I work with every president elected by Ghanaians - Otumfuo reaffirms neutral role

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has reaffirmed his non-partisan stance, stressing that his role is to work with any government chosen by the people of Ghana.

Speaking during his recent visit to Canada, as captured in a video shared by Manhyia Palace on X on June 21, 2026, Otumfuo emphasised that his commitment has always been to the peace and stability of the nation, not partisan politics.

“I am not involved in partisan politics in Ghana. My role has always been to work with every president elected by the people,” he stated.

He recalled his long history of collaboration with successive leaders, beginning with former Presidents Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor, John Atta Mills, John Dramani Mahama, and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Otumfuo departs Ghana for an official foreign visit

“In 1999, I worked with President Jerry John Rawlings. I later supported President John Agyekum Kufuor during his tenure. When President John Atta Mills took office, I worked with him as well, and continued under President John Dramani Mahama. I also worked with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and then again with President Mahama,” Otumfuo explained.

Otumfuo further said that while some leaders have taken his advice and others have not, he does not make public pronouncements about his engagements with governments.

“My responsibility is to serve and support whichever government Ghanaians choose through the ballot box. Some leaders take my advice, others do not, and that is their prerogative. I do not make public announcements about this work, yet I am sometimes labeled as NDC or at other times as NPP. I have no issue with such perceptions. My guiding principle is simple: everything I do is for the peace and stability of Ghana,” he declared.

LIVESTREAMED: Otumfuo interacts with the Asante community in Canada

The remarks came as Otumfuo served as Special Guest of Honour at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Business Summit in Toronto.

His visit focused on forging cultural, diplomatic, educational, and business partnerships between the Asante Kingdom, Ghana, and international stakeholders, including the Ghanaian diaspora in Canada.

He was accompanied by high-level dignitaries, including Canada’s High Commissioner to Ghana, HE Myriam Montrat, and Ghana’s High Commissioner to Canada, HE Professor Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh.

I am not a politician. I work with and offer guidance to every political party that assumes the Presidency of Ghana, with the sole aim of promoting national development and the welfare of the Ghanaian people - Otumfuo.#manhyiapalace pic.twitter.com/x0KPotnJMn

— Manhyia Palace (@ManhyiaPalace) June 21, 2026