The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has made a powerful call for deeper collaboration among African nations, urging leaders and citizens alike to prioritise intra-African trade, self-reliance, and strategic partnerships.
Speaking at the 58th Special Congregation of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the Asantehene emphasised that Africa holds the key to its own prosperity and must act boldly to shape its future.
“We must collaborate effectively as African nations,” Otumfuo stated. “We’ve held discussions on Ghana’s relations with Eswatini and South-South cooperation to explore stronger partnerships.”
He cautioned against continued dependency on the so-called “developed” world, especially in the face of global uncertainty, stating that Africa’s reliance on external powers has long hindered its progress.
“Our economies are in our hands—if we fail to act and continue relying on the developed world, we risk stagnation. Africa must come first.”
Otumfuo highlighted Africa’s wealth in natural resources, human capital, and intellectual strength, pointing to the capable young graduates present at the ceremony as evidence of the continent’s untapped potential.
“Look at the graduates here today—there’s nothing they cannot achieve. The question is: What are we lacking to motivate them?” he asked.
The Asantehene called for deliberate investment in local talent and production capacity.
He encouraged the empowerment of Ghanaian and African engineers, lecturers, and professionals to develop homegrown solutions.
“We must empower our engineers to manufacture what we need locally. Our professors and lecturers are brimming with knowledge—we have the capacity to make this happen.”
“Let us challenge ourselves as Africans, as Ghanaians, and work together to build our future.”
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com
