Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has called on African leaders to strengthen intracontinental trade and cooperation to propel the continent toward self-sufficiency.

Speaking at the 58th Special Congregation of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the Asantehene warned that the shifting global power dynamics, with nations vying for superpower status, should serve as a wake-up call for Africa. He stressed the need for African countries to harness their collective natural and human resources to unlock growth and development opportunities.

He emphasized that African universities possess the expertise and capacity to produce the skilled workforce needed to drive progress, transforming knowledge into tangible development.

“We must collaborate effectively as African nations. We’ve held discussions on Ghana’s relations with Eswatini and South-South cooperation to explore stronger partnerships. As Africans, we must prioritize trade and business among ourselves. Our economies are in our hands—if we fail to act and continue relying on the so-called ‘developed’ world, especially in these uncertain times, we risk stagnation. Africa must come first,” he stated.

Highlighting the continent’s vast potential, he added: “We have all the resources we need. Look at the graduates here today—there’s nothing they cannot achieve. The question is: What are we lacking to motivate them? We must empower our engineers to manufacture what we need locally. Our professors and lecturers are brimming with knowledge—we have the capacity to make this happen. Let us challenge ourselves as Africans, as Ghanaians, and work together to build our future.”

The Asantehene also urged the government to expedite work on the stalled KNUST Teaching Hospital project, noting its critical role in complementing the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for medical training.

“I often use occasions like this to address university matters, and today, I must speak about my teaching hospital,” he said.

He added: “Despite significant progress, the project remains unfinished. This hospital is dear to me because of its unique purpose—it will bolster the training of KNUST’s medical and allied health students.”

Appealing directly to the Vice President, he added: “Madam Vice President, kindly urge the President to prioritize this project and ensure its swift completion.”