Acknowledge Your Gov’t’s Shortcomings; Asantehene to Bawumia

The Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has counselled Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to acknowledge the shortcomings of his government in his campaign to win the confidence of electorates.

His Majesty noted that Ghanaians will criticize and hold him up for promises his government failed to honour if he decides to focus and sell just his vision for the Presidency.

Otumfuo stated that no government will be able to complete all roads and thereby effective communication of his vision will work for him in winning the trust of Ghanaians.

“You need to deliver your message effectively because there are other competitors. Be real in your promises and people will believe you can do it. No government can do the entire work. Others will come and continue from where you left off.

“Let Ghanaians know where you are leaving off with Nana Akufo-Addo and let Ghanaians know where you intend to continue to. Let the people know your shortfalls and tell them you will continue from there. By that, Ghanaians will gain trust in you. If you fail to acknowledge your shortcomings, they will mark you down,” Otumfuo said during a courtesy visit by Dr Bawumia on June 12, 2024.

The Vice President who is on a three-day campaign tour in the Ashanti Region, shared his campaign message with the Asantehene and sought his blessings and counsel.

He was accompanied to the Palace by National and Regional Executives of the party as well as some government officials including the NPP National Chairman, Stephen Ntim, the Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, MP for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, MP for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Sarfo and MP for Suame, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu.

The guests were received by Otumfuo together with the Kumasi Traditional Council.

Develop Ghana
The Vice President told Otumfuo his intention is to advance his vision for the country for development as he conceded there remains a lot of work to be done in the country.

“We (Akufo-Addo-led-government) have done a lot but there is still a lot of work to be done.”

One of his visions, he said, is to undertake enhanced railway system development to link ports and mining sites.

“The country is blessed with mineral resources like gold, bauxite and lithium and we can’t always depend on the trucks. I will collaborate with the private sector to construct them. There is the Boankra Inland Port here but it won’t be effective without the rails.”

He also informed the Asantehene about his intention to reduce energy costs by shifting to solar panels. Under this, he said, 2,000mg of solar power, approximately 50 per cent of total energy consumed in the country.

Other things he talked about included a collaboration with the private sector to reduce government expenditure, implementation of a flat tax system, involvement of chiefs in governance, review of Section 63 (d) of the Chieftaincy Act and the provision of digital skills to one million youth.

Stick to Promises
The Kontire Division promised to hold him accountable if he fails to deliver on the promises he has made to chiefs upon election.

“The last time we met at the Regional House, you promised to support chiefs, restore our power of summon, restore our power of consent and cost of living allowance. All these will require boldness to implement. Make sure you do as you have said when you get power.”

The Oyoko Division on its part called for decentralization of government powers while the Nkosuo Division urged him to fulfil his promises when he gains the mandate.

“You have a good message and must stick to the promises when you get elected. We will always be here to hold you accountable when you fail.”

Confidence
Otumfuo in his remarks expressed confidence in the Vice President and urged him to remain humble and respectful towards Ghanaians.

“All Ghana is seeking is development. The current government led by President Akufo-Addo will end its tenure very soon. It’s now time to prove the reason he chose you as his Vice; that trust he had that you could help him and that trust that he could train you to take over one day…If by God’s grace, Ghanaians give you the mandate, I know you can do it well.”

His Majesty also urged the entire party to support their flagbearer with their unflinching support and direction.

“He is human, when he errs, don’t fail to draw his attention and direct him toward the appropriate path. Prioritise the development of Ghana against personal interests.”