Let’s Stay Politically Neutral to Preserve Dignity of Chieftaincy Institution- Otumfuo

The Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has encouraged traditional authorities to preserve the dignity and sacredness of the chieftaincy institution by avoiding partisanship.

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

Actively engaging in partisanship takes away respect, affecting relationships with opposing governments.

“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.”

The Asantehene further affirmed that the greatness of a traditional leader lies not in his cloths, ornaments, but in the development he spurs.

“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 and add to what was bequeathed to you.”

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.

Otumfuo said this when a delegation of the Greater Accra House of Chiefs led by the President, Oboade Notse Odaifio Welentsi III, who doubles as Nungua Mantse, visited the Manhyia Palace on January 30, 2026.

The visit was used to seek collaboration with the Asantehene to attract international investment, request Otumfuo’s inclusion in a proposed conflict adjudication committee for the Region, and extend an invitation to the 200th Anniversary of the Akatamanso War.

The delegation included Nene Tetteh Wakah III, the Vice President of the Greater Accra House of Chiefs; Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Paramount Chief of Ningo Traditional Area; Gbetsoolor Nii Ashitey Akomfra III, Paramount Chief of Teshie; and Tatse Nii Laryea Akuetteh X, the Paramount Chief of Katamanso.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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