Greater Accra Chiefs Seek Alliance with Asantehene for Development

Paramountcies in the Greater Accra Region have unanimously sought an alliance with the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in the quest to spur development in individual jurisdictions and towards the collective advancement of Ghana.

The traditional leaders, through the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, put their desires and requests before the Asantehene during a visit to the Manhyia Palace on Friday, January 30, 2026.

The delegation representing the House was led by the President, Oboade Notse Odaifio Welentsi III, who doubles as Nungua Mantse.

Laying ground for the engagement, the Nungua Mantse referenced, “If you want to be great, affiliate with great men.”

He further highlighted the constitution’s recognition of the Asantehene’s unique status, setting him apart from other paramount chiefs in Ghana.

“The constitution statement, ‘Paramount chiefs and the Asantehene, ’ makes Otumfuo distinguished, and that is why we are here to seek his assistance.”

International Investment
Highlighting the Asantehene’s rich diplomatic connections, he requested a collaboration to attract investment to their jurisdiction, which he touted to be endowed with vast, untapped land.

“With Otumfuo’s global affiliation, he is the best to lead us to go get investors to develop industries. Prampram and Nigo have vast land that can be used to undertake developmental projects, while dealing with the indiscriminate sale of land.”

Invitation to Akatamanso War Anniversary
Oboade further extended an invitation to the Asantehene to mark the 200th Anniversary of the Katamanso War fought between Asantes and the Ga-Dangmes with the support of the British soldiers and other tribes and Africans.

According to him, the anniversary should be used to bury the past and mark the beginning of friendship.

Dispute Resolution Committee
Another issue of importance that formed part of the purpose of the courtesy visit was a proposed Dispute Resolution Committee spearheaded by the Asantehene.

The President of the Greater Accra Regional House expressed concerns about numerous chieftaincy conflicts bedevilling the region and further referenced successful adjudications and mediations undertaken by Otumfuo.

“We want to constitute a committee with Otumfuo to adjudicate chieftaincy disputes in the Greater Accra Region. Otumfuo has resolved chieftaincy disputes in the northern part of the country, and so those of us here who are near can also benefit.”

Willingness
In his remarks, the Monarch agreed to help the House in attracting investors, noting that the development of the region benefits the entire country and honours him.

“Yes, I do have the contacts, and I can get them to invest. We will have to arrange a trip and invite some of you to go.”

Dignity of Chieftaincy
The Asantehene called for the preservation of the dignity and respect of the chieftaincy institution.

This, His Majesty stated, was a responsibility that must be upheld as the development of Ghana partly depends on the institution.

“When we do things well, we will be accorded the needed respect by subsequent governments. Chieftaincy goes beyond regalia. It does not lie in the cloth and titles we bear but in the ability to attract development for our people.”

Otumfuo was quick to acknowledge the lack of state funds to undertake developmental projects; however, he suggested a collaboration between Traditional Councils and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to demand development from the government, which receives taxes from the people.

One way to achieve this, His Majesty said, was to be non-partisan.

“Chiefs must stay immune to politics. Affiliating with a political party will dent the chieftaincy institution. You earn respect from every government that comes into power when you are immune.”

No Difference
The Asantehene further discounted perceptions of any differences between Asantes and Ga-Dangmes.

Recounting the history of the Katamanso War, Otumfuo noted that it was not between Asantes and the Gas.

“If you look at the war we fought during the era of Nana Osei Yaw Akoto, it was not with the Ga-Dangme. The British brought in people from Nigeria and other parts of the continent, and the Asantes were defeated.”

While setting the record straight, His Majesty posited that there is no enmity between the two ethnic groups as a result of the war.

“I don’t want Accra or Ghana. I am content with what God apportioned to me, and that is what I make sure to preserve and sustain.”

Truth
With the issue of numerous chieftaincy conflicts in the Region, Otumfuo noted that a resolution will prove successful when honesty and truth prevail.

According to the Occupant of the Golden Stool, history and customs will lead to the truth, aiding resolution.

This, Otumfuo said, must be the blueprint for resolving chieftaincy conflict.

Falling on the laid down land sale arrangements within Asanteman, Otumfuo proposed a rearrangement in the Greater Accra Region.

This will address multiple land sales.

No Side Taking

Citing disagreement between some paramount chiefs in the Greater Accra Region, Otumfuo affirmed his neutrality.

“I take no sides,” the Asantehene emphasised.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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