The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called on Ghanaians to redirect their attention from partisan politics to building sustainable businesses that can drive long term national development.
Speaking at the Ghana Business Leaders’ Conclave held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, the revered traditional leader expressed concern over what he described as excessive political partisanship at the expense of innovation, enterprise and productivity.
He noted that loyalty to political parties has, over time, overshadowed commitment to national development, warning that such a trend undermines efforts to build a strong and resilient economy.
“Allegiance to party has often been stronger than allegiance to the state. We have celebrated politicians while ignoring those whose innovation and enterprise truly drive nations forward,” he said.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II stressed that the true measure of national progress lies in the strength of the economy, urging a shift from rhetoric to practical economic activity.
“After almost 70 years, the lesson is clear. We have had enough of talk. Ghana must now become a nation of builders,” he stated.
He called for a transition from political slogans to production, from dependency to value creation and from lamentation to enterprise, insisting that sustainable development can only be achieved through deliberate business growth and innovation.
The Asantehene also urged political leaders to create and maintain an enabling environment supported by sound policies to ensure economic and social stability.
“Democracy changes governments, but trust sustains societies. We may change leaders through the ballot box, but if we fail to rebuild confidence in one another, we weaken the foundation of the Republic,” he added.
He declared that the coming decade must be dedicated to business development, where national energy is channelled into building a resilient, ethical and sustainable economy.
The Ghana Business Leaders’ Conclave, convened under his leadership, aimed to bridge traditional values with modern business strategy, with a focus on long term sustainability of Ghanaian enterprises.
Held on the theme Leading with Integrity Negotiation Mediation and Ethical Governance for Business Sustainability, the forum brought together business leaders and industry players to explore responsible leadership practices.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II urged business leaders to uphold values such as integrity, honesty, fairness, respect and responsibility, noting that these principles are essential for building enduring enterprises.
He emphasised that sustainable businesses are driven by trust, innovation, technology, creativity and bold leadership, cautioning that success achieved without ethics is often short lived.
“A leader without ethics may achieve temporary success but will never build a lasting institution,” he said.
He also advised the youth to reject corruption and divisive politics, encouraging them to pursue success with strong moral principles.
“Do not admire wealth without questioning how it was made. Do not admire power without asking how it was used. Do not admire success without asking who paid the price. Measure greatness by honesty, service and discipline,” he stated.
He further stressed the importance of ethical leadership in organisations, noting that leaders who compromise standards set a precedent for misconduct within their institutions.
“If managers encourage workers to cut corners, those same workers will eventually do the same for themselves. But when leaders prioritise honesty, it becomes embedded in the culture of the enterprise,” he explained.
Management of the University of Professional Studies, Accra, indicated that the Business Leaders’ Conclave would become an annual platform aimed at nurturing a new generation of ethical and forward thinking business leaders.
