His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu Ababio II has expressed a keen interest in partnering with the German government to advance the skills and infrastructure of Suame Magazine’s artisanal mechanics through collaboration with German engineers.
The Asantehene made this announcement during a courtesy visit by His Excellency Frederik Landshöft, the German Ambassador to Ghana, at the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
The Ambassador’s visit aimed to formally introduce himself to His Majesty, pay his respects, and update the Asantehene on the upcoming visit of the German President scheduled for November 4, 2025.
The visit will also provide an opportunity for the German President to meet with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
In response to the Ambassador, Otumfuo warmly accepted the invitation to meet the German President and highlighted the potential for German-Ghanaian cooperation at Suame Magazine, the renowned industrial hub in Kumasi.
“I need to talk to your President and you about Suame Magazine, where we have many skilled artisans. We have allocated additional land to develop a new artisanal workshop for them,” the King stated.
“This is an area where Germany’s support would be invaluable. Before the President arrives, I want to brief you so we can discuss how best to collaborate.”
Otumfuo emphasized that Suame Magazine is the heart of artisanal mechanics in Kumasi, boasting highly skilled mechanics who can design and repair various vehicles.
He suggested that these artisans have the potential to be trained as engineers in Germany to further enhance their technical expertise.
Asantehene noted “It’s all for these artisanal mechanics in Kumasi, which is the hub of artisanal mechanics they’re very skilled. They could become good engineers in Germany because they can design cars and do the work.
“If am able to set it up for them, we can get German engineering to support them here. So my attention has been brought to that if there’s a German corporation that’s being sort for that. Maybe I can clarify that and inform you before the President arrives, so we can discuss it further,” the Asantehene explained.
Highlighting the ingenuity of the Suame mechanics, he added, “You haven’t been to Suame Magazine yet; they haven’t taken you there. The place is filled with mechanics who repair different types of vehicles, from Mercedes Benz and VW to many others.
“You will be surprised by the skill and ingenuity they use to repair these cars. They can even manufacture scarce parts that we can’t find and fix them. These are the people I want us to cooperate with so we can support them. It will create employment and help the economy,” Asantehene added.
The Ambassador expressed enthusiasm about the proposal, saying, “Thank you very much, Your Majesty. You have made me curious about my next visit. We will take it up and discuss it.”
Source: www.Kumasimail/Kwadwo Owusu
