Mahama Shares How Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Saved His Political Career

• President John Mahama has revealed that the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, played a key role in keeping him in politics
• Mahama said the Asantehene persuaded him to accept the role of running mate to the late President John Evans Atta Mills
• Mahama recalled that Mills sent multiple entourages to convince him to become the running mate before seeking support from the Asantehene

President John Mahama has shared how the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II essentially saved his political career.

After rebuffing John Atta Mills' attempts to persuade him to serve as his running mate ahead of the 2008 election, Mahama said it was the Asantehene who stopped him from quitting politics.

"He was instrumental in me becoming Professor Mills' running mate, and of course, we went on to win that election, and everything else is history."

Sharing details during a meeting at the presidency on June 2, Mahama recalled that Mills sent multiple entourages to convince him to become the running mate.

“At that time, I had made my plans to leave politics, so my response was no.”

It was when the Asantehene stepped in that Mahama's stance softened.

“He [Otumfuo] said when your country calls you, you can’t refuse... When Otumfuo makes a request, who are you to refuse?”

Mahama affirms support for maternity block project

Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to completing key health infrastructure projects in the Ashanti Region, notably the long-delayed maternity block at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi.

Work on the new project began in February 2021, following the demolition of the old block.

The five-storey facility, set to feature modern theatres and specialised wards including paediatric neurology, haematology, cardiology, and respiratory care, will serve as a one-stop centre for comprehensive maternal, newborn, and child healthcare.

It will also contain a Paediatric Infectious Disease Unit, a Mother and Baby Unit, and a dedicated Paediatric Renal Unit.

In his address, Mahama also assured the continuation and completion of the Sewua and Afari Military Hospitals, which have suffered setbacks in recent years.

Otumfuo donates GH₵500k to Ga Education Fund

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II donated GH₵500,000 to the Ga Education Fund.

Otumfuo donated the amount during a grand durbar held in his honour by the Ga State, led by the Ga Mantse, Nii Teiko Tsuru II, on June 9, 2024.

The durbar was part of a special welcome for the Asantehene, who had come to Accra on a historic visit. Netizens who saw posts about the donation were delighted and expressed mixed reactions in the comments section.

Businessman donates ¢1.3m to Otumfuo Foundation

YEN.com.gh reported that Popular Ghanaian businessman Nick Abeam Danso made a generous donation to the Otumfuo Foundation.

According to a post on the X page of The Asante Nation, the astute entrepreneur donated a whopping GH¢1,300,000 to the fund.

Danso, the Executive Chairman of Ghana Link Network Services Ltd., presented the amount as part of his commitment to giving back to society and supporting the Asantehene’s vision for sustainable development in Ghana.

Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh