I’ve Inherited a Dire Economy and Will Need Your Help; Mahama to Asantehene

President John Dramani Mahama has implored the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to once again put at his disposal, his diplomatic influence as he enters uncharted waters.

The country’s sixth President foresees difficult moments in his administration as he says he has inherited a “dire economic crisis”.

He believes he will be able to surmount all the hurdles and challenges with the intervention of the Asantehene.

Speaking at the first Akwasidae Festival at the Manhyia Palace on January 19, 2025, he outlined some harsh realities he is facing.

“Your Majesty, our nation Ghana is facing a dire economic crisis. While this is not the first time that we have been in such a crisis, this particular crisis is characterised by a high rate of inflation, macroeconomic instability, depreciating currency and above all a debt default which has shut us out of the international credit market is a more daunting challenge that we have ever experienced in our history.”

He therefore pleaded with the King to offer him his diplomatic influence as in his previous administration.

“Your Majesty, as we have inherited a difficult situation, I will be calling on you again from time to time and I know that when I call on you, you will not hesitate so that we can work together and put our nation Ghana back on its feet.”

President Mahama took over from Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on January 7, 2025, following his emphatic victory in the December 2024 Presidential Election.

He joined the Akwasidae Festival held at the Dwabrem grounds of the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Sunday where he was accompanied by government officials and the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Among them were NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, Ashanti Regional Minister-designate, Frank Amoakohene, NDC Ashanti Regional Chairman, Augustus Nana Akwasi Andrews, Former Attorney-General, Betty Mould Iddrisu and the brother of the President, Ibrahim Mahama.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini