Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged African leaders to intensify intracontinental trade and cooperation as a means of achieving greater self-reliance and sustainable development.

Addressing the 58th Special Congregation of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the Asantehene underscored the urgency for Africa to take charge of its own destiny amid shifting global power dynamics.

He cautioned that the ongoing contest for global dominance among powerful nations should serve as a timely reminder to Africa of the importance of unity and resource mobilisation.

“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,” he noted, stressing that trade among African countries must be a top priority.

The Asantehene also emphasised the strategic role of African universities in driving the continent’s advancement.

He called on governments to tap into the immense talent within their academic institutions.

“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 declared.

Praising the potential of young graduates and scholars, he said, “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.”

In a related appeal, Otumfuo urged the government to expedite work on the KNUST Teaching Hospital, which has stalled for some time.

He noted that the facility would play a vital role in enhancing medical education and easing the burden on the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.