Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 20 May ?99

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, has called on all benevolent societies, groups and institutions in Ashanti to co-ordinate their efforts towards the effective and efficient development of Asanteman.

He said the general improvement in the living standards of the people within Asanteman should be the cardinal principle of all such institutions.

There is the need to improve the standard of education and health, promote tourism and establish cottage industries to create employment avenues for the youth.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu was speaking when members of Asante Kotoko Society (AKS), led by their executive committee paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, on Tuesday, to congratulate him on his enstoolment.

The Society was formed in the early 20th century (about 1916) to agitate for the return of Nana Agyemang Prempeh I, Asantehene, from the Sychelles Island, where the British Colonialists had banished him.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu said the Society should devote itself to helping most of the communities, which lack basic amenities to improve on their standard of living.

He noted that the intellectuals, who formed the core of the Society had an objective and these could be realised if the present members initiate scholarship schemes for needy children, adopt some children in orphanages and assist the sick and indigent in the communities.

Mr M. Y. Asare-Bediako, President of the Society, thanked the Asantehene for the advice and assured him that the society would live up to expectation and have frequent interaction with him as the Life Patron, for the development and progress of Asanteman.

He enumerated some of the activities of the society, which included improvement in education, health, trade and the rehabilitation of Kumasi roads and assured him that they would not rest on their oars but live up to expectation.

The Society later presented customary drinks to Otumfuo Osei Tutu.