Asantes expect new Asantehene to be truthful

Kumasi, April 25 (1999), GNA - Asantes expect Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who ascends the Golden Stool on Monday to be truthful, progressive and to stay out of partisan politics, A Ghana News Agency survey in Kumasi has revealed. The survey showed that the people, who expect him to streamline the succession to the various stools so as to put a stop to the numerous chieftaincy disputes, have generally accepted Otumfuo Osei Tutu. Those surveyed were of the view that Kingmakers collect money from people, who are not qualified, and make them chiefs. This they said has led to the situation where some chiefs could not go to the towns, where they are supposed be chiefs.

Mr Kwasi Dwomoh, 66, Farmer at Sikanti Akoraa, near Wassa Akropong and a trader in Kumasi, said Otumfuo needed wisdom and courage to pursue the truth at all times.

"If truth prevails the numerous chieftaincy disputes, which retard progress would be abated. It serves no useful purpose to collect money from people, who 'are not qualified', to make them chiefs who cannot go to their towns," he said.

Otumfuo should stay out of partisan politics he asserted, and recounted how he had to run away to the Cote d'Ivoire during the First Republic because Manhyia Palace through Barfuo Akoto fraternised with the United Party.

Otumfuo should encourage backyard gardening as a means of improving the environment and get Chiefs in Ashanti to assist the government to check the activities of chain saw operators.

Madam Elizabeth Adu, National Women's President of the Ghana Association of the Physically Disabled, wants Otumfuo Osei Tutu to improve the sanitation in Kumasi.

He could do this by liaising with the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and using his influence to get organisations to donate litter bins that should be placed at vantage points in the city.

Otumfuo should listen and try to solve the problems of all sections of the society especially of the minority groups such as the physically disabled and those in children's home.

Nana Ama Serwah Benehene, 49, a Public Servant, said Otumfuo should stay out of politics and seek the welfare of the people. He should be fair to everybody, "we know that he has friends but now he is for all of us. He must let his friends know and appreciate his new status", she said.

Madam Abena Anane, 52, Cloth Seller, wants Otumfuo to look at child labour and teenage pregnancy. She said allowing children to trade exposes them to money too early in life, thus making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies Asante girls should be encouraged to go to school. Otumfuo could cause gon-gong to be beaten in villages urging parents to send their children to school.

Any person, who impregnates a schoolgirl, should be severely punished instead of just allowing them to marry her, as is the case in rural Ashanti, Madam Anane said.

Mr Yaw Kobiah, 28, Barber, wants Otumfuo to use his connections to get investors into Ashanti to create employment for the youth. He should get friendly organisations to run workshop for the self-employed to improve their skills.

Mr Kobiah said Otumfuo should bring sanity into the sale of building plots. He alleged that some chiefs in Ashanti sell the same plot of land to two people, thus leading to litigation. Otumfuo should prevent chiefs from indulging in partisan politics adding that where chiefs are known to be in partisan politics some of the subjects do not respect them.

He should get the government to improve upon the road network in Kumasi and satellite villages, "the road to Daban is so bad, even though, it is part of Kumasi", Mr Kobiah said. Mr Andrews Asiedu, a Master Tailor, wants Otumfuo to bring about general improvement and progress.

He should turn his attention to finding solution to the unemployment problem of the youth and improve the sanitation in Kumasi. Mr Kojo Adjei, 32 Goldsmith, expects Otumfuo to get chiefs to link up with government to improve the roads in Ashanti. He should also find ways of getting jobs for the numerous unemployed youth.