Asantehene’s Son, Oheneba Kwame Kyeretwie, To Study Astronomy at Wesleyan University

Oheneba Kwame Kyeretwie, son of the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is set to begin his academic journey in astronomy at Wesleyan University in North Carolina, USA, following his graduation from Delhi Public School (DPS) International in Tema.

The young royal is preparing to immerse himself in the fascinating study of celestial bodies, space phenomena, and the underlying physical laws of the universe.

The news, first reported by the social media platform Ashanti Nation, shines a light on a rare and pioneering academic path—especially within Ghana’s current educational framework.

As highlighted by Ashanti Nation, astronomy remains a largely untapped field in Ghana’s university system. While institutions like KNUST recently hosted the first National Astronomy & Space Science Conference in November 2023, full undergraduate programmes in the field are still not widely available.

This context makes Oheneba Kyeretwie’s pursuit of astronomy particularly groundbreaking. Ghana’s involvement in space science has grown in recent years, notably through the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI), founded in 2012, and the successful launch of its first satellite, GhanaSat-1, in 2017. However, dedicated academic tracks in astronomy remain limited, pushing many aspiring Ghanaian astrophysicists to seek training abroad.

Wesleyan University, known for its selective admissions and strong liberal arts education, offers a rigorous programme in astronomy, making it a fitting destination for Kyeretwie’s ambitions.

The announcement came during his graduation ceremony on June 21, 2025—an event that drew wide attention due to the presence of his distinguished parents, the Asantehene and Lady Julia Osei Tutu.

Oheneba, who served as Head Boy at DPS International, was captured in a widely shared video on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), visibly emotional amid the celebrations. When asked how he felt about the milestone, he responded with honesty and humility:

“I feel great, but nervous. Everyone is here, and all the cameras are on me.”

His comment reflects the unique public spotlight that accompanies his royal heritage. As a prince of the Ashanti Kingdom—a region home to over 5 million people and a major cultural and economic hub in Ghana—his achievements are closely followed and deeply symbolic.

Oheneba Kwame Kyeretwie’s choice to pursue astronomy not only marks a personal achievement but also aligns with Ghana’s broader vision to strengthen STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. Despite challenges like limited infrastructure and teacher training, his example may inspire a new wave of Ghanaian youth to explore unconventional and critical scientific fields.