KUMASI, GHANA – His Majesty King Mswati III has emphasised the critical role of African leaders in steering their nations towards prosperity amidst mounting challenges.
Speaking at a sumptuous banquet hosted by the King of the Ashanti Kingdom in Kumasi, His Majesty underscored the need for collaborative and inclusive leadership to achieve the aspirations of the people they serve.
Today’s leaders are charged with delivering on the aspirations of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), among other commitments.
The King reflected on productive discussions with Ghana’s president in Accra, where the signing of a Joint Bilateral Commission signaled a commitment to deepen cooperation in sectors such as education, ICT, health and agriculture. These collaborations, he noted, are vital for fostering mutual progress and aligning with continental frameworks like AfCFTA, which seeks to unite African economies for shared prosperity.
The King issued a call to action:
“We have a mammoth task before us to lead our people to greater heights. Our nations are facing a plethora of challenges. Let us work hard to create an enabling environment that will be inclusive and not leave anyone behind,” the King said.
This call aligns with the SDGs’ focus on inclusivity and sustainable development, as well as Agenda 2063’s aspiration for a united, prosperous Africa by leveraging frameworks like AfCFTA to foster economic integration.
Gratitude
Expressing gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by the people of Ghana, whom he described as embodying “love through kindness and hospitality,” King Mswati III highlighted the deep ties between Eswatini and Ghana.
“Since our arrival, we have been amazed by the love and kindness from the leadership of Kumasi and the populace. We feel at home away from home,” he remarked, noting Ghana’s reputation as the “land of gold and island of peace.”
The King lauded the Ashanti Kingdom’s efforts to preserve its cultural heritage, particularly through institutions like the House of Chiefs and the local beholden museum.
He emphasised the importance of safeguarding traditional values while embracing modernity, stating:
“Chiefs play a key role in providing appropriate advice to royalty. Such architecture is critical to balance modernity and our traditions,” he said.
The museum visit, showcasing the Ashanti Kingdom’s history of resilience against colonial oppression, further underscored the importance of preserving cultural identity for future generations.
The grand durbar witnessed during the visit was described as the ‘climax’ of the trip, with the King praising the unique cultural practices displayed.
“As Africans, we must guide and protect our nationhood and God-given cultural practices,” he urged, reinforcing the need to uphold African identity in the face of global challenges.
The banquet was also addressed by the King of the Ashanti people, who also called for unified leadership solutions to challenges facing mankind, particularly in Africa.
