Politicians Think About Elections, But I Think About Next Generation – Otumfuo

The Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, says the next generation is his priority in every decision he makes, drawing a sharp line between political cycles and national development.

Addressing an audience at the Top Charity Gala 2026 in Poland on May 30, 2026, as Guest of Honour, Otumfuo noted that while politicians plan around elections, his focus has always been fixed on the welfare of the next generation.

Commending the organisers of the charity event and its sponsors, Otumfuo underscored the importance of prioritising the needs of the underprivileged in society.

The King affirmed that it is imperative for the privileged to help the underprivileged.

“Because when we get to positions where we know we’ve made it, we have to think about the people that haven’t. How best can we help the underprivileged?” he asked.

His Majesty stated that the privileged in society will bear the brunt of the impact of not helping the underprivileged in offering them a better life.

“I know that they are doing it for humanity, and if we don’t support those who are not privileged to have access to education, health and everything else, it turns around to affect us,” he said.

“I’ve always said that the politician will think about elections; I have to think about the next generation. So if a President, or whoever, serves for four or eight years and fails to deliver education and health to the people, he leaves the scene, and I’m still there with the people,” His Majesty added.

Burden
Otumfuo recalled how this conviction became his burden, inspiring him to pay the tuition fees of 600 students in three public tertiary institutions just three months after ascending the Golden Stool in 1999.

“We started with education. In 1999, universities increased fees, and it became mayhem. I had been the King for only three months, so I took it upon myself to offer scholarships to 600 students in, at the time, three public universities — 200 students in each university,” he said.

The Monarch said this intervention restored sanity and calm, enabling the students to pursue their studies without disruption.

“Some of them have become doctors, lawyers, high court and appeal court judges. That is the essence of philanthropy. That is the very sense of having a feeling for people from where we stand, so that we also think about them,” he said.

His Majesty added that this conviction encouraged him to expand philanthropy in education, health and other sectors.

“I took the same decision I took in 1999 when I was brought to this position. I asked myself what I could do for my people, and I thought about education, I thought about health, I thought about industrialisation in my kingdom,” he said.

Just Cause
Otumfuo, therefore, described the Top Charity Gala as a just cause, emphasising that his participation was intended to contribute to humanity.

“When Omenaa came to Ghana some time ago and said she was starting a charity, and on the fifth anniversary, I received an invitation and was briefed about it, I decided to leave everything and come because it was for a just cause. Having gone through what she’s done so far and looking at the eminent people here who are supporting her cause, with my son-in-law, I felt I had made the journey to Poland in a way that helps develop humanity,” His Majesty said.

The Asantehene also used the occasion to appreciate Omenaa Mensah, founder of the Gala, and her husband, Rafał Brzoska, as well as their sponsors.

“I am here to support a good cause and to say I admire what they have done. I thank them and everyone who has been there for them,” he said.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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