We Speak Truth to Power; Otumfuo on Relations With Presidents

His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has made known his relations with the five Presidents of the Fourth Republic who have in the past 25 years taken over the helm of affairs of Ghana.

It has been one of propriety, with his portion of the role bordering on putting them to order through admonition.

According to him, he has throughout the years, only spoken truth to power, which many are unable to do.

Speaking about his relations with the five Presidents including the late Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor, the late John Evans Atta Mills, John Dramani Mahama and now Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on the occasion of the climax of his 25th Enstoolment Anniversary, Otumfuo stated that his duty has always been throwing his weight behind the demands of the Ghanaian masses when governments seem to impose their rule.

“We are alive to the constraints of our office and do not allow themselves to stray into the choices which only the sovereign people must make for themselves or indeed to pass judgment for the people. Our duty is to throw out weight behind the choices of the people freely to counsel and admonish as circumstances demand. Within the bounds of propriety, we oblige to speak the truth to power.”

In this spirit, His Majesty stated that all the Presidents he has worked with have found space for meaningful collaboration.

In his tribute to them, he remarked, “Each one is elected on a different platform and each comes with its own style. They may not all succeed  with everything they seek to do but I hope the people appreciate that they are all true patrons who try to do what they can for their nation.”

Otumfuo drew the curtain on his Silver Jubilee on May 12, 2024, at the fourth Akwasidae festival of the year at the Manhyia Palace.

The occasion drew into the Dwabrem Grounds dignitaries from all parts of the country and beyond to join Asanteman in marking the auspicious day.

They included the country’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Prime Minister for Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Hon Keith Rowley, his wife, Mrs Sharon Rowley, the Vice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the Second Lady, H.E Samira Bawumia, the Awomefia of Anlo State, Togbe Siri II and Ga Mantse Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru.