Advocate Of Rule Of Law, Promoter Of Peace And Stability: UCC Confers Honorary Doctor of Laws On Otumfuo

Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is the freshest alumnus of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) after receiving a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, in recognition of his meritorious service to Ghana.

The 16th Asantehene was recognised for his distinguished statesmanship, contribution to education in Ghana, as a purveyor of traditional jurisprudence, advocate of rule of law, promoter of peace and stability, visionary and generational thinker, entrepreneur, guardian of culture and role model.

It brings to 10, honorary doctorate degrees conferred on the revered King by prestigious universities in Ghana and abroad since he ascended the Golden Stool 25 years ago.

The Chancellor of UCC, Sir Sam Jonah, presented the honorary degree to the Asantehene at a special congregation at the New Examination Centre of the university on Thursday, September 5, 2024.

Attendees
Present at the event were eminent Asante traditional authorities; Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, the Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area; the Queen, Nana Ekua Abookye VI; Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Education Minister; Francis Asenso Boakye, the Minister of Roads and Highways; 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 among others.

Impactful free SHS
In his acceptance speech, the Asantehene hailed the introduction of free SHS saying it is the most ambitious social intervention initiative of the Fourth Republic.

Taking a journey down history, the Asante King noted that financial constraints in the past left many parents unable to take their children to school. “There is no doubt that the Free Senior High School programme is the most audacious piece of social intervention in our Fourth Republic,” Otumfuo stated.

Access
The Asantehene posited that the impactful Free SHS aligns with Ghana’s duty to ensure access to basic education for all citizens.

“If we are preparing our children to compete in the global economy of today, then they should be entitled to the same level of basic education as children in other climes.

“Since basic education elsewhere encompasses secondary high school, it is only fair that we also upgrade our basic education. In that sense, therefore, offering free senior high school is doing no more than meeting the obligation to provide the basic education for all,” Otumfuo said.

Appreciation
Otumfuo expressed appreciation to the university for recognising and honouring his efforts and promised to work more for the betterment of the country.