Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister has highlighted the crucial role of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in driving the region’s development agenda.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration between traditional leadership and government authorities to ensure the success of development projects.
Speaking during an interview on The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV, Dr Amoakohene expressed his commitment to involving the Asantehene and other paramount chiefs in the region’s development efforts.
Dr Amoakohene emphasised that district assemblies must work closely with traditional leaders to ensure the smooth implementation of development initiatives.
‘”I’m going to navigate it, thankfully, His Royal Majesty has leadership dominance within the region if not for anything and any vision he buys into, you can hardly question that decision. So I need to carry him especially along. Once he’s in sync with our developmental agenda, and knows that it will inure to the benefits of Asanteman, he would help bring all the others [chiefs] on board.
“District assemblies’ specific initiatives need to move the paramount chiefs within those areas along as well. The Municipal Metropolitan District Assemblies, I would make sure they carry the chiefs at those levels along. Once we’re able to do that, and they know that everything is in the interest of Asanteman. I’m very sure that they are going to help us succeed in the region. His Royal Majesty is much more interested in youth leadership and youth participation in governance.”
He recalled how the Asantehene provided invaluable advice following his nomination as Regional Minister.
“When the nomination came, we had an engagement, conversation, His Royal Majesty [Otumfuo Osei Tutu II] sat me down, advised me for hours, like being in a lecture hall. He’s a huge institution when you tap in, you can’t fail as a political leader. If you grow horns and think that you are above the world and the repository of knowledge, then you may fall on your own sod.”
He underscored the government’s recognition of the Asantehene’s influence and the critical role traditional leaders play in regional development.
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