The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged Ghana to shift its national focus from political rhetoric to productive enterprise, stressing that the country must transform into a “nation of builders.”
Speaking at the Ghana Business Leaders Conclave held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on Thursday, May 15, he told business leaders, policymakers, students, and academics that Ghana’s development journey over nearly seven decades of independence has been overly dominated by political debate rather than economic transformation.
“We have had enough of the talk. Ghana must now become a nation of builders,” he said to applause, emphasizing the need for action over words.
He called for a national mindset shift—from political slogans to real production, from complaints to enterprise, and from dependency to value creation. According to him, Ghana must prioritise building a strong and self-sustaining economy driven by innovation and productivity.
The Asantehene also raised concerns about whether independence has delivered meaningful prosperity for ordinary citizens, noting that the country must honestly assess its progress in terms of opportunity, dignity, and improved living standards for all.
Looking ahead, he said the next decade should be dedicated to business and economic transformation, with all sectors of society contributing to building a resilient and ethical economy.
He pointed to global examples such as the United States, China, India, Singapore, and Vietnam, noting that their growth has been driven largely by enterprise, technology, and innovation rather than excessive political division.
“In today’s world, business is the driver of prosperity,” he stated.
He praised the organisers of the conclave, describing it as a potentially transformative platform that could help reshape Ghana’s development direction and strengthen national focus on productivity and growth.
However, he also expressed concern about declining public trust in leadership across politics, business, and public life. He warned that frequent disappointment with leaders risks weakening national cohesion and democratic confidence.
“Democracy requires elections, but nation-building requires trust. Democracy changes governments, but trust sustains societies,” he noted, urging renewed commitment to rebuilding confidence in institutions and leadership.
