Otumfuo calls for unity among Ghanaians

Kumasi, Feb 1, GNA - Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, has urged Ghanaians to rise above tribal and ethnic tendencies and work together as one people to ensure the speedy growth and development of the country.

He said no tribe in the country was superior to the other and that any attempt by individuals or groups of people to fan tribal sentiments would spell the doom of the country.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu stated this at a durbar of chiefs of Asanteman to mark the 70th anniversary of the restoration of the Asante Confederacy in Kumasi on Monday.

The ceremony was in remembrance of the restoration of the Asante Kingdom by the British during the reign of Otumfuo Osei Agyeman Prempeh II in 1935.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu said since all tribes had agreed to come together to form the nation Ghanaians had the potential to contribute to the growth of the nation.

''What is important for Ghanaians today is how to improve education, health, environment and the general prosperity of the people and the nation.''

Otumfuo Osei Tutu told Asantes to see the Golden Stool as a symbol of unity and strength and strive to combine their resources and expertise together to help the growth and development of Asanteman and Ghana as a whole.

He cautioned chiefs in Asanteman against the wanton sale of lands and haphazard developments in their communities and said a committee would soon be set up to investigate the sale of lands in the region. Otumfuo Osei Tutu urged chiefs to rise up and initiate programmes that would benefit future generations.

Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, Mamponghene, said the restoration of the Asante Kingdom in 1935 was a victory for the people of Asante whose unity, strength and pride resided in the Golden Stool.

He said the celebration was to encourage the youth to be more committed to the unity and course of Asanteman.

Nana Otuo Serebour, Juabenhene, suggested the declaration of every January 31 as Asanteman Day to enable chiefs and other leaders of Asanteman to account for their stewardships to the people. He called on the Asantes to rally behind Otumfuo to enable him to achieve his objectives.

Osahene Kwaku Atakyi II, Kukuomhene, called on chiefs to create land banks to attract investors to their areas.