Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has called on African leaders to tap into the continent's rich human and resource capital for development and to attain self-sufficiency.

His call comes on the back of Africa’s over-reliance on international aid for development. He believes the continent is rich in everything from human capital to natural resources and considerable infrastructure to create ‘the Africa we need.’

African universities possess the expertise and capacity to produce the skilled workforce needed to drive progress, transforming knowledge into tangible development.

“We have all the resources we need. Look at the graduates here today—there’s nothing they cannot achieve. The question is, what are we lacking to motivate them? We must empower our engineers to manufacture what we need locally. Our professors and lecturers are brimming with knowledge—we have the capacity to make this happen,” he said.

The Asantehene continued with calls for unity and self-reliance, urging citizens to take ownership of the continent’s progress.

“Let us challenge ourselves as Africans, as Ghanaians, and work together to build our future,” the Asante Overlord said during an address at the 58th Special Congregation of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) over the weekend.

To attain this continental unity, Otumfuo called for unity, collaboration, and partnerships among African countries to unlock growth and development within the region.

“We must collaborate effectively as African nations. We’ve held discussions on Ghana’s relations with Eswatini and South-South cooperation to explore stronger partnerships. As Africans, we must prioritise trade and business among ourselves. Our economies are in our hands—if we fail to act and continue relying on the so-called ‘developed’ world, especially in these uncertain times, we risk stagnation. Africa must come first,” he stated.

The Asantehene was accompanied by His Majesty King Mswati III, Ingwenyama of the Kingdom of Eswatini, who embarked on a four-day state visit.

Meanwhile, the Asantehene also appealed to the government to prioritise the completion of the stalled KNUST Teaching Hospital project, citing its significant role in complementing the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for medical training as well as referrals.

In a direct appeal to the Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane, the Otumfuo said, “I often use occasions like this to address university matters, and today, I must speak about my teaching hospital.”

He added, “Despite significant progress, the project remains unfinished. This hospital is dear to me because of its unique purpose—it will bolster the training of KNUST’s medical and allied health students.”

On her part, the Vice President has revealed the government’s commitment to completing the long-delayed teaching hospital project at the KNUST.

“This is very important, and I want to assure you that this concern will be conveyed to the President, and I have no doubt he will take the right steps to address the issue,” she said.

The KNUST Teaching Hospital project began in 2007, with the initial plan to complete it within six years, by around 2013. However, changes in government and financial constraints have stalled the project's completion and its operation, currently leaving it partially completed.

Though some progress has been made on the Outpatient Department (OPD) and administration block, the main structure still shows signs of abandonment with overgrown weeds, exposed window frames, and an incomplete drainage system.