According to Juabenhene Nana Otuo Sereboe II, but for Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, KNUST wouldn’t be where it is today. He said Asantehene, has been in charge of affairs at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), accordingly has catalyzed the University’s progression in quality education and infrastructure.
According to the former Chairman of the Governing Council of the KNUST, His Majesty’s superintendency as the Chancellor has not been limited to the ceremonial aspect, that is, presiding over convocations, conferring degrees and giving permanence to actions.
He noted that Otumfuo, in the past 18 years, has equally been very efficient as the Chancellor of the school.
Speaking at the opening of a four-day event to celebrate and honour Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II by the KNUST, Juabenhene outlined activities His Majesty has undertaken in favour of the University.
“I happen to be a permanent passenger on Otumfuo’s trips and on two occasions when he had to visit overseas universities, Prof Adarkwa who was then Chancellor was part of our delegation. Otumfuo took him to the University of West London where he facilitated a discussion between home and the VC of that university for signing of an memorandum of understanding (MoU).
“In 2008, when Otumfuo was invited by the University of West Indies with a campus in Barbados, Adarkwa was again a member of our delegation. It shows that the office of the Chancellor has not been just ceremonial but his account of tenure goes to confirm that without him as Chancellor, KNUST would not have been where it is today.”
He further said it was a positive development that the University considered setting aside seven days to honor him as part of his 25th Commemoration on the Golden Stool.
“Otumfuo has been on the stool for 25 years and 18 years of that has been in service to KNUST. This is 72% of his tenure devoted to you. It is therefore proper that KNUST should set a week aside to honour our great King and Chancellor.”
Also speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Rita Akosua Dickson credited His Majesty for peace and tranquillity prevailing on the campus, numerous infrastructure projects dotted all over the campus, chalked successes on the global stage, the enhanced reputation of KNUST brand both globally and locally and many others.
“I know many people will think of how Otumfuo do all these while he resides at Manhyia. I am able to confirm to all of us that he has not at any point in time interfered with the day-to-day management of this University but his influence has been phenomenal. He has provided deep leadership as the Chancellor endowed with grace, elegance, style and wisdom. We rode on his networks both locally and internationally to secure the much-needed resources for the smooth running of this great university.”
On his part, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the KNUST, Justice Kwesi Anin Yeboah outlined some fruitful interventions Otumfuo has made to governments for and on behalf of KNUST including the handing over of the AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Northern Mines to form the nucleus of the KNUST Obuasi Campus and the reconstruction of the abandoned KNUST Teaching Hospital Project.
“But for Otumfuo, these projects would have remained a mirage. Nana we are deeply grateful.”
It’s a well known fact that Otumfuo has the University at the top of the priority list at whatever point he leaves on International trips. The University consistently features in his conversations with the international community on such travels.
This was witnessed during his trip to the United States of America (USA) in 2022 for the Memphis In May Celebration where he sought a collaboration between the KNUST and the University of Memphis.
In 2023, when he travelled to Trinidad and Tobago, he called for a collaboration between his university and the University of West Indies.
Again in 2023, during a visit to St Andrews University for the St Andrews Africa Summit (SAASUM) in Scotland, a collaboration was sought.
A New Crypto Stamp Unveiled To Mark Asantehene’s 25th anniversary
Meanwhile, the four-day event to celebrate the Asantehene by the KNUST commenced on May 7, 2024, as part of his Silver Jubilee on the Golden Stool.
Dubbed ‘The Chancellor’s Week’, and themed ‘The Asantehene and Chancellor of KNUST: 25 years of Exemplary Leadership’, the opening of the celebration featured the launch of a book containing all speeches delivered by the Chancellor since his induction in 2006 and the unveiling of a Photo Exhibition at the Opoku Ware II Museum.
The event held at the Great Hall of KNUST was attended by the Asantehene, the Chairman of the Silver Jubilee Planning Committee, Nana Otuo Sereboe II, traditional authorities in Asanteman, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Rita Akosua Dickson, the Chairman of the University Governing Council, Justice Anin Yeboah, and other university management members.
Credit: Manhyia Palace
