Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the King of the Asante Kingdom, has called for a strategic partnership between Ghana and the Czech Republic aimed at harnessing the talents and skills produced by Ghanaian universities to drive national development. He emphasized the need to retain these valuable human resources in the country rather than losing them to Western nations through brain drain.
During a meeting with the Czech Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Pivel Balek, Otumfuo underscored the importance of turning policy agreements into practical solutions, particularly through the establishment of industries that would create jobs for the youth. He highlighted the abundance of skilled graduates from institutions like Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and stressed the need to utilize their talents domestically.
“We have the human resources here. For example, KNUST is producing many graduates in sciences and agriculture. These are intelligent students who can contribute significantly to our development. What we need is to put them to good use here in Ghana. We don’t want to export them; we want to retain them, and for that, we can count on partners like you,” Otumfuo stated.
Expanding Collaborative Avenues
Otumfuo also called for the exploration of new avenues for collaboration between Ghana and the Czech Republic in various sectors, including agriculture, health, education, water management, environmental protection, and mining. He expressed concern over the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining, particularly the contamination of water bodies, and highlighted the need for water treatment solutions.
“There is a real risk that in the next five to ten years, we may face severe environmental challenges. These are areas where we need forward-thinking partnerships,” he said.
The Asantehene proposed that reclaimed lands affected by illegal mining should be repurposed for agriculture. He also suggested that industries should be established to process agricultural products into finished goods for export, which would help transition Ghana from an import-driven to an export-driven economy.
“If we can process agricultural products like tomatoes and add value, farmers will not suffer losses, and more people will be encouraged to go into farming. This is an area where we can partner effectively,” he added.
Enhancing Healthcare Delivery
In terms of healthcare, Otumfuo highlighted the need for a Cardiothoracic Centre in the Ashanti Region, noting that its absence is a significant gap in the region’s healthcare delivery.
Formation of a Technical Team
To ensure the success of these initiatives, Otumfuo proposed the formation of a technical team comprising officials from the Czech Embassy and his office to identify and develop areas of collaboration. “Before you leave, let’s form a technical team to work on these areas. It’s not just about the joy of seeing people from the Czech Republic; it’s about what we can achieve together,” he remarked.
Courtesy Visit
The Czech Ambassador, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Bilek, and other notable figures from his country, visited the Manhyia Palace on August 19, 2024. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss collaborative efforts, including plans to combat deforestation through a partnership between the Czech and Ghana branches of Plant for the Planet.
The Ambassador’s delegation included Michal Horacek, President of the Czech branch of Plant for Planet and an anthropologist, Leos Mares, a prominent Czech TV presenter and member of Plant for Planet, Simon Michalvik, a member of Plant for Planet, and Tamara Cibulkova, also a member.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
