The Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has proposed partnerships with stakeholders including the public and the private sectors as a more suitable and effective means to make the objective of Rotary International District 9104 more impactful.
He was speaking at the first conference of the District on April 12, 2024, at the Golden Bean Hotel in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.
The conference under the theme “Rotary, Creating Hope for Ghana” was attended by dignitaries including the Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akufo Dampare, Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon Simon Osei Mensah and the General Commanding Officer of the Central Command, Brig Gen Michael Opoku.
Other dignitaries included Rotary International President Representative, Drew Kessler, the Governor of Rotary District 9104, Mr David Osei Amankwah Junior and Past Rotary International Director (PRID), Mr. Sam Okudzeto.
Opening the Conference PDD Jefferey Afful, the Chairman of the event said the theme resonates with Rotary International’s broader aim of the year in restoring hope to the world and leading the world from destructive conflict.
“Indeed, we can create hope in Ghana and the world when peace which is the precursor to sustainable change and development exists.”
He also explained Rotary District Conference is an annual flagship event of Rotary Districts which brings together members and community leaders in a district to inspire greater development with Rotary and showcase the impact of Rotary to the world.
PDD Afful further called the conference in Kumasi historical, noting, “It is the first district conference for our new Ghana district and the first district conference outside Accra in the 65 years history of Rotary in Ghana”.
For his part, Rotary International President Representative, Drew Kessler conveyed the felicitations of Rotary International President, Gordon R. Mclnally.
Adding his voice, Hon Simon Osei Mensah stated that Rotary’s principle of service above self is a guiding principle that resonates deeply with the value of the region.
He said such efforts alongside that of the government are imperative to create a world where people flourish, with all valued, respected and loved.
“As members, you are bound together by a common purpose, provide service to others, promote integrity and goodwill and peace. I am deeply committed to this noble cause that the organization champion since it is every government’s desire to provide the basic societal needs for its citizens. In a time of uncertainties and challenges, it is imperative that we come together and cultivate the spirit of resilience, compassion and unwavering optimism.”
Recognition
Otumfuo in his speech acknowledged the enormous contribution of the club to making the world a better place through humanitarian projects aimed at creating hope for the helpless and hopeless.
He lauded their impact in the fight against polio, providing sustainable water solutions, improving sanitation, brightening up the future of the youth in the construction of schools and the award of scholarships to students.
He also commended the club’s record in contributing to the economy through their initiatives in microfinance, vocational training, and agricultural support which he noted have catalysed economic growth, job creation, and self-sufficiency.
Do More
Highlighting the theme for the conference, His Majesty called for reinforced efforts with the club taking centre stage in Ghana’s journey towards socio-economic development through initiatives geared at fostering environmental sustainability, equitable education, and broad economic opportunities, paving the way for a prosperous future for all Ghanaians.
“Focusing on youth leadership and entrepreneurship promises to unlock the immense potential of Ghana’s vibrant youth, driving innovation and progress. Addressing health challenges beyond polio, including malaria, HIV/AIDS, and new emerging health concerns, remains imperative. Rotary’s continued efforts are essential in building robust healthcare systems accessible to all.”
Alliance
He said the club will be more impactful in surmounting the complex challenges the country faces through collaborative efforts.
“Rotary can magnify its impact by forging stronger bonds with government, the private sector, and civil society, achieving sustainable and impactful outcomes.”
He also assured the club of his assistance and partnership in the area of quality healthcare delivery.
“I assure you of my partnership with your forward-looking and solution-driven organisation to create hope through projects, especially in the health sector. I have engaged in conversation with the District Governor and I am confident in the excellent collaboration ahead of us.”
Accountability
Rendering accounts of his stewardship within his first year, the Governor of Rotary District 9104, Mr Amakwah said the district holds a membership base of 1,849 and is well on track to achieve the targeted 2,000 this year.
Meanwhile, he mulled over the fact that the membership base of the club has a youth percentage of only 25% and called for more hands on deck to attract the youth.
He said three more clubs (Dunkwaw, Achimota and Accra Airport enclave) have been chartered with five more (Navrongo, Kumasi Premier, Accra Central, Accra Odadie Ahoga and Bogoso) under consideration.
Among projects, innovations and initiatives the district is spearheading under his leadership are reproductive and maternal healthcare, learning seminars, the launch of a district website and newsletter, collaboration with the press corps, social media presence, tree planting, vaccine Shelter project, district wash project and facilitation of heart surgery for kids.
Other projects he outlined included, a mental health helpline for rotarians, friendship exchange programmes and a donation of GHc100,000 to the victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage.
Source: Manhyia Palace
