Asantehene praises Ghanaian competence in managing multinational corporations
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has expressed strong confidence in the ability of Ghanaians to effectively lead and manage large multinational corporations. His ongoing advocacy for the empowerment and utilization of local talent stems from a firm belief that young Ghanaians possess the skills and capabilities necessary to drive the nation’s development agenda.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu shared these sentiments when a delegation from AngloGold Ashanti visited the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi to formally introduce the new Managing Director of the Obuasi Mine, Mr. Samuel Boakye Pobee. The Asantehene expressed his satisfaction at seeing another ambitious young Ghanaian assume a key leadership role at AngloGold Ashanti, emphasizing that this appointment was a testament to his long-standing advocacy for the use of local expertise in the management of critical institutions.
He lamented the tendency of some Ghanaian businesses to rely on foreign expertise for their operations, despite the availability of equally qualified local talent. The Asantehene underscored the importance of building the capacities of young Ghanaian graduates and empowering them to take on significant leadership roles in the country’s development process.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu also commended AngloGold Ashanti for its confidence in the potential and competence of Ghanaians in managing the company’s mining operations, both in Africa and specifically in Ghana.
The delegation, led by Mr. Eric Asubonteng, Senior Vice President of AngloGold Ashanti, Africa, explained that the formal introduction of the new Managing Director was a customary practice intended to seek the Asantehene’s blessings for the newly appointed officer.
Mr. Samuel Boakye Pobee, the newly appointed Managing Director, expressed his gratitude to the Asantehene for his pivotal role in the revival of the Obuasi Mine after its closure several years ago. He also acknowledged the ongoing support of the Asantehene, which has been crucial to the company’s operations, and expressed confidence in the continued assistance from the Asantehene, as had been extended to his predecessors. Mr. Pobee pledged to contribute significantly to the sustained growth and success of the company. Other members of the delegation included Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo, Senior Manager of Community Relations at AngloGold Ashanti Africa; Mr. Edward Ennin, Non-Executive Director of AngloGold Ashanti Ghana; Ms. Araba Attua Afari, Company Secretary and Lawyer; Mr. Edmond Oduro, Senior Manager of Sustainability; and other senior officers.
