Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister for Education, has paid glowing tribute to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his immense contribution towards education over the past 25 years.
He said the 16th Occupant of the Golden Stool had leveraged his distinguished position in society to shape the destinies of thousands of underprivileged youths who could have dropped out of school, through his charity foundation.
The education minister, who was speaking at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi as part of the Chancellor’s Week celebration held in honour of Otumfuo, said the Asantehene had been a pillar in the education space since ascending the Golden Stool.
As the Chancellor of KNUST, the University put together the Chancellor’s Week to celebrate the King as he marked 25 years on the throne.
Dr Adutwum said the student population of KNUST had increased from 8,000 to 80,0000, representing 1000 per cent growth under the leadership of Otumfuo as the Chancellor of the University.
“On behalf of the Government, we are here to celebrate you for you to know that you are such an inspiration to us.
“We are grateful for all the work you have done for KNUST and Ghana,” the Minister stated.
Even before the introduction of the Free Senior High School Policy, Otumfuo was already giving a lifeline for many youths to progress in their academic pursuits, the Minister pointed out.
He said Otumfuo had played significant roles behind the scenes towards the steady transformation of education in Ghana in recent years.
He spoke about how Otumfuo had to step in for the World Bank to release 200 million dollars to fund education reforms in Ghana when the release was in jeopardy.
The leadership qualities of the Asante King, according to Dr Adutwum, had impacted every facet of national life, and thanked him for his selfless leadership.
He emphasised that beyond education, the Asantehene had also shown leadership in the areas of health, peace, and socio-economic development.
“Your Majesty you wield so much power, but you don’t show power.
“You are so powerful and yet so humble,” he praised the Asantehene.
