During the induction ceremony of the first Vice Chancellor of the Akenteng Appiah-Minka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AMUSTED) on May 26, 2023, His Royal Majesty Nana Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, emphasized his unwavering belief in the skills and abilities of Ghanaians. He stressed the importance of providing them with opportunities to contribute to the development of their own country.
In a significant example of his faith in the capabilities of his fellow countrymen, the Asantehene shared a story about his fruit processing factory in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti region. When informed that engineers from Bangladesh were being considered to install the factory’s equipment, he firmly opposed the idea. The Asantehene expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “No. I’m not happy with that. We can get some people here to do it.”
Despite being informed that the machines required foreign expertise for installation, the Asantehene remained resolute. He believed that Ghanaians were fully capable of undertaking the installation work and insisted on their involvement. He asserted, “You cannot bring 12, 15 people from Bangladesh to install a machine when I can get people here.”
In an alternative approach, the Asantehene proposed utilizing the skills of students from the Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) and involving the students and teachers of the newly established AMUSTED for the task. He placed immense faith in the capabilities of Ghanaians and stressed the importance of providing them with opportunities.
To demonstrate his support, the Asantehene offered his two processing factories, the Bodukwan Multi Fruit Processing Factory and the Bodukwan Jute Factory, both located at Sabin Akrofrom, to AMUSTED for practical training purposes. He extended an invitation to the university’s management, stating, “I’m going to engage you. Train and bring your students there, let them come and do practicals there. Bring the students you are teaching there.”
The Asantehene’s strong belief in Ghanaian skills and his commitment to empowering his compatriots exemplify his dedication to fostering local talent and driving the development of Ghana from within.
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