The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology has acknowledged the critical role Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has played in its glorious soaring among tertiary institutions in the world.
Though silent in nature, the institution underscored its potency and significance in a citation presented to the Chancellor on May 10, 2024, as part of the Chancellor’s Week celebration.
The citation read out by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Akosua Dickson characterized the King as the embodiment of the Akan proverb “Ahwene pa nkasa” to wit, “Quality beads make no noise”.
“You have been the firm foundation that has cushioned KNUST over the years. You continue as the cornerstone that binds it. You have inspired a shared vision with KNUST and modelled the way for management to follow up. You have challenged the systems and processes that encourage the heart of successive Vice Chancellors to enable them to perform to their limits.”
It highlighted the “steadfast leadership and extraordinary commitment” of His Majesty to the institution which has transformed it into a model institution and the first choice of many Ghanaians.
“The massive expansion of infrastructure, state-of-the-art architecture, the immense improvement of academic and research facilities, cutting-edge centres and modern ICT infrastructure, to mention but a few, have all been inspired by your great leadership.”
It added, “Your doors are always open to receive us. Your years are always attentive to hear us. Your heart is always ready to share our frustrations and fears and your mind provides the wisest counsel that calms the troubled and drives away all our fears. You are indeed a true warrior who does not shrink or flee from challenges but merely winks at them. You have a unique way of bringing a glimmer of light into the darkest and seemingly hopeless situations. You have been nothing but a blessing to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.”
It further ran through Otumfo’s incomparable concern for brilliant but needy students on the campus through the Otumfuo Foundation.
“The Otumfuo Education Fund has immensely supported KNUST students and we can never forget your role in leading to the increased number of scholars from 1,500 to 2,000 in phase 2 of the MasterCard Scholars Programme. The individual student beneficiaries, their families and society at large are eternally grateful for your kind gesture.”
The curtain was drawn on the four-day Chancellor’s Week Celebration by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on Friday.
The programme held in honour of the Asantehene on the occasion of his Silver Jubilee on the Golden Stool climaxed with the presentation of congratulatory messages by unions
in the school including the University Teachers Association-KNUST and the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA)- KNUST as well as the presentation of a citation to the Monarch.
The occasion was used to air a documentary about the works of His Majesty as Chancellor and the symbolic cutting of an anniversary cake.
Present at the event were the Asantehene, his wife, Lady Julia, traditional authorities in Asanteman, the Minister for Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Akosua Dickson and other management members, staff and students of the institution.
Source: Manhyia Palace
