Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has stated that Ghana is nowhere near economic independence after liberating itself from colonial rule some 67 years ago.
He sees that Ghana still requires the support of developed economies in making its way to economic independence, and thereby presently unrealistic is the mantra “Ghana Beyond Aid”.
As such he has called on the United States of America (USA) to render Ghana the needed technical and industrial assistance to enable the African country to stand on its own.
“We believe America should be looking more at our economy. I know the whole world is in some economic hardship but we will still count on the support in terms of technology to be able to develop while we also take steps to find and utilise our own resources.
“We haven’t gotten to the point where we will be independent so if you talk about Ghana Beyond Aid, we haven’t reached there yet so we will still count on your support, especially for the vulnerable where we can help them to stand on their own in education, technical training and investment. We have cheap labour. We have the personnel and if we can get the American companies to invest here, add value to our raw materials and export.”
His Majesty made the statement when the American Consul General in Ghana, Elliot Fertik paid a courtesy visit to him at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region on Friday, June 21, 2024.
Otumfuo in his appeal noted the assistance should not be politicized as some collaborations tend to.
“We are not talking about the politician, but we are talking about my people so let’s draw the line. I’ll be with my people, governments will come and go but so obviously if I’m talking about needing support for my people, we are looking at the longer term and that is the sort of the relationship I seek.”
The American for his part assured of his commitment to strengthening the already strong ties between the two countries and their people.
“The ties between Ghana and the United States are not just government-government ties. Much more important are the people-people ties. This is the only African country that I know of that has direct flights every day between the United States and Ghana and they are packed. The ties are already strong but the part I can play in making it even stronger is encouraging travel and trade and industry.’
H.E. Fertik’s visit to the Manhyia Palace marked his first visit to Kumasi, the country’s second capital. He used the occasion to wish the Asantehene well on his 25th Anniversary.
Source: Manhyia Palace
