Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has received his 10th honorary doctorate degree from the University of Cape Coast (UCC).
This honorary by UCC is its third to a traditional authority in Ghana after the Paramount Chief of Assin Owirenkyi Traditional Area, Ehunabobirim Pra Agyensaim VI and the Paramount Chief of Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II.
Otumfuo is therefore the first traditional leader outside the Central Region to get an honorary from the institution.
Most Revered Traditional Leader
In his welcome address, the Chancellor of the UCC, Sir Sam Jonah characterized Otumfuo as the one of most revered African traditional leaders and a global statesman as he underscored the significance of the recognition.
He stressed that His Majesty’s reign has been a continuous demonstration of navigating complex issues with the blend of traditional wisdom and modern pragmatism which has in the long run earned him global respect and admiration.
He further outlined the contribution of His Majesty in conflict resolution, economic development, education, health and more, affirming that his leadership is a testament to his deep commitment and understanding of traditional governance and his dedication to the welfare of his people.
“Upon ascending the Golden Stool, His Majesty made it his mission to address the many chieftaincy disputes that plagued the Asante state. This bold initiative brought together several areas once marked by division and conflict… One of the most remarkable examples is the pivotal role he played in restoring peace in the Dagbon Traditional Area.
“As the chairman of the Committee of Eminent Chiefs, His Majesty participated in restrictions between the Adanis and Abudus, culminating in the historic peace agreement in 2019. This monumental achievement not only restored harmony in Dagbon but reinforced Otumfuo as a national unifier.”
“Beyond this contribution to peace and justice, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has been an unwavering advocate for education and economic development. Recognising the power of education, he established the Otumfuo education fund shortly after ascending the stool. This Fund, I’m happy to say, has provided scholarships and bursars to 300,000 students enabling countless underprivileged from all regions and tribes to access quality education and contribute to the intellectual and economic development of our nation.
“His commitment to economic development is equally commendable. In 2019, he unveiled a ten-point development plan for Kumasi aimed at industrializing the local economy, creating jobs and fostering wealth within the region. This serves as a model for sustainable development across the country,” he remarked.
“His influence extends far beyond the borders of this country. His timely intervention in matters of national and international importance has had a significant impact. In 2016, former President John Agyekum Kufuor highlighted how His Majesty’s advocacy at the IMF was instrumental in sustaining Ghana’s economy during his tenure.”
More Than Qualified
The Vice Chancellor, Prof Johnson Nyarko Boampong for his part, asserted that the Occupant of the Golden Stool is more than qualified to receive the honorary.
“Consistent with global practices, the Management of University Cape Coast on behalf of its academic board and social community finds His Majesty more qualified by these parameters to receive the degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD), Honoris Causa.”
Nine Titles
Trumpeting some of the achievements of His Majesty, Prof. Rosemond Boohene, the Pro-Vice Chancellor outlined the nine earned enviable titles he has earned through his leadership over the past 25 years.
“Purveyor of traditional jurisprudence, Advocate of the rule of law, Promoter of peace and stability, visionary and generational thinker, Entrepreneur, Guardian of culture and heritage, Statesman, Distinguished traditional leader and Role model, please, step forward to receive your Degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD), Honoris Causa.”
In his remarks, the Minister for Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum congratulated Otumfuo on his award.
“UCC has done something great by recognizing Otumfuo and I am glad Otumfuo has been honoured by UCC. We are gathered to celebrate a great leader. Congratulations Your Majesty.”
Appreciation
Otumfuo expressed his “profound” appreciation to the Chancellor and the Management of the institution for the recognition.
“I receive the honour with humility,” he added.
He dedicated it to all traditional authorities within his kingdom who have assisted him with their services over te years.
Attendees
The event was hosted at the New Examination Centre (NEC Hall) of the university in the Central Region on Thursday, September 5, 2024.
Present were eminent Asante traditional authorities, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, the Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Nana Ekua Abookye VI, the Queen, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Education Minister and Hon Francis Asenso Boakye, the Minister for Roads and Highways.
Also were Sir Sam Jonah, the Chancellor of the UCC, Prof Johnson Nyarko Boampong, the Vice Chancellor of UCC, Prof Rita Akosua Dickson, the Vice Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Manish Gupta and others.
Other Doctorate Degrees
UCC isn’t the first institution to present the Asantehene with an honorary.
His Majesty before this, had to his credit nine from universities across the globe including the Essex County College Newark in the U.S.A, the University of Maryland in the U.S.A. and the Savannah State University in the U.S.A.
The University of Glasgow in Scotland, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, the University of Ghana Legon, the Igbinedeon University in Nigeria, the Metropolitan University in the UK and the University of East London, also in the UK.
Source: Manhyia Palace
