Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Calls for Proactive Chiefs to Drive Local Development

Introduction

In a powerful address that bridges ancient tradition with modern governance, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has issued a clarion call to the chiefs across the Ashanti Region. Speaking during the 2025 General Assembly of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs in Kumasi, the monarch challenged traditional authorities to move beyond ceremonial roles and embrace active participation in local governance. This pivotal speech advocates for a paradigm shift where chiefs act as the primary watchdogs and project managers for socio-economic development, ensuring that government initiatives truly benefit the communities they serve.

Key Points

Background

The Role of Chieftaincy in Ghana

The institution of chieftaincy in Ghana, particularly within the Ashanti Region, is deeply rooted in history, serving as the custodian of land, culture, and the people. Under the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, chiefs are recognized as the natural rulers of their communities. However, the Constitution explicitly forbids chiefs from engaging in active partisan politics. This creates a unique governance landscape where traditional authorities must navigate a non-partisan yet influential role in national development.

The 2025 Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs Assembly

The setting for this significant announcement was the 2025 General Assembly of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs, held in Kumasi on Friday, December 19. This annual gathering serves as a critical platform for traditional leaders to deliberate on regional issues, review the performance of local governance, and map out strategies for community advancement. It was here that the Asantehene chose to address the disconnect often observed between government projects and community realities.

Analysis

From Passive Watchers to “Project Managers”

The Asantehene’s description of the chief as a “project manager” is a profound redefinition of the traditional role. Historically, the chieftaincy institution focused on dispute resolution, cultural preservation, and spiritual leadership. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II argues that in modern Ghana, these duties must expand to include the oversight of physical infrastructure and social intervention programs. This shift is necessary because political appointees, such as MMDCEs, often change with government transitions, leaving a vacuum of continuity. Chiefs, as permanent custodians of the land, provide the stability required to see long-term projects through to completion.

The Problem of “Disconnect” in Local Governance

A central theme in the Asantehene’s speech was the “disconnect” between political appointees and the true needs of the community. In many districts across Ghana, it is not uncommon for infrastructure projects—such as classroom blocks, boreholes, or roads—to be abandoned or executed with substandard materials. The Asantehene posits that this often happens because there is no effective local supervision. By the time community members raise concerns, the contractors have often left, and the political appointees have moved on. The call for chiefs to “stay abreast of projects” is a demand for a preventative approach to corruption and inefficiency.

Redefining Legacy: Impact Over Duration

Perhaps the most poignant part of the analysis is the Asantehene’s warning regarding legacy. He stated that history will judge leaders not by the “length of their reign” or the “height of their stools,” but by the “tangible improvements” brought to their people. This is a direct challenge to the vanity that can sometimes permeate traditional leadership. It suggests that a successful chief in the 21st century is one who can point to a new clinic, a functioning school, or a sanitized community, rather than one who simply presided over a long period of stagnation.

Practical Advice

How Chiefs Can Implement the Asantehene’s Vision

To translate the Asantehene’s call into reality, traditional authorities can adopt the following practical steps:

1. Establish a Development Committee: Every Traditional Council should have a dedicated development committee tasked specifically with tracking MMDA projects. This committee should meet monthly to review progress reports.
2. Formalize Feedback Loops: Chiefs should write formal letters to MMDCEs requesting quarterly updates on projects. This creates a paper trail and holds political appointees accountable.
3. Leverage Traditional Councils: Use the platform of the Regional House of Chiefs to collectively address systemic issues with specific districts rather than relying on individual complaints.
4. Encourage Private-Public Partnerships: Chiefs with resources should lead by example. By building a community center or funding a small clinic, they demonstrate the viability of “traditional innovation tools” and inspire others.

Engaging MMDCEs Effectively

Effective engagement requires more than just social visits. Chiefs are advised to invite MMDCEs to assembly meetings to present progress reports. If a project is delayed, the chief should facilitate a meeting between the community elders and the contractor to understand the bottlenecks. The goal is to be a partner in development, not just a critic.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Asantehene’s message is a transformative blueprint for the chieftaincy institution in Ghana. By calling on chiefs to become proactive “project managers,” Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is bridging the gap between the state’s decentralized governance and the enduring power of traditional authority. This mandate challenges traditional leaders to define their legacies by the tangible impact they have on their communities. As the House of Chiefs pledges to embrace this “developmental” role, the hope is for a future where government projects are not just initiated, but successfully completed and maintained for the benefit of the Ghanaian people.