The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has implored Ghanaians to keep to the path of democracy now and ever.
He said this would help to consolidate the nation's image as the torchbearer of good governance and democratic culture on the African
continent.
In a New Year's Message issued in Kumasi, the Otumfuo Osei Tutu said the great questions facing the nation today were enormous but they would remain insurmountable unless everybody "puts his or her shoulders to the wheels".
"All nations that have made significant progress in their development owe their success to the strong commitment and determination of its citizens to build their country".
The Asantehene asked Chiefs to always strive to be true leaders of the people and use the available resources to support the socio-economic
development of the areas of their jurisdiction.
He said it was important that Government stepped up its collaboration with Chiefs since they were faithful partners in development.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu appealed to Ghanaians to resolve to work harder and more diligently in their various fields of engagement as the nation forged
ahead to achieve its development objectives.
He called on parents to mould their children in the right manner so that they become responsible individuals whose actions would lead to the nation's progress.
They should also pay serious attention to their studies and moral education, saying they should not push the child's nurturing to teachers
alone since the proper upbringing of children required a share responsibility.