The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, has stated his political neutrality as the occupant of the Golden Stool and thus reaffirmed his allegiance to Ghanaians.
The Asantehene told members of the Asante community in Toronto, Canada, on Saturday that his allegiance is to the people of Ghana and not to any political party, saying he works with every government chosen through democratic elections.
Otumfuo’s visit to Toronto forms part of a wider Canadian engagement focused on areas including trade, investment, green energy, and institutional partnerships. His position addresses public speculation about his political affiliation for which he has often been labelled and attached to a political party.
“Sometimes they would brand me as NDC, the next time they would say I am NPP; and in all, I say, I like it and would even add that I am CPP. I do this to ensure there is peace in Ghana,” he said.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu said his duty is to support Ghana’s elected leaders the reason he has advised successive presidents and is currently working with President John Dramani Mahama.
He added: “I work with whoever Ghanaians elect as President; I am now working with Mahama” and explained that “My conviction is that any government elected by the people of Ghana, I have to work with the President and offer him my advice on the quiet.”
The Asantehene explained that while some leaders accept to work with his counsel others may not, yet he has always chosen to provide advice privately rather than publicly criticise any president.
“Those who will listen, do listen; those who don’t listen, they don’t listen,” he said. “But I won’t say it in public that a President didn’t listen to my advice.”
During the weeklong visit to Canada, the Asantehene also encouraged members of the Ghanaian diaspora to remain connected to their cultural heritage and contribute positively as ambassadors of Ghana.
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