Otumfuo Weeps Over Population Explosion

THE ASANTEHENE, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has expressed concern about the population explosion in Ghana with its accompanied hardships.

He said since people had neglected to use the family planning methods available, the country’s population had swelled to an overwhelming level lately resulting in several societal problems including an upsurge in crime.

He made these remarks in a speech read on his behalf by the Akempimhene, Nana Aduse Poku, during the official launch of the SMIDO-Otumfuo Industrial Centre Project in Kumasi.

It is a multi-million dollar project being funded by DANIDA to transform Suame Magazine into a globally competitive modern industrial estate.

The Asantehene implored consequently Ghanaians to go back to practicing family planning to help curb the situation.

He was also not happy with parents who refused to take care of their children, a development which he noted normally forced young people to indulge in criminal activities.

Available statistics indicates that about 4.7 percent of school dropouts in the country usually ended up in the ghettos and tended to become armed robbers.

The estate is to be situated on a 1000 acre land at Atwima Nwabiagya and is aimed at making the Ashanti region, the industrial estate hub of Ghana.

Otumfuo noted that the project, an initiative of SMIDO would help to provide jobs for youth at the Atwima Nwabiagya district and the surrounding areas and also impart technological knowledge to artisans at Suame Magazine.

President of SMIDO, George Asamoah Amankwa, on his part, said the project would commence next month, adding that a team from Denmark was already in town to inspect the site.

He observed that the economy of Kumasi and the Ashanti region in general was struggling adding “it will only take a deep-seated and collective commitment by the leaders of Asanteman to salvage the situation.”

Mr. Asamoah noted the proposed project clearly fell in line with the Asantehene’s vision of “turning Asanteman into a technologically advanced region with improved health, educational and social services.”

Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Kwaku Agyeman Mensah, in a speech read on his behalf said government was determined and committed to helping make the project which had the potential to boost the country’s economy, a huge success.

He showered praises on Otumfuo, DANIDA and SMIDO for their efforts and vision which had the potential of creating jobs for the youth.