Should The Asantehene Be Blamed For Lack Of Development In Asanteman?
Otumfuor Osei Tutu II, Asantehene
In recent times, there have been a barrage of unfair criticism directed at the Asantehene Otumfuor Osei Tutu II, blaming the monarch for the seeming lack of development in Asanteman.
Some have accused the King of doing little to improve the living conditions of his people, the largest ethnic group in Ghana. Others have even levelled unsubstantiated allegations of corruption against the respected monarch. But, are the allegations fair?
As an Asante myself, I believe the development of a kingdom involves many factors and complexities, and it is not fair to place the sole responsibility of development on one individual. Additionally, it is important to consider the context and the various efforts that have been made towards development. It is up to the people of the kingdom and their representatives to evaluate the Asantehene’s performance and hold him accountable as necessary.
The Asante monarchy remains a significant cultural and historical institution in modern-day Ghana. The Asante people have a rich cultural heritage, and our traditional leaders continue to play important roles in preserving and promoting our culture and traditions.
The Asantehene, who is the king of the Asante kingdom, serves as a symbol of unity and leadership for the Asante people, and he plays an important role in maintaining social cohesion within the kingdom. The Asantehene also serves as a custodian of traditional customs and practices, and he has the authority to mediate disputes and resolve conflicts among the people.
It is a known fact that the Asante kingdom is home to many natural resources such as gold, cocoa, and timber, which are important contributors to the Ghanaian economy. However, I am of the opinion that It may not be entirely fair to criticize a traditional ruler for not developing their kingdom when the control of these natural resources and taxes is outside of their jurisdiction and under the purview of the political government. While traditional rulers may play important roles in promoting social cohesion and preserving cultural heritage, they may have limited control over economic and political affairs, particularly in countries where political power is centralized.
Therefore, it may be more productive to encourage collaboration between traditional rulers and political leaders to promote development, rather than solely blaming one group or the other. By working together, they can create policies and initiatives that benefit the entire kingdom or nation, and ensure that natural resources and taxes are managed in a way that benefits all citizens.