The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called on the World Bank to collaborate more effectively with the Manhyia Palace to accelerate the implementation of key development projects aimed at transforming Kumasi’s economic and social landscape.
During a meeting with World Bank officials at the Manhyia Palace on Friday, January 10, 2025, the Asantehene expressed frustration over delays in major initiatives, particularly the Kumasi Rapid Transport Project and efforts to address Ghana’s energy challenges.
“Kumasi is the commercial hub of Ghana, but the increasing population and congestion are costing the economy dearly. The 28-kilometre rapid transport line from Ejisu to Abuakwa can ease this burden by facilitating the movement of goods and passengers and creating much-needed employment,” he said.
The Asantehene criticised the bureaucracy stalling the Kumasi Rapid Transport Project, which has been in limbo for nearly a decade since its inception under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and subsequent involvement by the World Bank. He urged a decentralised approach to project management to enhance efficiency.
“We cannot continue running projects for Kumasi from Accra. This is slowing progress. Let’s own the project and implement it quickly. It has been nearly 10 years of discussions, and if this project had been implemented earlier, the benefits in terms of employment and economic growth would have been immense,” he stated.
Otumfuo emphasised the importance of a community-driven approach, expressing his reluctance to depend solely on political leadership for development. “I cannot depend on the politicians for development, I don’t want to depend on politicians for development. So, let’s have a social contract and then we do it,” he stressed.
“I cannot depend on the politicians for my development. I don’t want to depend on them, so let’s have a social contract and then we do it.” — Asantehene to the World Bank Vice President for Western and Central Africa#GraphicOnline #DailyGraphic pic.twitter.com/CyR0V8a1uE
— DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) January 11, 2025
Addressing Ghana’s energy challenges, Otumfuo highlighted the burden of excess energy payments on the country’s economy.
“In 2019, we discussed Ghana’s energy issues, where the country was paying $500–$600 million annually for unused energy. Now I am told it is about $1.5 billion, and I believe it is time we revisit this issue to explore solutions such as exporting excess energy to Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Mali,” he said.
He also lamented past funding cuts that hindered critical programmes, such as school feeding and budgetary support. “In 2019, $180 million allocated to school feeding was withdrawn, as was the $500 million for budgetary support, partly due to energy issues. I hope we can revisit these matters to ensure Ghana benefits from these interventions,” he added.
The World Bank delegation, led by Ousmane Diagana, Vice President for Western and Central Africa, included Country Director Robert Taliercio and senior specialists in urban development, energy, and transport.
Mr. Diagana expressed gratitude to the Asantehene for his insights and assured him of the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s development efforts.
“We appreciate your leadership and will work closely with the Manhyia Palace and other stakeholders to advance these critical projects,” he said.
The meeting, attended by officials from the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, underscored the need for collaborative solutions to drive progress on stalled development projects in Kumasi and beyond.