The Entire Africa Is Looking Up to Europe and America; Asantehene Bemoans
The Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has bemoaned the dependency of the entire African continent on Europe and the Americas for development despite the abounding natural resources it has at it’s disposal.
His Majesty believes it is high time the continent weaned itself of the dependency and collectively explored avenues to put them to good use to their benefit and solve their numerous and unending challenges.
He is convinced beyond doubt that that could be achieved through conscious and enhanced collaborations and investment among Africa.
“I think Africa should go further with the south-south cooperation. We have all the resources and the world is chasing us for them, why cant we come together to put the value of the resource we have in relation to our GDP. Why are we not still developed? Why are we lacking in infrastructure, telecommunication and basic necessities? Is it because Africa has not trusted themselves? We are all looking to Europe. All the countries in Africa are looking to Europe. The francophone countries are looking to France and Ghana is looking to Britain.
“There is so much suspicion among us and that is why we are not able to unite and develop. I cannot see why we aren’t able to supply our own electricity with the Congo basin for example for the energy we need for Africa. Why don’t we have the refineries to add value? Why are we not trading among ourselves. If we do, our economies would grow together.”
Constitution
He also criticized the copy-cut constitutions of African countries, noting constitutions will enhance the development of Africa if they are fashioned in semblance with their tradition and culture.
“Why are our economies tied to Europe. Democracy that we talk about here, how is that related to Congo. France is practicing its democracy according to its traditions. Congo should have a democracy that suits their tradition and culture. Our constitutions are all geared towards the American and European systems…If I pick up the constitutions of Africa, how are they related to our culture. How were people living in Congo {before the coming of the Europeans} when they ministered their own affairs in the village. They were governed by the village head and they knew how to collect taxes from themselves for development. Why is it difficult now?”
He therefore called on heads of state to backup and do the needful.
“We need to sit up and know the direction Africa should go. We should make it easy for Africans to invest in Africa. If my son in Congo wants to invest in Ghana, we should make it easier for him. People’s movement should be easier. That is the challenge we have. We all have to sit down and fashion a way forward. If we don’t, we will still be here.”
Conference
Otumfuo made the remarks when Congo’s State Minister, Minister of Spatial Planning, Infrastructure, and Road Maintenance, Jean Jacques, Bouya paid him a courtesy visit at the Manhyia Palace on September 20, 2024.
The Minister formally informed Otumfuo about an upcoming meeting between 14 African Heads of State on October 1, 2024 in Brazzaville in Congo to fashion out a plan to make effective use of Africa’s resources.
“Africa can find its solution within itself. If we bring our heads together, we will be able to achieve some development in Africa. We have already started discussions about how best we can develop Africa. The 14 heads of State that are brainstorming on the Development of Africa have decided to meet in Brazzaville in Congo. This is being chaired by Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo and President Ruto of Kenya. President Akufo-Addo has been invited. They will think of how to value the resources we have in Africa.”
Accompanied by some staff of the Congolese Consulate in Ghana, he also presented some traditionally symbolic gifts to Otumfuo.
Prior to the meeting with the Asantehene, the delegation was taken on a tour to the Manhyia Palace Museum.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
