March 2001

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has pledged his support for government policies that will improve the life of the ordinary Ghanaian and asked the Executive not to let the people down.

Otumfuo, the King of the Ashanti Region of Ghana said the people voted the government into power with the hope that it would turn round the precarious situation in which they found themselves. "It will therefore be inexcusable for the government to fail to deliver.

"Now that you have been elected, you cannot say you are giving up. At the end of four years, you will have to account for your stewardship," Otumfuo told the President Kufuor and his ministers in Accra.

The event, which took place at the Castle, Osu, was with traditional pomp and color. The arrival of the Asantehene with a large retinue of chiefs and other office holders of the Kumasi Traditional Council was heralded with the blowing of horns and drumming.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu who said it is too early to assess the government, gave the assurance that he will support the President and his team towards a successful governance.

"You should be reminded that a government was voted out of office, giving way to your administration. The same will be done to you if you don't do a good job."

He urged the President's men and women to put aside hatred and self-centredness.

"You must adopt the concepts of truth and love to work towards a better Ghana," he exhorted the 14 ministers who were present.

Almost the entire cabinet was present in addition to other top functionaries. Otumfuo told them to support the President in the task ahead. They should always act in collaboration with the chiefs and people so that at the end of the day, decisions taken will be beneficial to all.

"Whatever you do, it is for the nation and not for Kufuor, so if you don't perform, the people have the mandate to kick you out."
He wished the President and the other arms of government well saying the traditional authorities will be available for consultation.