Why Otumfuo Boycotted Foreign Engineers For installation Of Equipment At His Factory
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has boycotted the idea of flying in Bangladeshis to Ghana to install some equipment for his fruit processing factory in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti region.
This was shared during the induction of the first Vice Chancellor of the Akenteng Appiah-Minka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AMUSTED) on May 26, 2023.
He said when he was informed about the idea of bringing foreigners to install some machines at his factory- the Bodukwan Multi Fruit Processing Factory- he firmly resisted and demanded the indulgence of Ghanaians instead.
“I’m building a juice factory and they had to bring people from Bangladesh to come and install the machines. When I was informed, I told them, ‘No. I’m not happy with that. We can get some people here to do it’.
“They said the machine was imported {and needed foreigners to install}. I said no. You cannot bring 12, 15 people from Bangladesh to install a machine when I can get people here.”
He said he gave them the option to get some students of the Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) for the work.
“I directed them to the Kumasi Technical University (KTI) to get people from there. Maybe we can come to AAMUSTED to get the students and teachers to do it.”
Asantehene is of the firm conviction that Ghanaians are capable and must be given the opportunity.
The King has on that note offered his two processing factories- Bodukwan Multi Fruit Processing Factory and Bodukwan Jute Factory both located at Sabin Akrofrom- to AMUSTED for free practicals.
“I’m going to engage you. Train and bring your students there, let them come and do practicals there. Bring the students you are teaching there,” he told the management of the institution.
