The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged Ghanaian youth to move beyond the pursuit of wealth, status and public recognition, calling instead for a generation guided by integrity, responsibility and service to society.
Speaking at the Ghana Business Leaders Conclave organised by the University of Professional Studies, Accra, the Asantehene cautioned against celebrating success without questioning the values and sacrifices behind it.
“Do not admire wealth without asking how it was made. Do not admire power without asking how it was used. Do not admire success without asking who suffered for it,” he said.
Otumfuo stressed that Ghana’s future leaders would be judged not only by their educational achievements or professional accomplishments, but also by their moral character and contribution to national development.
“To the students gathered here, I say that you are not merely preparing for employment, you are preparing for responsibility,” he stated.
He encouraged young people to redefine greatness beyond material possessions such as cars, houses and titles, arguing that honesty, discipline and ethical leadership were equally important measures of success.
“Do not measure greatness only by cars, houses, titles and public applause. Measure greatness also by honesty, service, discipline and the courage to do right when wrongdoing is profitable,” he added.
The Asantehene also challenged the younger generation to reject corruption, environmental destruction and political division, warning that such practices continue to undermine the country’s progress.
According to him, Ghana’s next phase of development must be driven by builders, innovators and principled leaders rather than rhetoric.
“After 70 years, Ghana must be done with talkers and open to builders,” he said.
Otumfuo further urged young Africans to embrace modernity while remaining rooted in ethical and cultural values.
“You must be modern, but rooted, ambitious, but ethical, confident, but humble, successful and then responsible,” he advised.
Source:myjoyonline
