I Have Never Been A Politician – Otumfuo

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, says he has remained non-partisan in his role as a traditional ruler, explaining that his responsibility is to advise successive governments and serve as a father to all citizens.

He said the 1992 Constitution guarantees the institution of chieftaincy while restricting chiefs from active participation in partisan politics, a position he said he remains mindful of in carrying out his traditional responsibilities.

“In my position, I’m not a politician. I’ve never been a politician, and all that I do is to offer advice to the government of the day. If they take it, fine. If they don’t take it, I also cannot commend to anything,” he said.

Otumfuo made the remarks when the Chief Justice of The Gambia, Justice Edrissa M. O. Faal, accompanied by his spouse, Mrs Mariama Faal, and a delegation from The Gambia and the Ghana Bar Association, paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

He explained that the Constitution guarantees the institution of chieftaincy and debars chiefs from active participation in partisan politics, adding that he remained mindful of this restriction in the discharge of his traditional responsibilities.

“Fortunately, the Constitution guarantees the institution of chieftaincy. It also debars chiefs from getting into active party politics; therefore, I am very mindful of that,” he said.

The Asantehene added that remaining neutral was necessary for him to fulfil his role as a father to all citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations.

“I see myself as a father to everybody, and then the best that I can do for Ghana is to be neutral and then be able to play the fatherly role that is expected of me,” he said.

He further noted that he had dealt with successive presidents since the beginning of the Fourth Republic, offering advice to governments even when his views were not welcomed.

He said he continued to advise governments on what he considered right or wrong, while acknowledging that his advice was not always well received.

The visit also featured discussions on customary traditions, the administration of justice and longstanding ties between Ghana and The Gambia in legal training. The delegation toured the Manhyia Palace Museum before meeting the Asantehene, who congratulated Justice Faal on his appointment.