Asantehene calls for effective collaboration between Ghana, Czech Republic

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called for a strategic partnership between Ghana and the Czech Republic aimed at tapping into the talents and skills of the youth from Ghanaian universities.He said it was important for the two countries to collaborate effectively to set up industries and other investments that would create employment opportunities to retain university graduates instead of losing them to the western nations.Otumfuo Osei Tutu made the call when Mr Pivel Balek, the Czech Ambassador to Ghana, paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss collaborative efforts, including initiatives to combat deforestation through a partnership between the Czech Republic and Ghana.The Asantehene emphasized the importance of translating policy agreements into tangible solutions, particularly through the establishment of industries that would provide employment opportunities for the youth.He highlighted the abundance of skilled graduate s from institutions such as the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and emphasized the necessity of harnessing their talents locally.He said: 'We possess the human capital here. For instance, KNUST is churning out numerous graduates in sciences and agriculture.'These are astute students who can make substantial contributions to our development.'What we require is to effectively utilize their skills here in Ghana.'We do not wish to export them; rather, we aim to retain them, and in this endeavour, we can rely on partners like you.'Otumfuo Osei Tutu also stressed the need for the two countries to explore opportunities in other sectors such as agriculture, health, education, water management, environmental conservation and mining.He expressed concern about the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, particularly the pollution of water bodies, and highlighted the necessity for water treatment solutions.The Asantehene suggested that reclaimed lands affected by illeg al mining should be repurposed for agricultural activities.Furthermore, he proposed the establishment of industries to process agricultural produce into finished goods for export, thereby facilitating Ghana's transition from an import-dependent to an export-oriented economy.He said: 'If we can process agricultural products such as tomatoes and enhance their value, farmers will not incur losses, and more individuals will be encouraged to engage in farming.This is an area where we can collaborate effectively,' he added.In reference to healthcare, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, stressed the need for a Cardiothoracic Centre in the Ashanti Region, saying lack of such facility in the region, created a significant gap in the region's healthcare delivery.To ensure the success of these initiatives, the Asantehene recommended the formation of a technical team comprising officials from the Czech Embassy and his office to identify and develop areas of collaboration.The Czech Ambassador was accompanied by Mr. Michal Horac ek, 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: Ghana News Agency