Kumasi, Nov.23, GNA-Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene has called on chiefs to support him in his efforts to bring progress and development into the country.

He said his acceptance of invitation from foreign governments was not for his personal luxury but for what the nation could derive from such trips.

The Asantehene was briefing Asanteman Council on his recent 10-day tour of China under the invitation of the Chinese government at the Manhyia palace in Kumasi on Monday, He said the trip enabled him to sign memorandum of understanding concerning exchange academic programmes with some institutions in the area of Science and Technology as well as international relations.

He said he also used the opportunity to meet business communities who have promised to send delegations to the country to help in the private sector development.

He expressed the hope that when such investors come they would co-operate with them in the establishment of small scale industries to offer employment to the youth.

The Asantehene said the time has come for chiefs to put the land into profitable ventures to raise funds to support the development of the country instead of selling them to people saying, "if you sell they will get finished and what will be the end result".

He said what he observed about the people of China was that they have accepted their cultural heritage and this was helping them to progress and stressed the need for the chiefs to help enforce the cultural practices on the people, especially discipline.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu who spoke at length about the culture of the people said it was time the Council met and deliberated on traditional democracy and the Chieftaincy Act and see how best the two could be roped into the socio-economic development of the country. He also urged the council to study the expensive funeral practices, which were creating hardships for many people in the country.

Nana Otuo Serebuo, Paramount Chief of Juaben traditional area, on behalf of the delegation who accompanied the Asantehene thanked Mr Afare Donkor, Ghana's Ambassador to China and other government officials in China for the assistance they offered them during their stay in the country.

He said the tour was centred on Education, scientific and business, visits to historic sites and exposure to the new China. Daasebre Osei Bonsu, Paramount Chief of Asante Mampong welcomed the Asantehene back home on behalf of the Council.