Kumasi, June 18, GNA- Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, has admonished African leaders and politicians to consider the interest of their countries as paramount to avoid conflicts that were hindering progress on the continent. He said conflicts in some African countries had resulted in deaths affecting the development of human resource and the destruction of infrastructure, retarding the progress of the people. Otumfuo Osei Tutu said these at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Wednesday, when Mr. Ekra Kouassai Florent, the new Cote d'Ivoire ambassador to Ghana, called on him, to officially announce his assumption of office in Ghana.

Asantehene expressed delight about the recent positive developments in Cote d'Ivoire, adding that he was concerned with whatever went on in the country, because the people of that country and the Ashanti Kingdom has historical links.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu assured the ambassador of his readiness to help ensure lasting peace in Cote d'Ivoire and advised the citizens to accept the outcome of the forthcoming general elections in that country. Mr. Florent commended the Asantehene for the crucial role he played in restoring peace in Cote d'Ivoire.

He assured Otumfuo of the continuous peace in the country and informed him about the impending elections in November this year. Mr. Kouassai Florent later donated an undisclosed amount to Otumfuo, towards the Otumfuo Education Fund. The donation he said is to help train the youth to also contribute their quota to the development of Ghana.