehene to the World Bank Vice President for Western and Central Africa#GraphicOnline #DailyGraphic pic.twitter.com/CyR0V8a1uE
— DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) January 11, 2025
