Return and Build Africa With Your Knowledge- Asantehene to Black Diaspora
The King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has encouraged Africans living in the diaspora to return home and offer their knowledge and expertise towards the continent’s development.
Otumfuo believes their expertise are crucial to the continent at the moment.
At a meeting with the Council members of the US state of Savannah on July 16, 2025, he said the snare that trapped African forefathers four centuries ago is the same the current set of generation is battling.
Challenges
His Majesty highlighted Africa’s ever-growing dependency and leaning towards the West for survival.
Till date, Otumfuo indicated that the continent remains under the influence of the West with trade collaborations favouring their economies at the expense of Africa’s.
“I told you {during my visit to Savannah in 2002}, 400 years ago, there was no way my forefathers could have appreciated what happened and even up to this time, African economies are still being dictated to by Western powers. Even in this day of modernity, we still have not been able to wriggle ourselves from the pangs of colonialism.
“To be honest with you, our economies are geared towards the West. we export raw materials and import finished goods at high prices. We have all the resources but unfortunately we don’t have the extractive knowledge and therefore we export all the resources. Value is added there and we are just paid a pittance of the value.”
His Majesty therefore declared that Africa today lives under the same condition as precolonial era.
Solution
Notwithstanding that the Occupant of the Golden Stool challenged Africans in the diaspora to return home to contribute their intellect to the development of Africa.
His Majesty did not move words when he said his Kingdom is open to offer them the home they so wished for.
The circumstances we find ourselves is the same as 400 years ago but I thank God I have my people trained with much knowledge there {in the US) from whom we can benefit here. That is why we encourage you that this is your home. Dr Silver has shown the lead and I’m here to welcome you anytime. You are in America but Ghana, Ashanti and Kumasi is where you belong.”
Otumfuo emphasized, “I give you all the assurance that we will show you the affection. We will give you all that’s necessary to support you to be able to accept this is where you belong.”
The King put on record that his high regard for them was attested in how he defied the demands of tradition to receive them on a traditionally auspicious day.
Source: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/
