The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has issued a stern and heartfelt call to government appointees, urging them to discharge their duties with diligence and integrity to justify the confidence reposed in them by President John Dramani Mahama. Speaking during a briefing by the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and his delegation at the Manhyia Palace on Monday, July 27, the Asantehene reminded appointees that their positions are not personal privileges but sacred trusts placed upon them for the benefit of the Ghanaian people.
“Whatever mandate that you have been given, you must remember that the entire nation has been placed in your hands. Therefore, you must work hard to deliver on your mandate,” the Asantehene stated, his words carrying the weight of his decades-long experience as one of Ghana’s most respected traditional rulers. He emphasised that the President cannot directly oversee every sector of the economy, which is why he has appointed individuals to various positions. “The onus lies on you to work hard towards the transformation of the country,” he added.
A Call to Duty: Service Above Self
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II underscored that ministerial and other high-level appointments are not meant for personal aggrandisement but for the improvement of the living conditions of the citizenry. He stressed that appointees must see themselves as servants of the people, not masters. “If you distinguish yourself, your name will be etched in the minds of Ghanaians,” he said, reminding them that their legacy will be determined not by their titles, but by the tangible impact they make on the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.
The Asantehene’s remarks come at a time when the government is under intense scrutiny to deliver on its campaign promises, particularly in the areas of healthcare, education, and infrastructure. His admonition was both a word of encouragement and a subtle warning: the nation is watching, and appointees will be judged by their results.
The Health Sector Briefing: Progress and Challenges
The delegation that met the Asantehene was led by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, accompanied by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene; the Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, Obuobia Darko-Opoku; and the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Samuel Akoriyea, among others. Their briefing covered key reforms and progress within Ghana’s health sector, with a particular focus on three major initiatives:
- Free Primary Healthcare Policy: The minister outlined the government’s commitment to expanding access to free primary healthcare, ensuring that every Ghanaian, regardless of their economic status, can access basic medical services without financial barriers. This policy is a cornerstone of the government’s health agenda and aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for the most vulnerable populations.
- Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares): The delegation briefed the Asantehene on the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, which was established to provide financial relief for patients requiring expensive medical treatments not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The fund is designed to complement the NHIS and address gaps in coverage, particularly for life-threatening conditions such as cancers, renal failure, and cardiac diseases. The administrator, Obuobia Darko-Opoku, provided details on the fund’s disbursement mechanisms and the progress made in clearing the backlog of pending claims.
- Unemployed Health Workers Backlog: The minister acknowledged that the current administration inherited a backlog of over 100,000 unemployed health workers—a situation that has strained the health system and limited access to care in many parts of the country. He briefed the Asantehene on ongoing efforts to absorb these workers into the system, including recruitment drives, training programmes, and the expansion of health infrastructure to create additional posts.
The Asantehene’s Interest in Healthcare
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has long been a vocal advocate for improved healthcare delivery in Ghana, particularly in the Ashanti Region and the broader northern sector. His interest in the health sector is not new; over the years, he has supported numerous health initiatives through his own charitable foundation and has often used his platform to call for greater investment in medical infrastructure and human resources. His meeting with the Health Minister was therefore a natural extension of his long-standing commitment to the well-being of his subjects and all Ghanaians.
In his remarks, the Asantehene acknowledged the progress being made but also urged the minister and his team to remain focused and not become complacent. He reminded them that the health of the nation is a shared responsibility and that traditional authorities, government, and the private sector must work together to achieve universal health coverage.
The Broader Context: Governance and Accountability
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s message resonates beyond the health sector. It speaks to a broader theme of accountability and performance that has characterised his interactions with successive governments. As one of Ghana’s most influential traditional leaders, he has consistently used his position to remind political leaders of their obligation to the people. His words carry particular weight because he is not a partisan figure; his authority derives from his cultural and moral standing, making his admonitions above political divisions.
The Asantehene’s call for appointees to justify their positions comes against the backdrop of public concerns over the performance of some government officials. In recent months, civil society organisations and opposition parties have raised questions about the effectiveness of certain appointees, calling for greater transparency and results-oriented leadership. The Asantehene’s remarks, while not directly addressing any specific individual, serve as a timely reminder that all appointees must earn their place through service.
Symbolism of the Manhyia Meeting
The meeting at Manhyia Palace was significant for several reasons. First, it demonstrated the government’s respect for traditional institutions and its willingness to engage with them on key policy matters. The Health Minister’s decision to brief the Asantehene on the sector’s reforms reflects a growing recognition of the role traditional leaders play in shaping public opinion and mobilising community support for government programmes.
Second, the presence of the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, and other high-ranking officials underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening the health system in the Ashanti Region, which is home to several major hospitals, including the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, the region’s premier referral centre.
A Message for All Appointees
While the Asantehene’s remarks were directed at the delegation present, his message was clearly intended for all government appointees across the country. He urged them to work diligently, to remain humble, and to remember that their positions are temporary but their impact on the lives of Ghanaians is lasting. “Your name will be etched in the minds of Ghanaians,” he said, reminding them that history remembers those who serve, not those who merely occupy offices.
Looking Ahead
The Health Minister and his delegation expressed gratitude to the Asantehene for his counsel and assured him of their commitment to improving the health sector. They noted that the government remains focused on addressing the challenges inherited from previous administrations and that tangible progress is being made. The minister also used the opportunity to call on traditional leaders to support government health programmes, particularly in the areas of community sensitisation and disease prevention.
As the meeting concluded, the Asantehene offered prayers for the success of the government’s health agenda and for the health of all Ghanaians. His words—firm, wise, and rooted in a deep sense of duty—will undoubtedly resonate with appointees and citizens alike, serving as a moral compass for those entrusted with the responsibility of governing the nation.
