Despite the difficulties the country is now facing, the Agbogbomefia of Asogli, IV, is confident that Ghana may be transformed into a paradise.
Togbe Afede XIV issued a statement on March 6, 2023, the 66th anniversary of Ghana's independence day, in which he remarked, "It is true that Ghana is experiencing challenges, with inflation being extremely high and our currency, the cedi, losing more than 50% of its value over the past year.
More worryingly, unemployment among our youth is on the rise, threatening our stability.
Worst of all, our country is heavily indebted and unable to service its debts.
"So many of us are naturally concerned that after 66 years of nationhood, we are very far from realising the dream of our founding fathers - their dream of a nation that, under indigenous leadership, is able to provide the basic necessities of life for all its people and ensure their happiness."
Despite these challenges, the business mogul described himself as "a slave to optimism".
With his faith and confidence in the country, Togbe Afede XIV noted that despite the challenges, Ghana can be transformed, "but it would require a trustworthy, visionary, honest and selfless leadership that works with a bold and compelling vision backed by the right policies and plans".
He went on to say that the better Ghana that all citizens want would also require that "we recognise the need to work together and do things differently.
It would require that we respect the truth, eschew divisiveness and the winner-takes-all brand of politics.
"It would require us to accept that we have had enough politics and that it is time to focus on development and the things that unite us.
"It would require that we put the interest of our nation ahead of personal and party interests, and unite to face our development challenges as one people.
It would require that the state take all necessary measures to maximise the rate of economic development and to ensure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every person in Ghana.
"It would require us to insist on transparency and accountability in our institutions.
It would require genuine support for the private sector without discrimination on the basis of tribe or political party affiliation".
Togbe Afede XVI also said that while leadership was a common denominator in all of this, it was fair to say that the fate of Ghana's democracy and therefore its development ultimately rested with the people.
He therefore called on Ghanaians to change their attitudes and value systems, to shun apathy and get involved.
"Our present situation is the product of our past actions and inactions.
The fight against poverty requires all of us to work together to remove every obstacle to our prosperity," he added.
