Otumfuo Urges Chiefs to Lead Local Development Efforts
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has charged traditional leaders in the Ashanti Region to move beyond merely observing, and actively participate in the execution of government development projects.
Addressing the final 2025 general meeting of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs in Kumasi on Friday, December 19, the Asantehene emphasized that the modern chief’s role extends beyond traditional duties, requiring them to champion the socio-economic progress of their communities.
Otumfuo expressed concern over the detachment some chiefs exhibit towards infrastructural and social interventions happening within their areas. He cautioned that relying solely on Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) can cause project delays, compromise quality, and ignore the real needs of the people.
Instead, the Asantehene urged chiefs to be the frontline of accountability, leveraging their enduring connection to the land. “We must reflect on our actions and inactions, mindful that we represent the people. There should be frequent engagements with MMDCEs and other government appointees to stay abreast of projects within our jurisdictions, make follow-ups, and offer meaningful contributions,” the Otumfuo stated. He added, “Chiefs must not sit back and wait for officials to visit before raising concerns or making inputs; rather, you must be proactive and fully involved in development processes.”
The Asantehene further stressed that a chief’s historical legacy will be judged not by the length of their reign, but by the tangible improvements made in the lives of their people. He encouraged financially capable chiefs to invest in vital community initiatives like clinics, schools, and sanitation facilities, highlighting the lasting impact of such interventions.
Recognizing the constitutional limitations preventing chiefs from engaging in partisan politics, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II promoted stronger collaboration with MMDAs to bridge the gap between traditional authority and the state’s administrative structures. He emphasized that chiefs’ input should be integral, not an afterthought, in the project planning stages.
As the 2025 administrative year concludes, the Asantehene’s message is intended as a guiding principle for the future. He tasked the House of Chiefs with prioritizing grassroots development initiatives and fostering the well-being of their communities, embracing their role as “developmental chiefs” accountable to their people.
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