'Yes, it's good to be king'

In a rare interview with the media, the Asantehene of Ghana tells BBC Africa Live how it feels to be the king of the Ashantis in a modern Africa.

A traditional ruler for a modern world

"To be a good leader for your people, you have a social contract," the king explains. "You need to be humble".

"It's what you can do for your people, the guidance that you can provide, to me, that is most important.

"If you are able to seek their welfare in terms of education, health, development, then you can then be proud to say that, yes, it is good to be a king."

King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II ascended to the throne in 1999 as the 16th Asantehene and custodian of the golden stool, a potent Ashanti symbol.

He was born in 1950 and he has one wife, contrary to the expectations of many readers.

The Asantehene has established funds for health, HIV awareness, education and development and has a rare partnership with the World Bank, an institution that normally only deals with governments.

In 2004, the king addressed UN delegates in Ethiopia on traditional systems of governance in Africa.

"We have a role to play as partners in development with government," he explains.

"Governments will come and go, but we are always here. We live with the people - 70% are in rural areas - and they are with us."

Golfing king

Many listeners wanted to know what influence the king might bring to bear to Ghana's politics, though traditional leaders are barred, by the constitution, from political meddling.

"Some would think we are challenging the authority, but we would want to assure them that we are partners with them," says the king.

Take it or leave it, traditional leaders are forever and they sure are better than politicians Louis Banda, Kitwe/Zambia The power of three kings Read your comments

The Asantehene is a revered figurehead for Ghana's largest ethnic group and is rarely addressed directly by any member of the public.

Yet, he adjudicates in numerous disputes and is closely involved in local issues, earning him the nickname, King Solomon.

It is also rare for the king to be criticised by anyone, other than the Queen Mother, who holds a special place in court tradition.

Yet, he presides over council and hears all sides of an argument before reaching a decision.

He says he is a keen golfer and can be found on the greens from 0600.

So would he like to meet Tiger Woods?

"I'm not sure about that, because I'm not that professional."