The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has expressed great confidence in the competence and potential of Ghanaians to lead and effectively manage large multi-national corporations.

He said his unwavering advocacy for the empowerment and the use of local human resource and talents, was his avowed believe that young Ghanaians had the competency and capabilities to lead the development agenda of the country.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu stated these when a delegation from AngloGold Ashanti paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, to introduce the new Managing Director of the Obuasi Mine, Mr Samuel Boakye Pobee, to him. 

The Asantehene expressed his delight at witnessing another ambitious young Ghanaian take on the role of Managing Director at AngloGold Ashanti, Obuasi Mine, and said, it was a testament to his long-standing advocacy on the use of local talents and expertise in the management of critical institutions.

He said it was regrettable that some Ghanaian businesses and companies often relied on foreign expertise to oversee their business operations, while same talents and expertise were available in Ghana.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu pointed out that there was the need to build the capacities of young Ghanaian graduates and empower them to take critical leadership roles in the country’s development process.

He thanked AngloGold for believing in the potential and competence of Ghanaians in the management of the mining operations in Africa and Ghana in particular.

The delegation was led by Mr Eric Asubonteng, Senior Vice President of AngloGold Ashanti, Africa.

He said the formal introduction of the new MD was a customary practice of the company, aimed at seeking the blessings of the Asantehene for the newly appointed officer.

Mr Pobee, the newly appointed MD, on his part, conveyed his appreciation to the Asantehene for his pivotal role in the revival of the company after its closure some few years ago.

He also acknowledged the ongoing support of Asantehene towards AngloGold, which had been instrumental in the company's operations, and expressed confidence in Asantehene's continued assistance, as had been extended to his predecessors.

Mr Pobee pledged to make significant contributions towards the sustained growth and success of the company.

Other members of the delegation were Mr Emmanuel Baidoo, the Senior Manager of Community Relations at AngloGold Ashanti Africa; Mr Edward Ennin, Non-Executive Director of AngloGold Ashanti Ghana; Ms Araba Attua Afari, the Company Secretary and Lawyer, Mr Edmond Oduro, Senior Manager Sustainability, and other senior officers.