Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has tasked the government of Ghana to protect Ghanaian businesses as well as create jobs for the youth for economic sustainability.
According to him, the government’s numerous palliative financial policy measures to alleviate the dismal plight of distressed companies and the pragmatic approach of the government to handle the current precarious economic climate is laudable.
Otumfuo, however, encouraged the government not to relent in its efforts in tackling the challenges with all human, technical and financial resources at its disposal.
The occasion was the joint 21st Edition of the Ashanti Business and Financial Services Excellence Award and 10th Ashanti Business Leaders Excellence Awards organized by TOP BRAZZ Ghana, under the auspices of the Manhyia Palace.
It was to commemorate the Silver Jubilee celebration of Otumfuo, organised last week Friday, May 3, 2024 in Kumasi
The event was initiated as part of Otumfuo’s strategy for improving the local economy on his ascension to the Golden Stool, and has since 2004 mandated the institution to confer two Excellence Awards on a number of deserving business enterprises and financial institutions.
The initiative was given a boost from the conviction that behind every successful business, there is a dynamic, enterprising and illustrious businessman or woman who must be recognised and honoured for their outstanding contributions to the economic development of the Ashanti region.
Nana Kwaku Amankwah Sarkodie, Sewuahene, who represented the Asantehene at the Awards noted that it was reassuring that government itself recognised the potential of Ghana achieving self-sufficient in poultry production, for which the government, a few years ago, injected about GH¢10 million into the poultry industry to ensure its revival and sustainability.
Otumfuo expressed his support to government for its ongoing efforts at creating a conducive environment, including financial assistance in which the poultry can thrive.
The Asantehene bemoaned the marginalisation of Africa in the World Economic Order and emphasised that, on the contrary, Africa deserved to be at the centre of the global economy, in view of the continent’s unparalleled endowment of natural resources.
Otumfuo observed that Africa’s predicament is as a result of the lack of self-confidence and the pervasive acceptance of foreign values.
He regretted  that despite the prevailing daunting economic environment, a plethora of enterprises, particularly Micro, Small to Medium Enterprises, have collapsed culminating in the loss of thousands of jobs.
