Traditional Leadership and Sustainable Development Forum: The Okyenhene speaks to the university community in the UK

The Okyenhene, His Royal Majesty, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin will attend the inaugural Traditional Leadership and Sustainable Development Forum at the University of Bradford, UK on 12 September 2024. The high-profile event will also be attended by prominent personalities, including the University and faculty leadership, academics, students, the president and members of the Ghana Union Bradford, the Ghanaian students’ Union in Bradford, and business leaders, among others.

Invitation

He has been invited to deliver a keynote speech at the event on the theme, “The Role of Traditional Leaders in Achieving Sustainable Development in Africa”. The invitation was extended to the Okyenhene by Professor Richard Nyuur, the Lead Convenor of the Leadership and Sustainable Development Forum, and Head of International Business, Marketing and Strategy Department in the School of Management, University of Bradford. Ranked among the top 25 Business Schools in Europe for producing start-up companies, and in the top 1% of Business Schools in the world to hold the prestigious “triple crown of accreditation” title, the School of Management places a premium on raising “responsible global leaders” who can champion the cause of development across all spheres of enterprise.

The University of Bradford School of Management recognises the significant role that traditional leaders play in achieving sustainable development, hence the invitation to the Okyenhene. “History is more than the path left by the past; it influences the present and can shape the future. From Queen Anne (1702-1714) to King Charles (2022 to date), indigenous leadership has been a part of our development trajectory”, an invitation letter signed on behalf of the School of Management read, in parts.

Speech snippets

In his speech at the event to be held at the Great Hall, University of Bradford, the Okyenhene would likely touch on the nexus between corruption and sustainable development, espousing His abhorrence for corruption in all shapes and sizes. In a recent leadership event organised by the University of Ghana to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of His traditional leadership, Osagyefuo berated corrupt politicians who dip their hands in the public till and expunge from it, money meant for infrastructure.

“If you dip your hands in the public till and expunge from it money that would build hospitals and schools, pay teachers well, build bridges…to deny a child malaria treatment, you are not successful. Future generations will not build monuments in your name”.

In a world where quality leadership has become a scarce community, the Akyem Abuakwa traditional leader is expected to offer undiluted perspectives on leadership, demonstrating how he has continued to transform the Akyemland amidst socio-cultural challenges.

This is the second time, in less than 12 months, that the astute traditional leader has been invited by the academia in the global West to speak on pressing global issues. It would be recalled that in October 2023, he honoured an invitation by two state universities in Boston, Massachusetts, USA to share his opinion on the raging topic of climate change, where he called on world leaders to act to save the planet from “becoming uninhabitable”.

Call to action

Characteristic of him, His Royal Majesty will issue a strong call to action to world leaders to take decisive steps toward safeguarding the planet from imminent catastrophe. He believes the adverse climate change is a leadership issue that must be tucked down by leaders of most industrial nations who contribute largely to the climate change conundrum.

He will also talk about how African leaders can institute frameworks to deal with the emerging scourge of disinformation.

“His Majesty has read the World Economic Forum’s 2024 report which places disinformation and societal polarisation as two immediate challenges the world faces. And I’m sure he will talk about it, connecting with the role African leadership can play in achieving sustainable development”, the chief of staff said.

The big event

Proudly invited as the special guest of honour for the inauguration of the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, Osagyefuo will ignite the flame, representing the African diasporan community in the UK. As a torchbearer of quality leadership with a global appeal, the Okyenhene is expected to leverage his impeccable oratory skills and deep commitment to culture to rally support for the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture which has been described as “a landmark year set to deliver more than 1,000 new performances and events, including 365 artist commissions, a series of major arts festivals, and exciting national and international collaborations”.